Lin Dan of China competes during men's badminton singles round of 16 contest, at London 2012 Olympic Games in London, Britain, on August 1, 2012. Lin Dan of China defeated Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia 2-0. [Photo: Xinhua]
Olympic defending champion Lin Dan of China outplayed his arch-rival for years Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia during what might be their last Olympic encounter on Wednesday morning.
Dominating the court throughout the competition, Lin won over the Indonisian player 21-9 and 21-12, and the match was more like an exchange between two old friends, compared against an intense battle.
In the first match, when the 11th seed Hidayat lashed the shuttlecock across the sideline, Lin went over to clap hands with him as encouragement.
But they both did their best in their last show, with Lin slipped over after trying to save a shot. Hidayat, not in the form, made several mistakes.
After the match, both badminton stars waved to spectators while the crowd applauded as they bowed out.
"I am satisfied with the game," Hidayat said after the competition. "I knew it would be hard to play, because Lin Dan is at the top of the players."
The baby-faced shuttler, 31 already, started playing badminton since he was eight and started at a professional level in 1998. Believed as one of the best players in an era, the Athens Olympic champion boasts numerous fans not only in his own country but also in China. In the 2006 World Championships, he hit a forehand smash that was recorded at 305 kilometers per hour, the fastest ever in singles competitions at that time.
But he seemed losing his sharpness in recent years. He has met Lin for 15 times on the court, winning three times and never be able to beat the latter after 2006.
"It is amazing, four times in the Olympics," he said emotionally. "This is the last time."
Lin Dan said that he concentrated on the competition from beginning to the end. "I can see that Hidayat was not in his best status," he said. "But he is a good player and I believe he seized any chance. In fact, he was doing all he could. The best tribute for such a player is my utmost effort in the performance."
The pair has been playing against each other for a decade. "He is one of my most respectable opponents," he said. With time passing by, Lin said his goal was no longer victory against Hidayat. "I am happy to be playing with such a rival."
Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia competes during men's badminton singles round of 16 contest, at London 2012 Olympic Games in London, Britain, on August 1, 2012. Lin Dan of China defeated Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia 2-0. [Photo: Xinhua]
