China's Lin Dan survives uphill opener in 2016 Indonesia Open

File photo of Lin Dan. [Photo/Xinhua]

JAKARTA - China's Lin Dan survived an uphill battle in his first match of the 2016 Indonesia Open, as he came from behind to beat Malaysian Zulfadli Zulkifli 16-21, 21-18 and 21-16 here on Wednesday.

The third seed Lin becomes the favorite to win the men singles title after the withdrawl of his fellow Chinese and world No.1 Chen Long.

Against twice Olympic champion Lin, the non-seeded Zulkifli showed his potential from the start by taking the first set, before Lin quickly returned to his normal form and turned over the tide to secure his victory by winning the last two.

Lin will next face rising local star Jonatan Christie, who trashed Hsu Jen Hao of Chinese Taipei 21-12, 21-19.

Another Chinese player Wang Zhengming also went through a difficult match against Danish Vittinghus Hans-Kristian, who led the Danish men's team to win the Thomas Cup for the first time last month in Kunshan, China.

Wang eventually won the match which lasted over one hour, 18-21, 25-23 and 24-22, and will next play 7th seeded Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei.

The women's doubles witnessed an upset as Huang Yaqiong/Tang Jinhua of China toppled world No. 5 Christina Pedersen/Kamilla Rytter Juhl of Denmark 23-21, 14-21 and 21-10.