China's Chen Long and Lin Dan set up showdown in Malaysian Open badminton final
World number one Chen Long and compatriot Lin Dan will clash in the final of the Malaysian Open on Sunday after both Chinese shuttlers came through the semi-finals.
Chen, the reigning world champion, qualified after a commanding performance in beating countryman Wang Zhengming 21-18, 21-16.
Chen, who has yet to drop a game in the tournament, worked Wang into deep pockets of the courts with his signature penetrating drives and snapshot kills.
"This was the first time I was playing my teammate in the tournament, and I was more relaxed as compared to playing other shuttlers, where I tend to push myself harder," said Chen.
This was the first time I was playing my teammate in the tournament, and I was more relaxed as compared to playing other shuttlers, where I tend to push myself harder
"I have another tough game in the final, but for now I don't want to think about that and just get some rest."
Lin was off the pace initially but dispatched Denmark's Jan Jorgensen 14-21, 21-19, 21-17 after overcoming two service faults and a lethargic first game.