(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-08-20 10:13

China proved its badminton powerhouse status by winning three titles at the world badminton championships while Indonesia also had a nice showing with two gold medals in pocket.

China's Lin Dan celebrates after winning the men's singles final against Indonesia's Sony Dwi Kuncoro at the World Badminton Championships in Kuala Lumpur August 19, 2007. The defending champion won 21-11, 22-20. [Reuters] more photos

China's first gold winning attempt suffered a setback when Zheng Bo/Gao Ling, ranked first in the world, lost to world number two Nova Widianto/Lilyana Natsir of Indonesia 21-16, 21-14 in the mixed doubles final.

Trailing 6-0 in the opening game, Zheng/Gao were outpowered. The Indonesian duo even enjoyed a bigger margin of ten points at 13-3. The Chinese duo tried to reverse the situation and cut the deficit to four points at 18-14 but still lost 21-16. In the second, Zheng and Gao were still subdued, losing the game 21-14.

In both pairs' three previous meetings, Zheng/Gao had two wins and a loss. Their loss was in the second round of 2007 Singapore Open when Gao sustained a foot injury.

"I did feel very tired these two days. That's why I can not keep up with our opponents. Natsir played more baseline shots. It was a headache for me," said Gao.

"When I advanced to the final four, my desire for the champion became stronger. Last night, though I went to bed very early, I fell asleep late in three o'clock," said Zheng.

Nova highlighted their win and said, "We are the first Indonesian pair to win worlds mixed doubles twice. Today I think Zheng was more shaky and we focused on him. I think Zheng was then very nervous. They didn't have a good cooperation during the match."

Then China began to show its overall strength by clinching three gold medals in a row - women's and men's singles as well as women's doubles.

Zhu Lin, 23, overcame Wang Chen of Hong Kong, China, 21-8, 21-12 to win her first world championship title.

They had met four times, all won by Wang Chen. Their last meeting was in Indonesian Open when Zhu squandered a hug lead to lose.

In the first game, Zhu led 4-0, controlling the game and winning 16 clear winners against Wang's three. Zhu closed out the game 21-8.

In the second, Zhu led at the half of the game 11-8. Then Wang seemed to be inundated with unforced errors, losing 12-21.

"I am very excited. I do have some expectations for this match. Before the match, I never beat her. But I have no pressure and give it all."

"I think my sound preparation does work for my win. I have good analysis of her techniques and learn how to contain her. After years' major tournaments, I have become more mature," said Zhu.

"Exits of Zhang Ning and Xie Xingfang offer a chance for me. I should shoulder the responsibility. It's really a tough challenge for me but I turned pressure to motivation," added Zhu.

It's Wang's second worlds final after a loss to China's Ye Zhaoying in 1997 edition.

Wang plans to retire after the Beijing Olympic Games. As for the Olympics, Wang has no special preparation for it yet.

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