Xuanze awards win to Wimpie

Xuanze awards win to Wimpie

Agence France-Presse, Singapore

World champion Xia Xuanze pulled out of a third round clash with Indonesian youngster Wimpie Mahardi at the US$170,000 Singapore Open badminton tournament Thursday complaining of a strained calf muscle.

The injury was likely the result of late matches on the opening day of the tournament Wednesday when Xia had to fight through three games against Malaysian veteran Ong Ewe Hock in a match that started well after midnight.

The long wait to get on court and the late night workout seemed to have taken their toll as the newly crowned world champion allowed Wimpie free passage into the quarter finals.

Another victim of the late second round games on Wednesday was Denmark's number seven seed Anders Boesen, who pulled a back muscle and conceded the match to Lin Dan of China.

The unseeded Chinese was leading 12-1 in the first game when the Dane decided to throw in the towel after a long chat with his coach and team manager.

But top seed and defending champion Chen Hong of China did not show any ill effects of his late night court stint, brushing aside the challenge of Yohan Hadikusuma Wiratama of Hong Kong.

Chen won 15-10, 15-7 with ease, once again allowing his opponent several free points with some audacious stroke-play.

But the top seed was never in trouble and was happy to experiment, probably getting ready for his quarter clash with Singapore Ronald Susilo.

The local hero, seeded sixth, was made to work hard by Korean 10th seed Shon Seung Mo before winning 15-8, 11-15, 15-5.

Susilo had lost to Chen Hong in last year's final in a contest that proved hopelessly one-sided and the player is determined to make amends this time round.

"I was outplayed in the last year's final. Then I was mentally beaten but this time I feel I am better prepared for the challenge.

"There is absolutely no pressure on me. He is world number one so I have nothing to lose," said a determined Susilo after his third round game.

Former world number Peter Gade Christiansen of Denmark continued his fine comeback and did not allow compatriot Peter Rasmussen to settle down in their third clash.

Christiansen was facing a fellow Dane for the second time and beat the 1997 world champion 15-8, 15-5.

The women's second games were according to billing with all the top eight players making it through to the quarter finals without much trouble and all matches finishing in straight games.