Lin, Hidayat want bragging rights

JAKARTA (AFP) - Badminton bad boys Lin Dan and Taufik Hidayat are playing for than just their countries at the Thomas Cup here this week — they both want bragging rights going into the Beijing Olympics.

World number one Lin and Olympic champion Hidayat have a well documented history of public spats, each earning their reputation with a series of fiery outbursts.

With the Thomas Cup the last major tournament ahead of the Olympics, how the arch-rivals perform, and just as importantly behave, in the team championships will be closely scrutinised as an indication of what to expect in August.

Lin might be the world's best player but he is walking a fine line after he allegedly struck coach Ji Xinpeng in a temper tantrum during a training match in April.

It prompted a chorus of calls for him be punished with some fans demanding that the hot-headed star be dumped from China's Olympic team.

"The coaching team and chief officials have spoiled Lin. He should have been kicked out of the team earlier," the China Daily quoted one fan as saying following the controversy, as the Internet ran hot with criticism.

Lin denied striking Ji but subsequently apologised.