Arch-rivals Lee, Lin likely to meet in semifinals

Hyderabad: One of the most famous rivalries in badminton between top seed Malaysian Lee Chong Wei and fifth ranked Chinese Lin Dan might be reignited once again, as the two are likely to lock horns in the semifinal of the World Championship here.

Lee will kick off his title campaign against German Dieter Domke, while the Lin will clash with Isreali Misha Zilberman today.

"Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei are the two best players in the world. It is a special treat to watch both of them fight. If they meet in this tournament and Lin doesn't play true to his potential then Lee will have a chance," Chinese Coach Li Younbo said.


Lee and Lin always had a tough time getting across each other. The two clashed recently in the Swiss Open and Sudhirman Cup with each winning one.

"We have played in the Swiss Open and Sudhirman Cup and it is like 50-50. I am mentally prepared about meeting him," says Lee, who won the Malaysian Super Series and Indonesian Super Series titles recently.

"But he is a good fighter," he adds.

Lee won the Swiss Open in Basel defeating Lin in straight sets early this year and in May, although Lee helped Malaysia reach the semi-finals of the Sudirman Cup, his unbeaten record in the tournament was blown away by Lin.

Such is the frenzy among people here that they don't want to spare a chance to see these both the titans clash.

A group of Chinese students studying in Osmania University is waiting anxiously to have a glimpse of their favourite star Lin.

"We want to see Lin play. He is our hero," says Li Mao, who studies BCA here.