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| Chen Jin |
22
April 2012
CHEN Jin is set to join his China
compatriots for a three-pronged attack on Lee Chong Wei in the Olympics but
national coach Tey Seu Bock feels his presence will not make a major impact in
London.
Chen Jin received a walkover from teammate
Lin Dan in the Badminton Asia Championships yesterday. He only needs to beat Du
Pengyu, who defeated Chen Long 17-21 21-16 21-12, in the final today to
virtually secure his ticket to the Olympics.
While Lin Dan and Chen Long have already
qualified for the Olympics, the Badminton Asia title will help Chen Jin move a
rung to No 4 to claim his spot.
Only Peter Gade Christensen of Denmark can
deny Chen Jin the Olympic ticket but the former must win next week's India Open
to do so. Current form suggests Christensen is not expected to go all the way
in the India Open which has attracted a top class field led by Chong Wei.
Seu Bock said meeting the China players is
unavoidable and Chong Wei is prepared not only to face them but also other
seasoned players like Peter Gade Christensen of Denmark, Indonesian Taufik
Hidayat and Lee Hyun Il of South Korea in his quest for the Olympic gold.
"It is an extra China player for the
Olympics and nothing else has changed. Chong Wei only has to worry about the
China players in the semi-final stage or final but he would rather focus on the
earlier rounds first," said Seu Bock.
"Our main aim is to make sure Chong
Wei avoids Lin Dan until the final and that has been achieved. No matter what happens
in the India Open, Chong Wei as the top ranked player, will be seeded in the
same order in London.
"China has the luxury and the strength
to try until the last event to have three players, and we cannot do anything
about it. Be it Chen Jin or Chen Long or other rivals like Christensen, Taufik
or Hyun Il, our preparation will ensure Chong Wei is ready to face any one in
the Olympics."
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