THE BEST EVER

LIN Dan will rightfully earn the tag as the best men's singles player ever if he triumphs again in the Olympics as no player has won the accolade twice and national singles chief coach Rashid Sidek believes this will put tremendous pressure on the China ace in the London Games.

The records show the men's singles as the toughest badminton event in the Olympics as no player has even reached the semi-final stage twice and it will be a feat if Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei do set up a final showdown again on Aug 5.

Rashid, in a telephone interview from the University of Bath, said the statistics are very encouraging for Chong Wei as he will have a chance to upstage Lin Dan if he can go all the way to the final.
According to Rashid, Lin Dan's extraordinary skills and mental strength make him a player capable of winning a second Olympic gold and etch his name in history as the greatest.

"Men's singles is the toughest event in the Olympics. The records show how difficult it is to win a medal and winning a second gold will be the greatest achievement. Lin Dan has what it takes to do it but the pressure on him will be tremendous," said Rashid.

"He has been showing his intent to win it twice and if China want gold in the men's singles, he is the person who will do it. Chen Long is inexperienced while Chen Jin is not playing well.

"Due to these factors, it will be a test of character for Lin Dan. It depends on how much he wants a second gold and whether he is capable of handling the pressure.

"This is the reason why is it not impossible for Chong Wei to overcome him. If Chong Wei can beat either Chen Jin or Chen Long in the semis, it will be a good opportunity."

Rashid added that Chong Wei is not too concerned about the final at the moment as he is focused on quality training and being well prepared for a shot at a medal.

"Chong Wei is not thinking about any milestones but on quality training to be as well prepared as possible for the Olympics. The draw will be held on Monday (tomorrow) when we will know who his potential opponents are and we will make some changes in training," added Rashid.

"The bigger concern is the knockout stage where he needs to be well prepared. It will be slightly easier if he meets Chen Jin in the semis but he will be ready for Chen Long as well."

Lin Dan's record in major events since 2007 is exceptional as he has won all but the 2010 World Championships where he lost in the quarter-finals.

Besides the 2008 Olympic gold, Lin Dan captured the 2007, 2009 and 2011 world crowns and the 2010 Asian Games gold.

But even the best have succumbed to pressure in the Olympics and this must motivate Chong Wei.