Top seed Lin Dan takes on unseeded Indonesian shuttler Ihsan Maulana Mustofa in the Men's singles quarter-final of 2017 Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold at St. Jakobshalle in Basel.
The world number seven only needed 33 minutes to decimate his Round of 16 opponent Brice Leverdez 21-7, 21-14 yesterday. On the other hand, Ihsan outclassed Germany's Fabian Roth in straight games yesterday to seal a big clash against the Chinese legend.
Lin has been title-less since winning the Bonny China Masters last year and has had a ordinary new season so far. The two-time Olympic gold medallist was ousted from German Open last month, which was also his first appearance post 2016 Rio Games, after loss to unseeded Emil Holst in Round of 16 match. All hopes of the Chinese shuttler claiming his seventh title at All England Championships were also crushed when he lost to compatriot Shi Yuqi in straight games in the semi-final.
The 33-year-old, who will be looking to make amends at the upcoming World Championships in August this year, will want to make sure he gets back to winning ways ahead of the biennial tournament. A title in Switzerland will boost the two-time champion's confidence and his immediate focus will be getting the job done on Friday evening against the 21-year-old Indonesian shuttler.
Ihsan has been decimating opponents over the first three rounds in straight games in the ongoing tournament but he faces an uphill task against Lin in their first meeting as his recent form is a cause of concern. The world number 38 faced third-round exits at Malaysia and Thailand Masters earlier this year and bowed out of All England without making it to the main round.
TV Schedule
Singapore: Hub Sports
Malaysia: Astro Supersport
India: Star Sports
