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Fans dreaming of Lin Dan-Chong Wei clash

KUALA LUMPUR: Everyone is dreaming of a battle between the two current badminton greats – Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei and China’s Lin Dan – in the men’s singles final of the Asian Games in Guangzhou next month.

It could happen if both live up to their first and second seedings in the singles event and they stay free from injuries.

To further intensify their rivalry, Lin Dan recently stated that Chong Wei would indeed be his ‘enemy’ until the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

He made this statement in an interview published in the latest edition of Olympic Review, the International Olympic Committee’s e-magazine, which was posted on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) website yesterday.

“Over the next two years, leading players such as Lee Chong Wei and Bao Chunlai will keep making progress. Meanwhile, more players will come up, like Chen Jin and Chen Long.

“All of them are very good players and will be major competitors to me in London,” said Lin Dan.
All three – Chunlai, Chen Jin and Chen Long are his compatriots in the national team.

Asked about his thoughts on London, Lin Dan, who adores his coach-cum-mentor Tang Hsien-hu, could not resist talking about Chong Wei.

“London is a city with a great sense of history. I have been there when I competed in the All-England Championships.

“I won the event last year, beating Chong Wei, who was also my opponent in the (Olympic) final in Beijing.”
On his mission for the 2012 Olympics, Lin Dan said:

“There are two years to go before the next Olympic Games. During that time I will be taking part in a number of important competitions such as the Asian Games and the World Championships so as to stay in good form for 2012. I will try my best to defend my Olympic title.”

Lin Dan is determined to end his elusive chase for an Asiad title after failing in the last two editions.
If Lin Dan and Chong Wei keep their promise to live up to their billing, this year’s Asian Games men’s singles final will surely be one to savour for badminton fans.


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