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China's Super Dan eyes sixth title at All England Open

Xinhua, March 4, 2015 Adjust font size:

Returning to the world's oldest badminton tournament for the first time since 2012, Chinese superstar Lin Dan said on Tuesday that he will try to win the title for the sixth time.

"It is amazing to win the title here because we professional players have always regarded All England Open as a mini-World Championships," said the twice Olympic champion and five-time world titlist.

"I have played here 12 times and won five titles," Lin said at a press conference. "The history is very special. It is my personal goal to win a sixth title and I will try to play my best at every match."

The 31-year-old, currently at world number six, opens his competition against Wei Nan of Hong Kong, China, on Wednesday and is pitted in the same half of the draw as top-seeded compatriot Chen Long, the world number one.

It is Lin's first tournament since he signed a endorsement deal with Japanese sports gear manufacturer Yonex, breaking away from the Chinese national team's sponsor Li-Ning, a Chinese company.

The deal is reported worth of 100 million yuan (about 16.33 million US dollars) and to run until the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

"I wish to get as many points as possible to help my world ranking and fight for my sixth title," he said.

He will have to collect enough points to qualify for next year's Rio Olympic Games.

"There are not a lot of players who can represent their country to compete in four Olympics. It will be great honor for me," he said.

Lin's compatriot and world No. 1 Chen Long, the 2013 All England winner, kicks off his title quest against another Chinese player Xue Song, who came through qualifying.

Chen is one of four Chinese top seeds in all the five categories of the tournament.

Meanwhile Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei, China's world mixed doubles champions, were drawn against Christopher Coles and Sophie Brown, England's home hopes, in the first round after the latter came safely through qualifying after a retirement to their opponents.

Tian Qing and Zhao are favorites to land the women's doubles titles, while in the women's draw top-ranked Li Xuerui will be favored to regain the title she won for the first time in 2012. Enditem