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Journalism of Courage
Defending champion Lin Dan and third-seeded Peter Gade had easy victories Monday to advance to the second round of the badminton world championships.
Lin,seeking to become the first player to win three successive titles,defeated Misha Zilberman of Israel 21-9,21-11,while Danish player Gade had a 21-11,21-16 victory over Ukraines Valerly Atrashchekov on the opening day.
The tournament began under tight security after Englands decision Sunday to withdraw due to security concerns.
Lin,winner of the singles title at the 2006 and 2007 World championships and the 2008 Olympics,is seeded fifth because of his low ranking after missing several Super Series events.
The shuttle was a coming a bit slow,but these things happen and ones got to adapt to the conditions, Lin said. Ive had a decent start now and Im not thinking beyond my next match. Lin is regarded by many as favorite for the title but has tried to deflect the attention.
I dont consider myself as a favorite for the title. I think Gade and top seed Lee Chong Wei are the favorites, he said.
Gade,32,the losing finalist in the 2001 world championships,said he felt comfortable throughout his match,even though his opponent played a brisk game.
The guy was fast,but I was always in control. It was a good way to start the tournament, he said.
Gade is expected to meet Lin in the quarterfinals.
Dutch player Dicky Palyama scored the first upset of the tournament by ousting 11th-seeded Bao Chun Lai of China 21-18,21-14 in the opening round.
Sixth-seeded Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia advanced to the second round with a 21-13,21-9 victory over Austrias Michael Lahnsteiner.
Womens No. 14 Wong Mew Choo of Malaysia took just 19 minutes to defeat American Shannon Pohl 21-4,21-6.
