China whitewash Danes to retain Thomas Cup

TOKYO, May 7 (Reuters) World number one Lin Dan battled past Peter Gade as China whitewashed Denmark 3-0 to retain the Thomas Cup today. Lin overcame a spirited challenge from world number three Gade to win the opening rubber 21-17 21-19 before Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng won the doubles and Bao Chunlai sealed victory.

It was China's sixth world team title overall after three successive victories from 1986 to 1990 and a successful campaign in Jakarta two years ago.

''It was a tough match,'' a jubilant Lin told reporters. ''It was crucial to put China 1-0 up and Gade was fighting hard to do the same for Denmark.'' Lin also gained revenge after a recent loss to Gade at the China Masters.

''I think Gade was sharper in Beijing. But I put him under pressure and increase the tempo when the games were close. That was the key,'' said Lin.

Cai and Fu recovered after losing the opening game to beat world number one pairing Jens Eriksen and Martin Lundgaard Hansen 19-21 21-11 21-18.

Bao made it 3-0 in the best-of-five final with a 21-12 12-21 21-12 victory over Kenneth Jonassen.

Gade paid tribute to Lin after Denmark's eighth defeat in eight finals.

''He was so sharp at the net today that I couldn't do anything,'' he said. ''He made it very difficult for me. I didn't really have a chance today.'' China's victory capped a perfect weekend following their women's anticipated success in the women's Uber Cup. The red-hot favourites beat the Netherlands 3-0 in yesterday's final.

REUTERS PDS VC1422