Lin Dan romps into quarterfinals at badminton worlds

Lin Dan of China reacts during men's single match against Wei Feng Chong of Malaysia at the 2013 BWF World Championships in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Aug. 8, 2013. Lin Dan won 2-0. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

Badminton superstar Lin Dan of China outclassed Malaysia's Chong Wei Feng 22-10, 21-10 to enter men's singles quarter-finals at the badminton world championships in Guangzhou on Thursday.  [Special coverage]

Olympic champion Lin will have a a possible quarter-final encounter against teammate Chen Long, if the second seed beat another Malaysian Daren Liew in the third round later Thursday.

Lin, who has not been made work hard in the first two rounds, met hard resistance from his 15th seeded opponent in the opening set as Chong surged to a 7-2 lead.

Chong used his court craft to move the shuttle to all four corners, while Lin, who just returned after a year on the sidelines, failed to find his form quickly. However, the more experienced Lin steadied himself afterwards and eventually took the first set 22-20 after Chong saved two set points.

Although the first set could have gone either way, once Lin had pulled away at the end of it, the Chinese four-time world champion quickly went on to establish a 7-2 lead in the second and Chong was never able to pull it back.

"Although I skipped numerous international tournaments, I could still compete with any opponents, but I will not care about titles, just focus on the match," said Lin.

Lin dropped to No. 100 in the world rankings during his break and entered the tournament with a wild card.

Special coverage: BWF World Championships 2013