A HINT TO CHONG WEI TO RETIRE?

Lin Dan says he will quit if he has serious sickness

COULD five-time world champion Lin Dan be hinting for his longtime nemesis Lee Chong Wei

to retire?

Yesterday, the two-time Olympic champion produced a superb comeback when he upset World No 3 Chou Tien Chen of Taiwan 1321, 21-19, 21-19 to reach the second round of the Malaysia Open at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.

But it was a comment he made during the post-match interview that raised a couple of eyebrows.

Talking about his motivation to continue playing badminton even at his age, Lin Dan said: “I want to challenge myself.

“I do not think any player has pushed themselves to go the distance and play at this level when they reach a certain age.

“Also, I am thankful that I have not suffered any serious injury or sickness.

“If I do, I will probably retire.” It almost feels like his statement was directed to Chong Wei, who has been out for nearly 10 months, after being diagnosed with nose cancer last July.

Despite expressing his desire to make a fifth Olympic appearance in Tokyo next year, the Malaysian has yet to return to full training or even regained complete fitness.

It also does not help that the 37year-old was forced to put his much-awaited comeback on hold twice (All England and Malaysia Open) after being advised by his doctor in Taiwan.

Now, Chong Wei’s chances of making the Sudirman Cup squad next month hangs by the balance.

Lin Dan, however, was quick to make a cheeky comment when he said that he will continue to play for as long as Chong Wei is still around.

“Perhaps the two of us can go on and play in next year’s Olympics.

“Since Chong Wei hasn’t hung up his racquet, I might as well continue playing,” added the 2017 Malaysia Open champion.

On a separate note, Lin Dan wants to be an example to the younger generation.

“I want them to see and learn that in badminton, you can push yourself to the limit,” he said.

The World No 16 will play Thailand’s Suppanyu Avihingsanon today.