China's badminton head coach Li Yongbo has showed his confidence in veteran Lin Dan, saying that the five-time world champion would be the country's "double insurance" in the 2016 Rio Olympics, together with teammate Chen Long.
Li Yongbo, who is attending a commercial activity in Shanghai, told reporters on Saturday: "Lin is a player with 19 world titles (across Olympics, World Championships, World Cup, Thomas Cup and Sudirman Cup) and delivers at critical moments."
Meanwhile, the coach admitted that Lin needs time to adjust his form and pace as a 32-year-old player, reports Xinhua.
"Hope Lin could defend the honour of China badminton in 2016 Thomas Cup and be China's double insurance in Rio Olympics, together with teammate Chen Long," Li noted.
Lin, nicknamed "Super Dan", is a two-time Olympic winner in 2008 and 2012. Chen now ranks world No.1 in men's singles list.