CHENGDU, Southwest China, March 9 (Xinhuanet) -- "I need to win the tournament in China," said Peter Gade, the top Denish shuttler here on Thursday after cruising into the last eight of men's singles at the 2006 China Masters Badminton Championships.
Ranked sixth in the world, the 30-year-old Dane came to Chengdu, a southwestern city famous for its spicy cuisine, as the third seed.
"This is a good tournament, everybody could see how the others adapt to the new system," said Gade, who is personally against the 21-scoring rules newly carried out this year but a beneficiary in deed. "To me, it's OK, because I am an attacking player. And the new rule is good for attacks. But I don't think it is the future of badminton."
The second edition of China Masters is the last internationl open before the Thomas and Uber Cup unveils next month in Tokyo, Japan.
"Now I am building up for the Thomas Cup," said Gade, regarding the tournament as the last chance to warm-up and get used to the new system.
According to the draw, the Denish former world number one will have to topple the current top shuttler Lin Dan from the host in the semifinal before appearing at the final.
"I will be very much glad to meet Lin Dan," said Gade, "We have close matches for several times. Now under the new scoring system, maybe I have a chance (to win him).
"Besides, Lin is the favorite, the pressure is on him."
Gade, one of the most popular foreign shuttlers in China, received strong support from the Chinese fans here Thursday and upset Poompat Sapkulchananart of Thailand, the 16th seed in straight sets 21-17, 21-12. Enditem
