Lin and Lee's rivalry might extend through to Rio 2016

Chinese shuttler Lin Dan released his autobiography Until the End of the World on the same day he won the gold medal at the London Olympics, while Malaysian finalist Lee Chong Wei, whom Lin beat to take the gold, published his autobiography, Dare to Be a Champion, late last year.

The books' titles hint at the reality that the pair's rivalry will likely continue.

The recently crowned Chinese champion "Super Dan" is ready to fight at the next Games in Rio, especially after he heard Lee will extend his quest to claim Olympic gold to 2016.

"If Lee plays (in Rio), I will, too," the world No 1 told China Daily in London on Monday - one day after he repeated the victory he also claimed in Beijing in 2008.

The win extended Lin's record over Lee to 14-6.

Since Lin's Beijing victory, he also beat Lee in the finals of the 2010 Asian Games and the 2011 World Championships. Lee's major win over Lin was at the 2011 All England Championship final.

"Lin is the greatest badminton player in the world," Lee said after defeat.

"I just can't beat him when we meet. The good thing is that there's only one Lin Dan in the world."

But one would be enough to derail Lee's gold aspirations if the pair clashes again in a major final.

Lin's response could be bad news for Malaysian badminton fans, who believe their icon could win gold in Rio.

They have been hoping the media reports that London would be Lin's last Olympics were true.

"There's always a period of reflection after the Olympics," said Lin, who will be 33 in 2016.

"I'm a responsible man. I will not rush to a decision (to retire from the Games). I'll think about it. But once I make the decision (to keep playing through 2016), I'll do my best, as I always have."

Lin believes that even if he is too old to play in 2016, other young Chinese shuttlers won't let Lee take the gold.

"If I don't do it, then young players like Chen Long won't let him claim the gold," Lin said.

Lee, who ended Malaysia's Olympic medal drought - which had lasted since the 1996 Games - with the silver in Beijing, will be 34 years old in 2016. He had been struggling with an injury before London.

But his coach and mentor Misbun Sidek believes Lee can make the final in 2016, as long as he keeps fighting.

"He overcame lots of difficulties before London and made it into the final," Sidek said.

"He is a great man. I would not be surprised to see him in the final in 2016 if he sustains his motivation and focuses on training."

While they're fiercely competitive rivals on the court, Lin and Lee are good friends off it.

Lin invited Lee to his wedding to the world's former women's No 1, Xie Xingfang.

"I am looking forward to meeting him in China," Lee said.

"We don't have to compete. We can just sit down and chat like friends."

chenxiangfeng@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 08/08/2012 page10)