Lin Dan still the best player ahead of All-England tournament, says Dane Peter Gade
Former world No 1 feels it doesn't matter how often the Chinese ace plays, when it comes to the big events he will always be the favourite
Lin Dan's return to badminton's All England Open for the first time in three years should show, despite his spasmodic appearances these days, that he is still the world's best player.
So says Peter Gade, the former world number one and the last European to win the All-England men's singles, who insists that badminton needs a period of competitive stability.
"It's been the strangest transformation recently," claimed the long-lasting Dane, who retired at the 2012 Olympics after more than 15 years at the top. "There's a huge group of about 12 or 13 players who can beat each other, but hopefully we will see a much clearer picture before the Olympics. The game needs that."
I don't see a big change if [Lin Dan] is on top form. If there's a question then it's whether he wants to play
Although Lin is already 31 he is still good enough to win the Rio Olympics, Gade believes, and capable of regaining the All England title this week, despite being seeded only fifth.
"I don't see a big change if he is on top form," Gade said. "He is still the best player. He has shown that on several occasions. If there's a question then it's whether he wants to play.
"It's a strange period for him too. From the outside we can't know what the reason is for him not playing," said Gade, referring to Lin's infrequent tournaments since changing his mind about retiring after the 2012 London Olympics.
Lin's chances this week may be greater because Lee Chong Wei, the Malaysian who holds the All England title, cannot defend it until doping allegations against him have been heard. "We need to move past the problem, whichever way we do it," Gade said. "It's impossible to say whether what happened was right or wrong - but we need a decision."