Lin Dan: Retirement? Not yet

Having swept all the titles in badminton, Lin Dan still has an unquenchable desire to win, as he shrugged off rumors that he is considering quitting the game.

"I never said I would retire [after the London Olympics]. All I said is I want to take a rest for a while," said the 28-year-old on Wednesday, adding that he will compete in the new season of the Chinese badminton league, which starts on Aug 25.

But he did not give a clear timetable on when he plans to return to the international stage.

"I hope to set a new target during my rest, and adjust my physical condition."

Lin Dan became the first badminton player to defend a title at the Olympics after he held off Malaysian Lee Chong Wei for the second straight time in London. But that is not enough, as he said he is eyeing a hat trick.

"If my foes are able to make it to Rio de Janeiro Olympics (in 2016), I will also go for it, too."

Lin Dan published his autobiography,Till the End of the World, earlier this month. He also revealed that he will hold a wedding ceremony?in late September to make up to his wife, Xie Xingfang. The two tied the knot in 2011, but the ceremony was postponed due to Lin's preparation for the Olympics.

A resilient Li is dangerous

Li Na ended a 14-month championship drought, since the French Open last year, with a thrilling comeback, 1-6, 6-3, 6-1, against German Angelique Kerber at the Cincinnati Open final on Sunday. That's less than a week after she fired her husband, Jiang Shan, as coach and hired Justine Henin's former coach, Carlos Rodriguez, instead. What a productive move! With the US Open around the corner, betting odds for a more poised Li Na has every reason to climb up.

Li said the biggest improvement taught by the new coach was emotion control on the court, especially when she is trailing.

And how about Jiang?

"He fits in logistics better." Hmmm…