Lin Dan blazes to third All England title

BIRMINGHAM, England, March 11 (Reuters) Top seed and world champion Lin Dan blazed to his third All England badminton title in four years today with a 21-13 21-12 victory over Chinese compatriot Chen Yu.

Lin played supremely before a full house at the National Indoor Arena and was rarely in trouble. His head to head record with Chen now reads 5-0.

The victory was the first on the afternoon for the Chinese who are bidding to win all five titles up for grabs for the first time in the history of the tournament which dates back to 1899.

Among the finalists later will be Lin's girlfriend Xie Xingfang, favourite to win the women's singles for the third year in succession.

REUTERS DH PM1935