By James Crook

Two-time Olympic and five-time world champion Lin Dan will lead a Chinese delegation to the Dutch Open in October for the first time in 12 yearsAugust 27 - Two-time Olympic and five-time world champion Lin Dan will lead a Chinese delegation to the Dutch Open in October as badminton's favourite son looks to build on his recovery from the injury which restricted him to just two appearances since London 2012.


Lin made his first appearance since defeating arch-nemesis Lee Chong Wei, from Malaysia, in the men's singles final at London 2012 in April at the Badminton Asia Championships, but he was hindered by injury and was forced to withdraw in the third round.

But, after being granted a wild card for the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Championships in Guangzhou earlier this month - to the dismay of Lee - the 29-year-old rolled back the years to come from a set down to take a record fifth world title against his rival.

He will continue his comeback from injury at the Dutch Open, which is due to take place from October 8 to 13 at the Topsportcentrum Almere, organisers confirmed along with 18 other Chinese players.

Lin Dan, who became the first man to retain the Olympic men's singles gold medal at London 2012, will compete at the Dutch Open in OctoberLin Dan, who became the first man to retain the Olympic men's singles gold medal at London 2012, will compete at the Dutch Open in October

"The Olympic and world champion is part of the field," confirmed tournament director Ton van Happen.

"That's the best you can hope for as an organiser for your event," he added.

This will be the first time that a Chinese squad have competed at this event since 2001, and that squad included a fresh-faced Lin, making his name in the national setup at the age of 17.

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