China badminton star Lin eyes Olympic hat-trick

BEIJING (AFP) –

China’s Lin Dan at the London 2012 Olympic Games in London, on August 5, 2012. Lin Dan has denied any plans to quit the game — and even said he would consider going for a third straight Olympic title in 2016.

Chinese badminton star Lin Dan has denied any plans to quit the game — and even said he would consider going for a third straight Olympic title in 2016.

“Super Dan”, 28, was thought to be eyeing retirement after he became the first man to clinch back-to-back Olympic gold medals this month in London.

But Lin, often described as the sport’s greatest ever player, said he merely needed a rest after the Olympics. He will be back in domestic action as early as Saturday in the China badminton league.

“I never said I would retire. All I said is I want to take a rest for a while,” the world number one was quoted as saying by the China Daily.

“I hope to set a new target during my rest, and adjust my physical condition.”

Lin beat his great rival, Lee Chong Wei, for the second Olympic final running in London. The 29-year-old Malaysian has also not ruled out competing at Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

“If my foes are able to make it to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, I will also go for it,” said Lin.

Lin’s successful title defence helped dominant China sweep all five badminton categories in London, despite having their women’s doubles top seeds disqualified in a match-throwing scandal.