Thursday night featured a top match-up, where Lin Dan, representing Heyuan, took on Qingdao's Chen Long. This was the first match between the players since this year's China Open, in which Lin won 2-0.

It is a packed stadium, as fans would get to see the Olympic champions in action, the two-time winner Lin against newly-crowned titleholder Chen.

The 33-year-old Lin opens strong, and enjoys a dream start, leading 6-0 in the first game.

But Chen soon finds his rhythm, and is able to tighten the gap. They are level at 17, but Super Dan -- would win four of the next five points to claim the opener.

Chen is the more consistant player in the second, as Lin sees his play dip. Chen wins it 21-13 to force the match into a decider.

The third is close -- as the two would be tied at 15. They would also be knotted at 17.

But like the opener, Lin makes the plays in the end, winning the last four points to claim the victory -- 21-17 the final in the third.

"For my opponent, Chen Long, winning the Olympic gold medal is a major breakthrough. For me, I put out my best efforts but I failed to grab a medal in Rio. I asked myself to play my best in today's match, because our team has not won yet. I'm glad I could get a point for my club today," Lin said.