KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 — National badminton ace Datuk Lee Chong Wei’s chance to beat his nemesis Lin Dan in the men’s singles semi-final match is brighter if the current performance becomes the yardstick. 

Former national coach Rashid Sidek said the world number one should be alert of the psychological game that would be used by Lin Dan in tomorrow’s match. 

"Both of these players have almost the same playing style, but Chong Wei must be careful with various tricks that will be used by his arch rival,” said the 1996 Atlanta Olympics bronze medallist to Bernama.

Rashid, who once coached the 32-year-old player, admitted that Chong Wei had advantages in terms of attacking and smashing shots.

"He needs to diversify his game, such as the ‘fast-play’ and ‘rally’, if not

‘Super Dan’ will easily read his steps,” he said.

Meanwhile, national men’s doubles champion Datuk Razif Sidek concurred with his younger brother.

"If we look at the records of their meetings, Lin Dan had won all the big tournaments against Chong Wei. 

"But if Chong Wei managed to keep his pace, not lose focus and has high confidence, it will certainly be an advantage for him,” he said.

Razif said if Chong Wei made it through to the final, the match would not be easy because Chen Long was expected to not have any problem to defeat Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in another semi-final. — Bernama