YONEX ALL ENGLAND OPEN BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIPS: THE BEST ARE BACK


Lee Chong Wei


Lin Dan


Defending Men’s Singles Champion Lin Dan will be motivated to add to his astonishing legacy


lost in the semi-finals to his great rival Lee Chong Wei and the Bronze medal match to Viktor Axelsen, but has since played in his home league in December and January where he has recorded impressive victories over Chen Long and other top Chinese players.


The double Olympic Champion will no doubt rely on his magic touch and legendary speed even if he is no longer able to strike the shuttle with the same levels of power as in his formative years. He is the Yonex All England reigning champion and will be motivated to add to his astonishing legacy. Chinese tabloids recently showed pictures of the champion cheating on his pregnant wife Xie Xingfang. He has apologised to his wife and fans but will certainly want to put the scandal behind him as he challenges for a seventh All England title.


Lee Chong Wei will also be one of the favourites, even if he performed below his best in Dubai at the World Superseries Finals at the end of last year, where he was beaten for the first time in the group stages. Lee is never as strong as when he has time to prepare well – and the Malaysian has prepared industriously since the beginning of the year.


INTERNATIONALBADMINTONMAGAZINE March 2017 | 9 www.isportgroup.com/InternationalBadmintonMagazine


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