SINGAPORE: China's badminton superstar Lin Dan was booed Sunday by spectators as he apologized 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 once more. “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.” Lin, the world No. 2 and Olympic champion, said he felt unwell in the middle of the night after his tough three-game win over veteran Dane Peter Gade Saturday 20-22, 21-17 and 21-15. In the women's final, Wang won her first Super Series title of the year over Baun, who had advanced into the final after upsetting world No. 1 Wang Shixian of China. “I have never played a final in Singapore so I am very happy,” said the world No. 2, who plays left-handed. Victory for Wang was secured after Baun, a former two-time All England champion, netted a smash from the Chinese.
