MADRID, Spain (AP): Joachim Persson of Denmark topped Olympic silver medalist Shon Seung-mo of South Korea 22-20, 21-13 Monday in the first round of the world badminton championships.
Shon had beaten Persson last month at the Korea Open.
"Even though I lost to him in Korea, I always felt I could win today,'' Persson said. "I've been in good form and when I won the first game from the tricky end of the arena that just boosted my confidence.''
Bjoern Joppien of Germany also advanced to the second round, beating Lee Yen Hui Kendrick of Singapore 21-17, 18-21, 22-20. He will next face top-seeded Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia.
Lee had a bye in the first round, as did 2005 finalist Lin Dan of China and 2001 finalist Peter Gade of Denmark. Also, eighth-seeded Bao Chunlai of China topped Stanislav Pukhov of Russia 21-15, 21-12.
"That was rather easy despite a tricky wind on court,'' Bao said. "It's important to have the right mentality on court in those conditions, otherwise you make silly mistakes.''
(source: The Star Online)
