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World No 1 Lin Dan battled past Peter Gade as China whitewashed Denmark 3-0 to retain the Thomas
Cup yesterday.
Lin overcame a spirited challenge from world No 3 Gade to win the
opening rubber 21-17, 21-19 before Cai Yun and Fu
Haifeng won the doubles and Bao Chunlai sealed victory.
It was China's sixth world team title overall following three
successive victories from 1986 to 1990 and a successful campaign in
Jakarta two years ago. They first lifted the trophy in 1982.
"It was a tough match," a jubilant Lin told reporters.
"It was crucial to put China 1-0 up and Gade was fighting hard to do
the same for Denmark."
Lin also gained revenge after a recent loss to Gade at the China
Masters.
"I think Gade was sharper in Beijing. But I put him under pressure and
increased the tempo when the games were close. That was the key," said
Lin, who has won eight of 10 meetings with Gade. "I was better prepared
for this match," he said.
Cai and Fu recovered after losing the opening game to beat world No 1
pairing Jens Eriksen and Martin Lundgaard Hansen 19-21, 21-11, 21-18.
"There were some nerves at the start because it was a big final," said
Fu. "But we settled things down in the second game. We never gave up.
That's the strength of this China team."
Bao made it 3-0 in the best-of-five final with a 21-12, 12-21, 21-12
victory over Kenneth Jonassen.
Gade paid tribute to Lin
after Denmark's eighth defeat in eight finals.
"He was so sharp at the net today that I couldn't do anything," he
said. "He made it very difficult for me. I didn't really have a chance
today."
China's victory capped a perfect weekend following the anticipated
success of the women in the Uber Cup. The red-hot favourite Chinese team
beat the Netherlands 3-0 in Saturday's final.
(Agencies) | 
