Shuttler Lee Zii Jia could serve an upset and win Malaysia's first Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games if synthetic shuttlecocks are introduced next year.
Former international Rashid Sidek said synthetic shuttlecocks will benefit attacking players like Zii Jia, Taiwan's World No 2 Chou Tien Chen and Denmark's former world champion Viktor Axelsen.
Although Japan's Kento Momota, who has been dominating the men's singles event since 2018, is the favourite at the Tokyo Games, synthetic shuttles may not suit the World No 1's style of play.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF), however, may not go ahead with their plans of introducing synthetic shuttlecocks next year in international tournaments in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In January, the world body had approved the use of synthetic feather shuttlecocks at sanctioned international tournaments of all levels from 2021.
The shuttlecocks currently in use are usually made of goose or duck feathers.
The first synthetic shuttlecock, made of plastic instead of actual feathers, approved by BWF, was developed with the technological cooperation of Yonex.
However, those in the badminton fraternity feel that the introduction should be delayed by another year as the pandemic has forced the suspension of all tournaments.
The idea of moving away from traditional feather shuttlecocks has also led to some concerns among players and coaches, who are raising questions on the quality of the synthetic shuttles.
However, if BWF remain firm, the use of synthetic shuttlecocks from next year will offer attacking players an advantage in tournaments.
Rashid, who won the men's singles bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, foresees an open affair in all five events in the Tokyo Games if synthetic shuttlecocks are used.
"Synthetic shuttlecocks will benefit attacking players, so shuttlers like Zii Jia will have an advantage," said Rashid.
"Zii Jia loves to attack, and it would not be easy to beat him in Tokyo.
"The World No 10 Malaysian is already showing progress and will get better next season.
"He will have a chance to win the Olympic men's singles title next year.
"Tien Chen and Axelsen are also attacking players, so they may also upset the form book."
Asked whether Momota will still be the favourite in Tokyo if synthetic shuttlecocks are used, Rashid said the Japanese shuttler will find it tough as he is not an attacking player.
"Momota is very skilful and likes to outwit his opponents with his fancy game.
"Zii Jia should not waste the opportunity if the plan goes ahead."
He also said China's defending champion Chen Long and Shi Yuqi will also struggle with the new shuttlecocks.
Rashid, however, hopes BWF will not introduce synthetic shuttlecocks in the sport.
"The sport will not be exciting anymore. It will breed boring players who will rely on smashes, not skill, to win matches," he added.