Chen's Olympic dreams still up in the air

Indonesia's Taufik Hidayat (R) is congratulated by China's Chen Hong after winning the men's single final at the Asian Badminton Championship in Malaysia's southern state of Johor April 15, 2007.[Reuters]

World number 5 badminton player Chen Hong of China said he is not sure of his Olympic future after he was runner-up at the Asian Championship due to injury.

"I think Hidayat Taufik was at his best", Chen said of the three-time Asian champion. "My leg injury prevented me from winning the title."

The former champion shuttler returned to action as a free player or "individual entrepreneur" since he quit the national team two months ago. He not only plays tournaments, but also has to apply to compete in them, as well as take care of himself and try to gain enough Olympic points to compete at upcoming Games.

When asked whether being on his own complicated his training schedule, Chen said, "I'm not worried - I've played badminton for 20 years. I believe the system I am working on now will be useful later on when I become a coach."

The veteran has already resumed training with the Fujian provincial team to prepare for the Singapore Open from May 1-6. This upcoming tournament will be an opportunity for Chen to accumulate his Olympic points. In the meantime, Chen is grouped with compatriots Lin Dan, Chen Jin, and Indonesia's Lee Chongwei.

At the Singapore Open, the 27-year-old is highly likely to run into his foe Hashim Hafiz also from Indonesia, who ousted him from top spot in last year's Korea Open, which led to his retirement.

"I don't much care about the draw," Chen said. " No matter win or lose, I'm more concerned about my happiness. "

But he admitted he hasn't figured out how to qualify for the Olympics and for the moment he will decide how many matches he will play.