Defending champion Lin Dan of China was sent home by Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia in the semi-finals of the Japan Open badminton tournament in Tokyo on Saturday.

 

The 23-year-old world No. 1 Lin took an 11-5 advantage in the first game but tumbled to a 21-19, 21-15 defeat by the world number four.

 

"I'm not in my best form after having been tired following the world championships," said Lin. "He (Lee) gained the momentum when he evened the score in the first game and then took it. He's just one of the strong players in the world."

 

Lee defeated Lin in the Malaysian Open twice and in the Sudirman Cup in June.

 

It was Lin's first defeat in three months after his wins at the China Masters and the world championships.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 15, 2007)