The Lin Dan of old is back ... alive and kicking

THEY said he is well past his prime. They said he will not win the “biggies” anymore.

And they called him “First-Round Lin” due to his tendency to fall at the first hurdle.

But eat your words guys because “Super Dan” is back!

What a truly inspiring moment for me and the thousands of fans at the Axiata Arena who witnessed a “reborn” Lin Dan capturing his second Malaysian Open crown in style last Sunday.

And the fans still love him.

In the title clash against compatriot Chen Long, the loudest cheers were reserved for him. They were chanting “Lin Dan, jia you! (Lin Dan, go, go, go!)

He duly obliged with a masterclass performance – graceful full-stretched retrievals, powerful trademark cross-court smashes and intelligent net play.

It was all there to behold ... the Lin Dan that we know so well.

For him, triumphing in a top-flight tournament like the Malaysian Open was certainly a big statement ahead of next year’s Tokyo Olympic Games qualifying period which begins on May 1.

Now ranked 16th, Lin Dan will now be building on his latest success and continue to put pressure on compatriots Shi Yuqi (No. 2) and Chen Long (No. 4).

Each country can send only a maximum of two men’s singles players to the Olympics.

“I’m back slowly but surely,” declared Lin Dan.

“I think the Lin Dan now has become more hungry and determined to win.”

I will be putting my money on him to win a title or two this year. Even a sixth world crown in Basel, Switzerland, in July is not out of his reach.

Having seen Lin Dan back in business, our own badminton hero Lee Chong Wei will be pumped up to follow suit.

The pair had been exchanging remarks since last week with Lin Dan saying “Chong Wei is one of the reasons why I am still competing” while Chong Wei responded: “I’ll be back soon to see you again in the court.”

After 40 meetings dating back since 2004, fans still can’t get enough of them and would love to see them lock horns again.

So will I.