Chinese defending champion Lin Dan knocked out his compatriot Du Pengyu with a 21-13, 21-16 win to advance into the men's singles final in Badminton Asia Championships here on Saturday.

Unlike fighting with his roommate Wen Kai in the third round, Lin pocketed 11 smash winners throughout the match while Du, bandaging heavily on his right thigh, got none.

Lin rowed over the first game from the start. In the second game, Lin roared to hammer down the victory after entangled long-rally ties from love to nine.

"To me, Aisa Championships is just a warmup match for Sudirman Cup next month," claimed Lin, whose world ranking in BWF(Badminton World Federation) list just slided down from the second to third, "Let's put aside the title. Status counts more."