SINGAPORE — Badminton fans here could see a rematch between national shuttler Loh Kean Yew and China’s Lin Dan at the 2019 Singapore Open in April, as two-time Olympic champion Lin has confirmed his participation in the US$355,000 (S$482,000) tournament.

Just last month, Loh — who was then ranked 125th in the world — made headlines when he upset the Chinese superstar en route to claiming the Thailand Masters title.

The 21-year-old Singaporean player is well aware that fans are looking forward to a thrilling battle on the badminton courts if he comes up against Lin on home soil.

“I know a lot of people are looking forward for this possible rematch, but it will really depend on the draw,” said Loh, who is now ranked 69th in the world.

“There are so many top shuttlers coming to the Singapore Open this year, so I have to focus on improving my game and mental strength first. The home support is definitely important but I’m sure Lin Dan has studied my game after that match.

“The draught is very strong in the stadium, so I will need to adapt to it faster than him and any other player in order to perform well and win.”

Five-time world champion Lin will be aiming to clinch his first Singapore Open title to add to his trophy collection. As he is eyeing a third Olympic singles gold medal at the Tokyo Games next year, the 35-year-old also wants to improve on his world No 12 ranking ahead of qualifying.

“I have registered for quite a number of tournaments this year including Singapore Badminton Open. I’m hoping to earn as many points as possible, to improve my ranking. I hope to get mentally prepared before the Olympic qualification period commences,” he said.

Veteran shuttler Lin is one of the top names in the 35-strong Chinese contingent set to compete at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, along with reigning Olympic champion Chen Long (No 4) and Li Xuerui (22), who won the women’s singles title at the 2012 London Olympics.

Li will face tough opposition in her bid for the title here, with the women’s singles’ draw to feature Thai world champion Ratchanok Intanon (8) and India’s Saina Nehwal (9).

Li said: “It’s been a long time since I last competed in Singapore and I’m using this to improve my ranking ahead of the Olympic qualifying period. Qualifying for the Olympics is definitely my target now. I’m building up my stamina and pace, getting ready for the upcoming tournaments when the qualifying period starts.” 

Other top players who have confirmed their participation at the April 9 to 14 Singapore Open include reigning Olympic silver medallists Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying (Malaysia), reigning men’s doubles champions Hendra Setiawan and Mohammad Ahsan (Indonesia) and 2013 Singapore Open men’s singles winner Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia.

Tickets are available via Sports Hub Tix and Apac Tix. Early ticket sales will end on Feb 28.