WORLDS 2010 – Li Yongbo: “Only 3 Gold”

China’s coach Li Yongbo has learned the lesson of the recent Uber Cup. When asked by Reuters how many medals he targets for the upcoming World Championships, the former men’s doubles champion tried to be realistic.“Of course I always want all five. But this time we have to be less optimistic,” Li told Titan News. “It is impossible to even match last year‘s four wins.”

“The women are still in the shadow of the Uber Cup defeat, and the best men‘s pair, Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng, have not played together for months because they represent different clubs in the domestic league. So it is also very difficult,” he told Reuters.

Lin Dan still on top

The team will no doubt count on its three-time world champion Lin Dan – who didn’t win the title in the China Super League but won all his matches, proving he was still on top of his game and in good form before the Paris meet – in order to clinch a fourth title,which would be a first in the history of the sport.

“Lin is doing very well recently,” Li said. “I believe he could beat Lee in the semis just like he did at this year‘s Thomas Cup. And I hope he could win the fourth consecutive title … So we do not want more. Three will be enough.”

Lin Dan is seeded 3rd and is expected to meet Lee Chong Wei in the semi-final in the upper part of the draw. Before that, however, he will probably have to face his friend and compatriot Bao Chunlai, who has beaten Lin on a few occasions.