Chen Jin labored to a 21-14,21-14 win over Lang Ville of Finland in the first round of the YONEX-BWF World Championships match on Tuesday.
But that did not stop him from targeting the title here in Paris as he feels that he has what it takes to win the title.
And not only is the fourth seed contended with that, for his aim is to replace Lin Dan as the Chinese number one player in the near future.
“Some may feel that the draw is a bit easier in the bottom half as there is no Lee Chong Wei or Lin Dan to overcome to make the final,” said Chen Jin.
“But these days every player must be treated with respect and hence I intend to take it a match at a time in this tournament.
“I have set a target to win the title here in Paris and to achieve that I have to be in my best form.”
On his desire to achieve the number one status in China, Chen Jin said,” Of course I want to be the top player in China. And contrary to what some may think that I have to wait till Lin Dan retires, I intend to work my way towards that target now.”
And talking of respecting other players, India’s Chetan Anand learnt that lesson in a bitter way when he was sent packing by Singapore’s Ashton Chen Ong Zhao in the first round.
The 14th seeded Indian had no answer to Ashton’s strong baseline play and succumbed to a 21-14,21-18 defeat in 37 minutes.
For Ashton, the win was indeed sweet as he was left pinching himself to see if he was dreaming.
“This is the first time I have beaten a seeded player in any world level competition and it is indeed a memorable moment for me,” said Ashton, who completed his two-year National Service in Singapore in July.
“Not only does this boost my confidence here but also gives me a psychological edge for the Commonwealth Games this October.”
Also making it to the second round was eight-seeded Simon Santoso of Indonesia who defeated Poland’s Wacha Przemyslaw 21-11,21-17 in 33 minutes.
Simon was unperturbed on the pressure for him to deliver in the World Championships following the withdrawal of Sony Dwi Kuncoro due to an injury.
“There is really no pressure as I will play my game and take each match as it comes. It’s unfortunate that Sony is not around but we still have Taufik (Hidayat) to count on,” said Simon who made his national team debut in the 2004 Thomas Cup in Jakarta.
“The road to the title is long and arduous and the task is not easy with the playing conditions as there is an unpredictable draft.”
Simon made the last eight in Hyderabad last year and is looking to improve that achievement with a place in the semi finals as his target this time around.
Meanwhile, Boonsak Polsana of Thailand also moved into the second round with an effortless 21-6,21-6 win over Vladmir Malkov of Russia in 24 minutes.
