Birmingham, March 13 (IANS) China's Lin Dan won his sixth singles title at the All England badminton championships with a comfortable victory over teammate Tian Houwei here on Sunday.
Lin, also a five times world champion and double Olympic champion, took only 45 minutes to win 21-9, 21-10 in the final, reports Xinhua.
Tian, nine years younger than his legendary teammate, never looked in contention with the title, giving Lin his easiest match during the whole tournament.
Lin added the title to his collection of wins in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2012, becoming the most successful player here in the past 40 years.
"I felt extremely happy," the 32-year-old said. "Since I was here for the first time in 2002, I have played 11 or 12 tournaments, reaching the finals nine times and winning six. It is not easy. You need to maintain good shape each time and play your best.
"I never expect the final is so easy," he said.
With the Rio Olympics only five months away, winning a third Olympic gold medal remains Lin's priority, although he tries to play down his chance because of the fierce competition in the Chinese team.
"I am not thinking that far ahead yes," he said. "Yesterday, I was telling myself to just focus on this final first. All the Chinese coaches are sitting in the corner and I just want to show them that I can still do it."
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