Chinese legend Lin Dan has predicted a Paris Olympics men’s singles final showdown between his countryman and world number one Shi Yu Qi against the reigning Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen.

Should that happen, it would be an epic final to take place at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena in Paris on August 5.

“Shi and Axelsen are placed in separate halves (of the draw). It seems to point to an epic showdown between the two in the final. Let’s see if they can make their way to the final.

“For me, Shi has the mental edge as he is aggressively battling to win the title. Axelsen could be under more pressure as the defending champion. Shi’s fearless approach may allow him to perform at his peak.

???"#ShiYuqi demonstrates an unyielding spirit. Given his performance in the first half of this year, it's undeniable that he can snatch the gold."??

-#LinDan says the Olympic gold medal could be well within Shi's grasp if he holds onto his confidence.#Paris2024 #badminton pic.twitter.com/D5Rqfvs717
— CGTN Sports Scene (@CGTNSportsScene) July 21, 2024

“It is clear that his focus will be to win this Olympics. For the last two years, Axelsen was regarded as the favourite to win the Olympics.

“But this year, I sense a shift. Shi has set his sights firmly on winning the gold medal. Given his impressive performance in the first half of the year, he has the ability to do so. He is also looking like a confident shuttler. Without such a mindset, the gold medal might be an impossible feat to achieve,” said Lin Dan.

The two-time Olympic champion certainly has a point.

Shi has been one of the standout shuttlers in the men’s singles this year, with four titles at the India Open, French Open, Singapore Open and most recently Indonesia Open to overtake Axelsen at the top of the rankings.

Besides that, the 28-year-old also finished second at the Malaysia Open in January.

To reach the final, Shi could face fellow contenders such as Kunlavut Vitidsarn, Anders Antonsen, Lee Zii Jia and Anthony Ginting.

Axelsen, meanwhile, could be up against another Chinese in Li Shi Feng, Jonatan Christie or Kodai Naraoka to reach the final.

Unlike Shi, Axelsen has not been in the greatest form this season, but the lanky Dane still has a title after he beat Lee to win the Malaysia Masters in May.