China's Lin Dan competes during his badminton match against Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei (Xinhua Photo)

Chinese badminton player Lin Dan is not a superman. Lin suffered defeat to Lee Chong Wei at the Division 1 Group A match of Sudirman Cup World Team Badminton Championships in Glasgow, Scotland June 14, 2007, but China beat Malaysia 4-1.

Lin has been a frequent visitor to the top of the world rankings but tended to have under-par performance in major events.

According to Xinhua News Agency, Chinese head coach Li Yongbo said of the 23-year-old, known as "Super Dan" for his talents, "It's not saying he didn't take the game seriously. He just didn't play his best. He's not a superman."

He suffered a shock opening round exit in the Athens Olympic Games in 2004 and the 2005 world championships final became a nightmare as he was routed 3-15, 7-15 by archrival Taufik Hidayak of Indonesia.

Editor: Donald