You keep me hanging on

Lin Dan cites Chong Wei as the reason why he won’t quit

AS long as national shuttler Lee Chong Wei stays on the court, you can expect Lin Dan to do the same.

The two-time Olympic and five-time world champion from China cited Chong Wei as one of the reasons why he’s still motivated to challenge for honours.

“It’s also because Chong Wei himself has not yet retired, which is what keeps me on the court. Both of us are still fighting hard for a place in the Olympics together,” said Lin Dan.

When asked if he had met Chong Wei since arriving in Malaysia, he replied: “Not yet, but hopefully I’ll get to see him on the court some day.”

Even at the age of 35, it’s clear that Lin Dan is as hungry as ever and still wants to show the world why he’s a legend in the sport.

“I want to challenge myself to make my fifth Olympic appearance because it has not been done by many players, as before this most would have retired by the age of 35.

“I want to prove to myself that I can still play badminton at a high level and try to play a few more years.

“In doing this, I also want to be an example to the young players of today that they can continue to play badminton even until this age.

“I’ve also been fortunate that I had no injuries or body pain that prevented me from playing.

“If I do have any pain or injuries, then maybe I will retire.

“As long as I’m fit, I want to qualify for the Olympics.”

The world No. 16 showed glimpses of his brilliance to defeat world No. 3 Chou Tienchien of Taiwan 13-21, 21-19, 21-19 in spectacular fashion in a Malaysian Open firstround match yesterday.

Having trailed 12-19 in the second game, Lin Dan showed why he’s the legend that he is by digging deep to win the next nine points to take the second game.

Lin Dan later staved off a strong challenge from Tien-chien in the rubber game to win the match.

Lin Dan will play Thailand’s Suppanyu Avihingsanon, who fought hard to defeat Lee Zii Jia 21-17, 19-21, 21-15 in the first round.

Besides Lin Dan, top seed Kento Momota of Japan also advanced into the second round where he will play Indonesian rising star Jonatan Christie.

Meanwhile, independent shuttler Chong Wei Feng, who was included in the draw after two withdrawals from the tournament, was knocked out 12-21, 12-21 by Japan’s Kanta Tsuneyama in the first round.

With Zii Jia and Wei Feng’s exit, Malaysia’s challenge for the men’s singles title ended.