Zhu Lin grabs first gold medal for China

Zhu Lin won China's first gold medal in the tournament (Photo credit: Xinhua)Photo Gallery>>(BEIJING, June 23) -- Hope of winning three gold medals on the final day of the Djarum Indonesia Open Badminton Super Series 2008 faded for the Indonesians when China's Zhu Lin defeated Maria Kristin Yulianti in a three-game thriller on June 22 in Jakarta.

With the help of the supportive home crowd, 23-year-old Yulianti quickly gained a 4-0 lead in game one. Zhu Lin's trademark sharp crosscourt shots, however, soon troubled the Indonesian, giving Zhu a 14-9 lead after several rallies. Although Yulianti caught up later as close as 18-19, two mistakes in the end cost her the first game.

In game two the chief judge gave Zhu a yellow card at 11-11 for delaying the match over a small incident. Zhu then lost the control of the game and conceded 17-21.

In the decisive game, 24-year old Zhu was more confident under the mounting pressure than her opponent and led game from start to finish. At 17-13, Zhu made a remarkable retrieve and won the point with a strong smash, meanwhile crushing Yulianti's confidence. Zhu finally won the last game 21-14 to take home the first gold medal for China in this tournament.

World No. 4 Zhu Lin was the top seed in the tournament. Her opponent, dark horse Maria Kristin Yulianti, who ranks world No. 34, had bested world No. 7 Zhang Ning of China in the semifinal.

Post match Zhu said that although the local spectators and the yellow card posed two big obstacles for her, she handled the pressure well. "I hope this win can help my chance of making the Beijing Olympics. Before coaches make their decision, I will continue to adjust my form and win their trust."