He’s Dan cautious
China ace says four other teams capable of winning Cup
THERE is no one more successful than Lin Dan at this year’s Thomas Cup Finals.
The 34-year-old has been with the victorious China team who won the Cup five times from 2004-2012.
But the five-time world champion has surprisingly played down China’s chances this time.
Lin Dan has chosen to be cautious after his star-studded team suffered shocking defeats at the 2014 and 2016 editions.
This time, Lin Dan has even picked Taiwan as one of the favourites for the title this year.
“The Finals this year is more competitive than two years ago because of the emergence of many well-balanced teams,” said the twotime Olympic champion.
“Japan, Denmark, Indonesia and Taiwan have a chance to win the title.
“It’s not like before when we only had one or two teams capable of winning the title.”
Lin Dan, who won the New Zealand Open last month, will be playing third singles for the team but he was not fielded yesterday.
“Initially, the team of coaches were reluctant to let me compete in the New Zealand Open because it would have taken me away from the Thomas Cup Finals preparation,” he said.
“But I’m glad I went. The match practice en route to winning the title was good for me.
“I will do my best to help China win again,” said Lin Dan.
China are aiming to lift their 10th Thomas Cup title and they do have an impressive lineup.
The others in the team are Chen Long, Shi Yuqi, Qiao Bin, Liu Cheng-Zhang Nan, Li Junhui-Liu Yuchen and Wang Yilyu-Zheng Siwei.
Except for Lin Dan and Junhui-Yuchen, the others went on court yesterday and defeated Australia 5-0 in a Group A tie.