Peerless badminton ace Lin Dan will win worlds if he wants: Coach

The only thing standing between Olympic champion Lin Dan and the world title later this month is himself, according to China's head coach Li Yongbo.

The 26-year-old, already one of the most successful badminton players ever, will be gunning for a fourth straight men's singles title at the August 23-29 championship in Paris.

The often outspoken Li believes Lin is currently peerless in the men's game and more than capable of setting what would be a new standard in the sport.

"Lin can definitely win whatever title he wants," Li told Sina.com. "It's all about how badly he wants it. As for this worlds, I think he is hoping to write history, set his own record that will be difficult for anybody to surpass."

"I believe he will give his best. He is now mature enough, compared to a few years ago. I think he will cherish the remaining years of his sporting career," Li said.

Having slipped to world number three by playing in the Chinese league in preference to some international ranking tournaments, Lin faces a tough draw in Paris.

World number one Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia is in the same half, as is Indonesia's 2004 Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat. If Lin manages to battle his way through to the final, he could face Denmark's world number two Peter Gade or younger compatriot Chen Jin.

"Lin is a player who deserves a lot of appreciation," Li said. "His diligence, talent, desire for honour and will to improve himself are priceless. At present, Lin's only rival is himself. Gade, Taufik, Lee Chong Wei are not a threat to him. They are just his opponents, not his rivals."