KUALA LUMPUR: If Chinese badminton great Lin Dan's optimism holds true, his world No. 1 compatriot Shi Yu Qi could have the upper hand against Lee Zii Jia in a potential Olympic semi-final clash.
The two-time Olympic champion (Beijing 2008 and London 2012) envisions a dream final between Yu Qi and Denmark's defending champion Viktor Axelsen. However, Lin Dan tipped the in-form Yu Qi to ultimately secure gold at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena in Paris on August 5.
Lin Dan, 40, is confident that Yu Qi will make the most of his second Olympic appearance, after reaching only the quarter-finals in Tokyo three years ago. With Yu Qi being 32 by the 2028
Los Angeles Games, the urgency for him to succeed in Paris is clear.
Yu Qi aims to restore China's dominance in the men's singles, potentially becoming only the fourth Chinese player to clinch Olympic gold after Ji Xinpeng (Sydney 2000), Lin Dan, and Chen Long (Rio 2016).
This year, Yu Qi has been in exceptional form, claiming four Super 750 or higher titles: the India Open, French Open, Singapore Open and Indonesia Open. These victories propelled him to the world No. 1 ranking, dethroning Axelsen.
"Yu Qi's focus is clearly on excelling at this year's Olympics," Lin Dan told the Chinese media recently.
"He's not looking ahead to the next Games; he's fully committed to this opportunity.
"His performances this year show he has the capability to win gold. This success is crucial for his confidence, without which the gold might seem out of reach."
While Yu Qi is favoured, he faces stiff competition on his path to the gold. An equally in-form Zii Jia poses a significant threat, alongside world No. 4 Anders Antonsen of Denmark, Thailand's reigning world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn, and Indonesia's Anthony Ginting.
Yu Qi is expected to comfortably top Group A, which includes Italy's Giovanni Toti and Suriname's Soren Opti. As one of the top two seeds, this should secure him direct entry into the quarter-finals.
His first major challenge is likely to be from Kunlavut in the quarter-finals. Should he advance, he could face Zii Jia, Antonsen, or Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Anthony in the semi-finals.
History favours Yu Qi in a potential match-up with Zii Jia, having won five of their six encounters. Their most recent clash in May's Thomas Cup semi-finals saw Yu Qi dominate with a 21-19, 21-5 triumph.
Zii Jia's lone victory dates back to January 2020 in the Malaysia Open quarter-finals. However, Zii Jia's recent victories at the Thailand Open and Australia Open prove he's a formidable opponent not to be trifled with.
Lin Dan eagerly anticipates a Yu Qi-Axelsen final showdown. Despite Axelsen's 9-3 lead in their head-to-head record, Lin Dan believes the momentum has shifted in Yu Qi's favour.
"Axelsen is in a very anxious situation as he's eager to defend his title, which can be quite difficult on the Olympic stage," said Lin Dan.
"Mentally, Yu Qi might have an edge. He is very clear about taking what he wants, unleashing himself, and showcasing all his abilities to bring out his best form.
"While Axelsen was the clear favourite in recent years, Yu Qi has truly come into his own this year. He's determined not to let the gold medal slip through his fingers."