Lee Chong Wei chooses long-time rival Lin Dan as greatest ever badminton player

Badminton's Former World . 1 Lee Chong Wei recently revealed that he mand to reach greater heights thanks to his fierce rivalry with China’s Lin Dan. Lee anunced his retirement from badminton in 2019 after undergoing treatment for se cancer. While speaking in a Facebook Live session, Lee Chong Wei revealed that Lin Dan pushed him to greater heights, which is why he considers him as greatest player of all time. 

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Lee Chong Wei Lin Dan rivalry history

Lee Chong Wei Lin Dan rivalry has given fans several memorable matches in past and both shuttlers are considered as greatest men’s players to have graced court. Lee Chong Wei Lin Dan rivalry has seen duo face each or 40 times in ir career with Lin Dan holding a 28-12 record against Lee Chong Wei.

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Lee Chong Wei reveals why he considers Lin Dan as greatest player

During Facebook Live session, three-time Olympic silver medallist said he chose his rival, Lin Dan, as greatest player because he’s a legend and Lin Dan Olympic medals and titles speak for mselves. Wei claimed that badminton fans need to salute him for his career. Wei lost to Dan in two Olympic finals (2008 and 2012) and two World Championship finals (2011 and 2013) in his illustrious career. Lee spent a total of 348 weeks as World . 1 but never won a world or Olympic title, after falling short in nail-biting showdowns with Lin Dan.

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Lee Chong Wei Lin Dan rivalry: Wei claims his obsession with Dan inspired him to do well

During Facebook Live session, 37-year-old said revealed that Dan was inside his head when he got back to training after every loss. He added that he knew in order to win important tournaments he had to beat Dan, which is why he was never relaxed. He furr said that even when he was cramping up during play, he told his coach he wanted to continue training because Lin Dan was waiting for him.

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(IM: LEE CHONG WEI / INSTAGRAM)