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Lin Dan struggles in debut as China powers into Thomas Cup quarters

Xinhua, May 16, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Chinese men's team clinched an easy 5-0 win over France to romped into the quarter-finals of the 2016 Thomas Cup here on Monday.

World No.3 Lin Dan, who was rest on the opening day, failed to make a perfect debut as the five-time world champion edged out Lucas Claerbout 20-22, 21-14, 21-8 in the second singles, giving China a 3-0 lead to get the second straight win in Group A.

"I didn't expect to win this match in such a tough way,"said Lin, "But it doesn't mean that I played badly, this match will help me to get fit and find my rhythm."

It is the eighth time for Lin to play the Thomas Cup, the 32-year-old wants to lead China to regain the title which they lost in New Delhi two years ago.

"This time I am the second singles, no matter which position I play, I will do my best." the Olympic champion said.

Lin's teammates had an easier time with Cheng Long, the world No. 1, beating Thomas Rouxel 21-9, 21-12, while doubles combination Fu Haifeng/Zhang Nan and Li Junhui/Zheng Siwei all won the matches in straight sets.

Tian Houwei then secured China' s fifth point by beating Lucas Corvee 21-17, 21-12.

 In the early matches, 2014 Thomas Cup runners-up Malaysia went into the quarter-finals by overwhelming Germany 5-0 and second seeds Denmark swept South Africa 5-0 in their first match of the tournament.

In the women's Uber Cup, Japan showed their power with a dominating 5-0 victory against Germany. Endit