World number one Chen Long hopes to emulate his legendary compatriot Lin Dan after regaining an All-England Open men’s singles title which some doubted he could capture a second time. The 26-year-old from Hubei repelled a brave challenge from Jan Jorgensen, the world number two from Denmark, 15-21, 21-17, 21-15, and spoke after Sunday’s win of trying to reach the five titles which Lin, the Olympic champion, has won in Birmingham. “Jorgensen is tough but Lin Dan is right up there,” said Chen, indicating the ceiling. “Lin Dan is on the highest level,” he added, despite having beaten the 31-year-old Lin in two comfortable games in Saturday’s semi-finals. “I want to catch Lin Dan’s record, but for the moment physical condition is the most important thing. I need to keep healthy and not get injured.” These words suggest that it may be Chen rather than Lin – trying to return to more regular competition to bid for a third gold medal – who is at the moment regarded by the Chinese camp as a better bet for success in Rio next year. He certainly showed patience, a good temperament, and an excellent defence and counter-attack, despite phases late in the second game when it seemed Jorgensen might be capable of a surprise. “I did well – but I would do anything to win this title,” Jorgensen said. Earlier Carolina Marin, the 21-year-old Andalucian who created one of badminton’s biggest sensations last year, created another by becoming the first Spaniard ever to win an All-England title. Marin did that with a 16-21, 21-14, 21-7 women’s singles win over Saina Nehwal, the world number three from India. It was a remarkable result for someone from a country where little badminton was played till recently, and it followed her stunning capture of the world title in Copenhagen last year. What made it a more stunning was that Marin had never beaten Nehwal before and that she did so this time, despite seeming to be headed for defeat at a game and 6-10 down. “This is quite amazing for me,” said Marin. “I lost to her every time before, so to beat her like this, and in this tournament, is very very special. “It was special when I won the world title too - so many people met me at the airport. We shall see how people react this time.” Later, China also won the women’s doubles - having already taken the men’s singles and mixed doubles – when eigth-seeded Bao Yixin and Tang Yuanting unexpectedly beat their compatriots Wang Xiaoli and Yu Yang, the titleholders, 21-14, 21-14. This gave the world’s leading badminton nation three of the five All-England Open titles.
