China looks set to capture three badminton golds in Athens next month, if the Olympic seeding lists released by the International Badminton Federation on Thursday are anything to go by.

The final deadline for entries to the Athens 2004 Olympic Games passed on Wednesday, with badminton fulfilling its quota of 172 players at the Games.

In men's singles, Lin Dan is accompanied at the top of the seeding list by teammate Chen Hong, a surprise addition to the team at the expense of world champion and Sydney bronze medalist Xia Xuanze.

China's stars could be on course for a clean sweep of medals in the women's singles, as World Champion Zhang Ning and Zhou Mi join Gong Ruina to make up the top three seeded positions.

South Korean pair Ra Kyung Min and Lee Kyung Won will be looking to prevent a Chinese 1-2-3 in the women's doubles.

(CRI July 23, 2004)