China’s Lin Dan. AP
INCHEON – The draw for the Asian Games badminton men’s team singles Monday saw Chinese superstar Lin Dan and Malaysian number one Lee Chong Wei put on course for a semi-final clash.
Fans are hoping for another classic showdown between the two badminton titans as Lee makes a last bid for gold in his Asian Games swansong.
The draw is determined by players’ world rankings as of September 18 this year, so Lee and Chinese second seed Chen Long are at opposite ends of the draw.
With 30-year-old Lin picking and choosing his competitions these days, he is only seeded ninth, scraping into Lee’s half.
Lin is likely to face Hong Kong’s Hu Yun, seeded sixth, and Japan’s third seed Kenichi Tago on his way to the semis.
Lee looks set for an easier ride, with Thailand’s eighth seed Boonsak Ponsana the only ranked player he would have to take on before the semi-final.
In the other half of the draw, world champion Chen Long is the clear favorite, with Indonesia’s Tommy Sugiarto and South Korea’s Son Wan-Ho his biggest challengers.
If Lee, 31, does finally defeat nemesis Lin – who has repeatedly denied him gold in major tournaments, including the Asian Games, Olympics and worlds – he is likely to have to take down Chen in a replay of this year’s world championships final, where the 25-year-old Chinese powerhouse stormed to victory.
Korea’s Son is one to watch for an upset though, having pulled out some inspired performances in the men’s team event in Incheon.
If he manages to get past Chen, he could then have to Lin or Lee for a Korean gold.