"This title brings me a lot of joy because before I have never beaten him (Lin) internationally," said Chen after the win. "I just wish it had been the World Championships."

The victory also sounded a strong message that the Chinese trio is the benchmark.

"Big wins give Chen extra confidence and courage," said head coach Li Yongbo. "Now China will have three of the world's best players in the Olympics and the chance (to win a gold) becomes bigger."

Main opponents

The biggest threat to China's medal charge will come from Malaysian world No 2 Lee Chong Wei.

Lee has beaten Lin and Bao several times in recent years, including the latest win over Lin in the Thomas Cup semifinal.

Despite being one of the sport's powerhouses, Malaysia has never won Olympic gold in badminton, or in any other sport for that matter.

But many believe Chong Wei is capable of breaking the drought and humbling the Chinese juggernaut.

"For me, Lin Dan and Chong Wei are the two best players in the world today, and based on current form, maybe Chong Wei is the better player," Danish world No 10 Peter Gade told the Straits Times.

Gade, although slumping with age, is still respected as a potential challenger to the world's best.

"His form at the Thomas Cup in Jakarta was outstanding, especially in his win over Lin Dan. He is the player to watch in Beijing."

Lee, who played at the Athens Olympics but was knocked out in the final 16, has benefited from time with sports psychologist Frederick Tan over the past 18 months.

Both Lin and head coach Li still tip defending Olympic champion Hidayat as one of Lee's main threats.

Although a major win has eluded him in the past year, Hidayat's infamous off-court exchange with bitter-rival Lin and formidable experience and maturity means he's never far from the headlines.

But the men's singles is perennially Badminton's most competitive event, with frequent upsets and long-shot winners at major tournaments.

Other potential title contenders include world No 5 Kenneth Jonassen of Denmark, No 6 Sony Dwi Kuncoro (Indonesia), runner-up to Lin in last year's Worlds, and Korean duo Lee Hyun-Il and Park Sung Hwan, No 8 and 9 respectively.

(China Daily June 30, 2008)