China's current world No. 3 Lin Dan on Wednesday won his first match in the ongoing BCA Indonesia Open 2016. Lin came from behind to qualify for the next round of the competition with a  16-21, 21-18, 21-16 win over Malaysia's Zulfadli Zulkifli.

According to Xinhua, Lin, who entered the Jakarta-based World Superseries Premier badminton tourney as the third-seeded player, has become the favorite to win the men singles title following the withdrawal of world No.1, Chen Long.  The highest-ranked badminton player in the globe withdrew from the event following a waist injury.

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Lin lost the first set of the match as  23-year-old Zulkifli, a former world junior championships winner, outplayed him at the Istola Galera Bung Karno Stadium. However, Lin bounced back in the second game and wrapped up the match in the third set to seal the victory in one hour and ten minutes.

According to the Star, despite losing and failing to achieve a successful Superseries campaign, the United States-born Malaysian left the badminton court well pleased with his efforts.

"I'm very happy and proud with how I played today," said Zulfadli. "I finally got to play against Lin Dan. He showed me today why he's such a fantastic shuttler. I couldn't match his strength and speed."

"But what else could I ask for? I managed to steal a game from him. It's a great experience. That's the kind of confidence boost I need to take on the world's top 10 players," the Malaysian said.

With the win, Lin is scheduled to face Indonesia's rising local star Jonatan Christie. Christie defeated Hsu Jen Hao of Chinese Taipei in two straight set 21-12, 21-19 victory. Christie is currently ranked as the No. 19 badminton player in the world.

TagsLin Dan, bwf, bwf rankings, Chen Long, bca indonesia open 2016, Jonatan Cristie