Coach berates passionless star Lin

BEIJING - China's chief badminton coach Li Yongbo said Tuesday world champion Lin Dan's poor showing was the only blot on an otherwise fine performance at the just-ended world team championships.

Lin Dan of China competes against Andrew Smith of England on day two of the Sudirman Cup, World Team Badminton Championships in Glasgow, 12 June 2007. China's chief badminton coach Li Yongbo said Lin's poor showing was the only blot on an otherwise fine performance at the just-ended world team championships.[AP]

China won the Sudirman Cup world mixed team championships for a record sixth time after beating Indonesia 3-0 in the final in Scotland on Sunday.

Lin was one of the dead rubbers and was not needed in the final but his contribution in earlier stages of the event raised issues about his commitment and tactical awareness, the coach said.

"Lin now lacks the passion on court, this was one of his best qualities he presented in past events," Li said, according to Xinhua news agency.

"We had a discussion. He thought the result was the most important thing, but the coaches are concerned about the process as well. He needs to win every match even though the result has been decided."

Li was referring to Lin's shock defeat in a preliminary stage tie against Malaysia. China won the match 4-1 but Lin's dropped rubber against the Asian champion Chong Wei Lee ensured that the team failed to win all rubbers in a Sudirman Cup tie for the first time since the 2003 final.

Lin's apparent loss of heart comes at a bad time, with the Olympic Games in Beijing next year.

In a veiled warning to Lin, coach Li said victory in the cup was important but it was also a significant event in the run-up to the Beijing Games.

"Lin needs to maintain his momentum and raise his game before the 2008 Olympics," he said.