China's Super Dan ends holiday and back to training

BEIJING, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese badminton superstar Lin Dan ended his seven months' holiday and went back to normal training on Friday for a possible third Olympic title at Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Lin, dubbed "Super Dan" by his fans, has decided to skip all international events after he became the first man to clinch back-to-back Olympic gold medals in last August in London. Meanwhile his world ranking fell from No. 1 to No. 13 during the holiday.

Lin said he merely needed a rest after the London Olympics, however his holiday was also in tight schedule, from publishing his autobiography to wedding ceremony with his long-time girl friend Xie Xingfang, from signing several sponsorship contracts to playing Danish veteran Peter Gade' s last exhibition match in career.

"My holiday is very busy, I even have to fly to more places than before, I still feel happy because there is no pressure during holiday and I enjoyed the free time when I can arrange the timetable for myself."

The 28-year-old southpaw has denied any plans to retire and said he would consider going for a third Olympic title in 2016.

"I never thought about hanging up my racket after 2013 world championships," Lin said during last year' s China Open.

"I need some time to think about the next four years. I will consult my family, friends and coaches so that I can get fully ready for all the possible challenges once I return to the court."

However, Lin is sure to miss this year's All England Badminton Championships, which starts next week, due to a lack of training.

"We have consulted Lin Dan before submitting the participating players' list for All England, but he chose to withdraw citing a lack of training," Li Weiguo, team manager of the Chinese national team, told Xinhua.

Li Yongbo, head coach of the Chinese team, said currently it is still not sure when Lin will compete again. "We have to first check Lin' s physical condition after his back, and then the coach will help Lin to arrange the return timetable."

Lin's arch rival Lee Chong Wei has also not ruled out competing at the Rio Olympics. The Malaysian world No. 1 continued to compete worldwide after he lost to Lin again in the Olympic final at the London Olympics.

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