Lin Dan sails into last eight at Chinese National Games

Lin Dan of China celebrates on the podium after winning the men’s singles final match against Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia during the Badminton World Championships at the Tianhe Gymnasium on August 11, 2013 in Guangzhou, China. (Getty Images)

Jinzhou (China), Sep 9 (IANS): Badminton superstar Lin Dan moved effortlessly through to the last eight of the 12th National Games in China’s Liaoning province.

The reigning world champion, representing the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), trounced Tang Junxian of Guangdong province 21-8, 21-18 Sunday, reports Xinhua.

“I just want to tell badminton fans that this sport could make them very attractive,” said Lin, who has expressed his willingness to promote badminton worldwide.

Lin won the gold medals in 2005 and 2009 editions of the National Games. This year he is again the hot favourite as he returned in style at the Guangzhou world championships last month after a year on the sidelines, taking the title after his arch rival Lee Chong Wei was stretchered off the court in the third set of the final.