Double Olympic champion Lin Dan fought off tough challenge to beat Japan's Kento Momota and booked a semifinal berth at the All England Championships here on Friday.

Lin, bidding for his sixth All England title, will vie for the final berth against top seed and teammate Chen Long, who eased past sixth seed Chou Tien Chen 21-11, 21-11 in the day's another match.

Momota posed serious threat to Lin, taking a 6-3 lead before Lin managed to levelled the score at 7-7.

The 20-year-old Japanese went ahead again at 9-7 thanks to his powerful smashes, but the 31-year-old Super Dan managed to make it 10-10 and 12-12.

The two players exchanged lead and when the scoreline was equalled again at 18-18. The experience prevailed as Lin scored three points in a row and sealed the game 21-18.

Lin, also a five-time world champion, jumped to 16-9 in the second game, but Momota made a fabulous comeback to make it 19-18. Lin took his chance again and won 20-19.

"It was a tough match," Lin said. "I have never played him before. I lost concentration in the second game when I took a comfortable lead. He is very young and has no pressure, but for me, it is a different story."

He added, "There will be more and more young talented players rising. I can expect that. But since I have decided to stay on the tour, I will not be afraid of their challenge. I will fight for more victories instead." Endite

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