I am still blinking my eyes at seeing Lin Dan in the draw. Sure it's not another person with the same name The format of the draw will be interesting. At least most of those travelling far will get a couple of matches in.
I don't think Lin Dan will come to this event as he has to travel from HK to Rio. If he really wants to go to Rio, look for an early knockout in HK.
Lin Dan has promised that he would go.He was in Rio earlier this year and probably made the decision that time.
I suspect Lin Dan's going to Rio GP is more of Yonex's idea, it's too early to go there for acclimatization. None of his colleagues except a few second stringers who are non-Olympians are accompanying him; that's telling, surely Chen Long, Li Xuerui,et al would want to be there if there's something to gain from it. Travelling from HK to Rio across the vast Pacific ocean immediately is an uninviting prospect if he goes deep in the HK SS, say a final's appearance, hardly any time to get over the jetlag. An early exit at the HK Open, well, maybe (who knows what he's up to), but what about the considerable difference in ranking points for R2R (Road to Rio), is it worth it?
It would take over a day of travelling time (including stopovers to get to Rio). He 'could' go to Rio if he didn't play HK Open. But Yonex also sponsors the HK Open and also brings in Taufik (Yonex). And Lee Chong Wei (Yonex) will be in HK....so, on a balance of priorities, sponsor pressure will ensure Lin Dan is in HK. Rio seems way down on the list. There is no compelling reason for him to attend. Why is his name still there? Maybe to increase the profile of the tournament for the organisers there. He might attend but I think unlikely.
Why are China sending some second stringers there? I think it is for the coaches to do some filming and get some experience of the venue there. Heat, transportation, humidity, food(look for Chinese restaurants!!)), lighting and draught in the hall under playing conditions.
Will LD need to stopover?? Won't Yoneyama provided chartered executive jet for his biggest meal ticket?
The stakes r high and LD is the lone selling point. And in any case a GP event (or for that matter even an IC or IS) is an official event unlike high profile leagues or exhibitions despite their hype.
Yes,it's the same venue........ Meanwhile,Brazilian Media has confirmed Lin Dan's participation in Rio GP,reports Xinhua and the ticket sales counters have LD's posters.....
Looks like Lin Dan is serious about going to play at Rio GP. As reported here, besides Lin Dan, some coaches and junior or second string players, even Li Yongbo himself has announced he will be accompanying the CHN Team there to test and inspect the tournament venue, and perhaps recce the city itself. http://sports.qq.com/a/20151107/039143.htm The only surprise according to the reporters is that apart from Lin Dan, none of the rest of the CHN elite players, the possible Olympians,are participating and taking the opportunity to acclimatize themselves with the venue. Just as surprising, most of the other NOCs are also not taking part. The article also mentioned that Lin Dan is the only one who has been to Rio De Janeiro once when he was the Laureus Sports Ambassador in 2014 to promote the sport and do some charity work.
