Will there be another blockbuster final between arch-rivals Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan at the world championships?
Last-chance saloon for Malaysian ace to win a major as Chinese superstar is seeded to face him for the title in Glasgow and continue one of sport’s greatest rivalries
One of the world’s great sporting rivalries could resume at this month’s world badminton championships in Glasgow – but Malaysian ace Lee Chong Wei and Chinese arch-nemesis Lin Dan would have to be at their best to set up another blockbuster final.
Lee will be looking for his first major after playing second fiddle to “Super Dan” for years but the 34-year-old could get the last laugh over the double Olympic champion and five-time world title holder.
In what could be the last-chance saloon for both players as they reach the twilight of their careers, Lee and Lin have been slotted in opposing ends of the draw, meaning they could realistically meet in the final on August 27. The championships kick off on August 21 with Lee having the more difficult draw.
The former world number one is projected to meet China’s world No 11 Tian Houwei and then reigning Olympic and world champion Chen Long in the quarter-finals.
Surviving that, he could next meet Denmark’s number three seed, Viktor Axelsen – bronze medallist at the Rio Olympics and a key members of Denmark’s victorious Thomas Cup squad last year in Kunshan, China – for a place in the final.