KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian badminton team and media are keeping close eyes on the return of Chinese star shuttler Lin Dan, who has crashed Malaysians' dream to win the country's first Olympic gold medal twice.
Lin Dan is expected to make his first play in the Asian Badminton Championships in Taiwan to be held from Apr. 16 to 21., after a long break since the London Olympics. He is currnetly 40th in the latest Badminton World Federation Rankings.
Malaysia's national badminton team coach Tey Seu Bock said he won't be surprise if the 29-year-old makes a strong return.
"If he shows up, I don't think he'll be under-prepared," Tey was quoted as saying by the local Star Newspaper on Thursday. "We will probably see him play at 80% of his best. Usually, the top players do not show a drastic drop in form."
Lin Dan came from behind in the London Olympics men's singles final, defeating his arch rival Lee Chong Wei 2-1 in an epic battle.
However, badminton fans may need to wait a little longer before watching another clash between the two best shuttlers in the world, as Lee has decided not to paly the Asian Badminton Championships.
The current World No. 1 has stumbled recently, after losing to China's Chen Long in the All-England Open final and another young Chinese talent Tian Houwei in the Australian Open last week.
However, Tey is confident that Lee will make a comeback soon. "Like Lin Dan, Chong Wei has a strong will and should be back at his best in no time," he said.
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