Lin Dan outlines sharper Rio 2016 focus

Lin Dan will scale back commercial activities in a bid to turn his focus squarely on next year's Olympic Games, China's two-time Olympic badminton champion said on Sunday. 

   Lin outlined his plans after winning the Brazil Open men's singles title - which also served as badminton's official Rio 2016 test event - by outclassing Spain's Pablo Abian 21-13, 21-17.

   "The competition for places in China is ferocious," Lin was quoted as saying by Rio2016.com. 

   "Starting with my training this winter, I will be working systematically. Next year, I will become totally focused on the competitions."

   Sunday's result comes at the end of an inconsistent year for Lin. The five-time world champion was eliminated from the Hong Kong Open, China Open and French Open in the lead up to the tournament at Riocentro.

   China also clinched gold in the women's singles final on Sunday when Shen Yaying defeated compatriot Li Yun. 

   Organizers hailed the event as a success despite concerns that air conditioners affected the shuttlecock's flight path.

   "We are very aware of this question," Rio 2016 badminton competition manager Helena Gomes said.

   "During two days we ran a series of tests, measuring the air currents at different heights. We will have the results next week and from this we will devise the plan for Games time."  Endi