SINGAPORE — When Chinese badminton great Lin Dan last competed in the Singapore Open five years ago in 2011, he was angrily booed off the Singapore Indoor Stadium court by disappointed fans after he claimed to have an upset stomach during the men’s singles final to team-mate Chen Jin, and conceded a walkover.

On Tuesday (April 12), returning to Singapore’s marquee tournament at age 32, the former world No 1 is out to prove he still has fire in his belly.

At a media conference, Lin swatted aside questions on who will succeed him as badminton’s new icon.

“I have never entertained the thought that I am old,” said the China star, who will take on Indonesian world No 32 Ihsan Maulana Mustofa in their first-round match on Wednesday morning. “I think I can still compete (on the same level) as when I was younger.”

Then, flashing his famous smile, he quipped: “I feel even younger than Chen Long!” He was referring to his world No 1 compatriot who, at 27, is five years younger than him.

Despite the fact he is now in his 30s, Lin’s ambition and hunger for more successes are clearly undiminished.

The world No 3 said he is targeting his first triumph at this week’s OUE Singapore Open, and a record third straight Olympic title in Rio de Janeiro in August.

“Before (this media conference), my coach has instructed me not to answer any questions on (how I keep fit and maintain my form at my age),” he said. “But badminton has no secrets. It all depends on how hard the players and their badminton associations work.”

However, he did share what kept him going over a glorious 16-year career that has seen him bagging all nine major titles in world badminton to become the only shuttler to date to complete and win a Super Grand Slam.

Besides two Olympic gold medals, Lin has also won five World Championships, two World Cups, five Thomas Cups, five Sudirman Cups, one Super Series Masters Finals, six All England Open crowns, four Asian Games golds, and four Asian Championships.

“It is just my love for the sport,” said Lin, while admitting he was always “under a lot of pressure” and, ironically, was even wracked with self-doubt on many occasions.

“There are many good, young players in China and their constant emergence is what keeps me motivated.

“In recent years, there are also players from Japan, Germany and Indonesia who are coming up. We (the China team) just have to be prepared.”

For now, Lin is determined to leave the Singapore Indoor Stadium with the Singapore Open trophy and regain whatever love he lost from the fans after his infamous stomach upset in the 2011 final.

“Playing in Singapore is always tough because of the strong draft at the competition venue, thus making it hard to perform,” he said.

“I’ve never won this tournament and the best result I had here was a place in the finals. So I want to win it.

“Hopefully, the fans here can cheer for the China team. And Lin Dan.”