Lee, Lin the favorites at badminton worlds, says Gade

World number two Peter Gade believed that world number one Lee Chong Wei and three-time world champion Lin Dan are the favorites to win the men's singles title at the Badminton World Championships.

The 33-year-old Dane easily beat Daniel Paiola from Brazil 21- 10, 21-7 on Tuesday, setting up a clash with South Korean Shon Wan Ho in the second round.

"I knew it may not be a really tough game against the Brazilian, but there were still a lot of good rallies," said the veteran, who thought he has been experienced a good preparation and was ready for the challenges coming out.

China's ace Lin believed top seed Lee was the favorite for the title and named Gade as the second favorite, but Gade couldn't see eye to eye with the third seed.

"I don't agree with him. How can you say that when you won the last three World Championships as well as the Olympic gold medal. So he together with Chong Wei, these two guys clearly are the favorites. We have to admit that," claimed Gade, who lost to Lin in the quarterfinals at both the 2008 Olympic Games and last year' s World Championships.

"Then I see myself in a group of three or four players who on a good day may beat them. That's where I am. I need to go for my chances, see if I can win the game and go through. That's all the matter to me," said Gade.

Gade admitted that avoiding an encounter with Lin ahead of the final was a good thing, and "I'm the number two in the world, I knew I got to be in the other side of Chong Wei".

"But I still have good opponents and will have a tough match tomorrow. I feel good and ready for next match," Gade said.

Source: Xinhua