SINGAPORE - China's badminton superstar Lin Dan was booed Sunday by spectators as he apologised for pulling out of the Singapore Open men's final against compatriot Chen Jin because of gastric flu.
His withdrawal overshadowed compatriot Wang Xin's 21-19 and 21-17 win over Tine Baun of Denmark in the women's final at the Super Series tournament.Lin's apology, made right after the women's final, was drowned out by boos from the crowd of over 7,400 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium who had been hoping to see the Chinese ace in action against Chen -- who took the title by a walkover.
"I can understand the reaction from the crowd just now," Lin, who is affectionately known as Super Dan to his legions of fans, said at a press conference."I will come again next year to Singapore."It was the first time in Lin's career that he had pulled out of a final."The China team manager had informed me that Lin Dan is ill and unable to play in the men's singles final," said tournament referee Ernest Robinson."Lin Dan has seen the tournament doctor, who has confirmed that Lin Dan is suffering from gastroenteritis."
A senior official with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) acknowledged the crowd had the right to be upset with Lin's last-minute withdrawal but credited the Chinese star for making a personal appearance to apologise."I think the crowd has the right, they buy the tickets to come to enjoy the match and it's no way we can control the crowd's thinking," said Paisan Rangsikitpho, the BWF deputy president "He came out in the centre court, apologised to the fans. I think whatever it is, you have to give him big credit, brave enough to come out and the crowd booed him, he took it," he told a media conference.
Lin, the world number two and Olympic champion, said he felt unwell in the middle of the night after his tough three-game win over veteran Dane Peter Gade on Saturday 20-22, 21-17 and 21-15."I gulped down lots of cold water (after the match) and was really uncomfortable when I went to bed," he said.
