FUZHOU, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan bid an early farewell to the BWF Fuzhou China Open after losing to his teammate Chen Long 2-1 in men's singles first-round action here on Wednesday, while star shuttler Shi Yuqi also booked a berth in last 16.
The 36-year-old Lin won the first game 21-19 before conceding the next two in 21-12 and 21-12. The legendary veteran said afterwards that he still dreams about his fifth Olympic journey and won't retire soon.
"I didn't know the rumors [that I will retire after Fuzhou China Open], I think it's too early to talk about retirement. I won't give up trying to qualify for the 2020 Olympics until the last minute," Lin told reporters.
"This is tough, but also meaningful," he said.
The 36-year-old veteran got the upper hand in the opening minutes and led 11-6 before Chen came back from behind for a 16-all tie. At the clutch time, Lin withstood the challenge from the Rio Olympic champion, finishing the first game in 21-19.
However, Chen, who is six years younger than Lin, rallied by playing aggressive backcourt shots and controlled the rest of the games, clinching the victory in one hour and 22 minutes.
"Both sides were very concentrated in the match. I did a better job than our last meeting in France," said Lin, who was beaten by Chen in straight sets at the French Open last month.
"(But) In games two and three, I was not in a stable mind when trailing behind, and made too many unforced errors. Despite the loss, I will still carry on and try my best in the next match," he added.
In the second round, Chen Long will take on Lu Guangzu, who got past Huang Yixiang 21-17, 21-18 in another Chinese derby.
Another men's singles big clash witnessed Shi, who just came back from ankle injury, routed Son Wan Ho of South Korea in two straight games 21-17, 21-17.
"It's not my best form as I only played 80 percent of my game. I don't know whether I could go back to 100 percent. I am positive about that, and I just want to improve step by step," said Shi.
In women's singles, defending champion Chen Yufei of China won over Russian shuttler Evgeniya Kosetskaya 21-19, 21-12 in 31 minutes, while Cai Yanyan breezed past Saina Nehwal of India 21-9, 21-12.
Second-seeded Chinese mixed pair Wang Yi Lyu/Huang Dongping stood firm to beat compatriots Ou Xuanyi/Feng Xueying 21-18, 21-8, also securing their places in the quarterfinal.
