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Another classic in Guangzhou?

 Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan may have a repeat of the London Olympics as both stars are competing in the World Championships in Guangzhou in August.

IT will be a repeat of last year's London Olympics and the 2011 world meet as Lee Chong Wei's nemesis Lin Dan is almost certain of returning to torment him in the World Championships in Guangzhou in August.

Lin Dan, missing from competition since winning his second Olympic gold last year and currently ranked World No 40, is competing in the ongoing Asian Championships and national singles coach Tey Seu Bock believes China will enter only two players for the men's singles to accommodate their star player.

China are eligible to enter three shuttlers for the world meet.
This means there is a strong possibility that World No 2 Chen Long will make the cut while World No 3 Du Pengyu may have to make way for Lin Dan as the four-time world champion's presence will add pressure on Chong Wei.

Although Chen Long has also been beating Chong Wei regularly, Seu Bock believes the battle is going to be between the Malaysian and Lin Dan.

"It is going to be the London Games all over again. China are serious about the men's singles and only the presence of Lin Dan will give them a genuine chance," said Seu Bock.
"They can enter three players but based on quality, only Lin Dan and to a certain level, Chen Long have the chance to beat Chong Wei.

"But I still believe it is going to be between Chong Wei and Lin Dan where we are possibly in for another close finish like the Olympics and the 2011 World Championships.

"Chen Long may have been beating Chong Wei recently but he is not at Lin Dan's level. Lin Dan will be trying hard to win an unprecedented fifth world crown and he will be the danger.

"Although Chong Wei's preparations have not been ideal, he has another three months to reach his peak and Lin Dan also knows how to hit top form in major events.

"The only risk is that Lin Dan will not be seeded due to his low ranking and there is a possibility of meeting Chong Wei or any of the other top players in the preliminary rounds."

China may also decide to blood a young lineup in Chen Long, Pengyu and Wang Zhengming but none of them are assured of returning with the world crown.

China head coach Li Yongbo has already said that Lin Dan's inclusion in the World Championships will depend on his performance in the Asian Championships and it will not be a surprise if he clinches the title in Taipei.


Read more: Another classic in Guangzhou? - Badminton - New Straits Times

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