Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei has been tipped to shock badminton's world number one.
He has improved so much that he could upset China's Lin Dan and win Olympic gold, the country's badminton association president predicted Wednesday.
Lee is the world number two while Lin is ranked one, but the Malaysian has the mental advantage of beating the Chinese star at the recent Thomas Cup tournament in Indonesia.
‘The national players have prepared very well and they have the chance to win medals in Beijing this time,’ Nadzmi Salleh told the New Straits Times.
‘Chong Wei leads the charge and I feel that he has a chance against Lin Dan if they meet in the final,’ he said, alluding to Lee's recent Thomas Cup victory and his good preparation for the Olympics.
Lee is Malaysia's best medal hope in Beijing.
Others seen with a good chance of making the podium include men's doubles pairings Tan Fook/Wan Wah and Kien Keat/Boon Heong, while Mew Choo is considered an outsider capable of pulling off upsets in the women's singles.
‘The other players are also in good condition and the kind of support we receive from fans will only spur them to produce their best in Beijing,’ Nadzmi added.
