No matter what, Lin Dan winning this German GPG, and beating the likes of SWH, CTC, and Sho Sasaki (who is worth mentioning as he played one of his best badminton) is, to put it plainly , no mean feat. Particularly, the way CTC played against JOJ and then in the way he played, even better, against LD in the final was commendable, and we all know what CTC is capable of.
Incidentally, I recalled that the last time LD played and lost to LCW, it was a close, hard-fought 3-setter with LD taking the 1st set and narrowly losing the next two when had a clear lead in both. So, it 's simply not justifiable nor convincing for anybody to say that LCW is a better player than LD the last two years, no basis whatsoever. Btw, LCW also has his fair share of humiliating defeats to unfancied players (eg, to Heo Kwang Hee in the qualies, remember ?), not to mention some of his losses to LD and CL within the same period concerned.
Lastly, KM has never beaten LD, at least both JOJ and CTC had the last two years. The facts are there, undeniable. True, 2015 was LD's worst year in his career - he lost 12 times and won only one title, the JPN Open beating VA in the final.
For 2016, a good start is half the battle won. May Lin Dan rise and shine once again. JiaYou ! All the best.