Lee Chong Wei, the world No 1 from Malaysia, said he will have to play substantially less if he wants to prolong his outstanding career and reach the Rio Olympics.

Lee spoke about retiring this year after winning the Malaysian Open in January, because of the increasing strain on his body and his mind.

But now the 31-year-old badminton legend has agreed with former world No 1 Peter Gade, who on Tuesday advised Lee to cut down his schedule if he wanted to play on.

"I saw what Peter Gade said and I think he is right. I must do that," said Lee, well aware that the Dane managed to compete at the highest level in men's singles beyond his 36th birthday,

"Yes - it might be that I just do perhaps six tournaments next year," Lee agreed.

"Lin Dan (the Olympic champion from China who is 30) already does this. I need to be allowed to do this also."

Since Lin won the gold medal at the 2012 Games in London he has been allowed to compete in very few tournaments, undoubtedly helping him stay fresh enough to win his fifth world title at Guangzhou in August.

Meanwhile, Lee appears to have gone through at least three changes of mind as he agonizes about what is best for his country and about what his body might still be capable of doing.

Originally he planned to announce his retirement after the 2012 Olympics, but after getting within a mere two points of winning Malaysia's first ever gold medal in any sport, he decided to see if another Games might be possible.

Then he was stretchered off with a bad attack of cramps at match point in a long and thrilling final of the world championships, and experienced further physical stress while winning his tenth Malaysian title seven weeks ago.

"I just cannot imagine how I would fare in three years' time," he said afterward, referring to the 2016 Olympic Games, and adding that retirement after the Asian Games at Incheon in September seemed likely.

Now here at the All-England Open championships, where Lee is trying to win back the sport's oldest title, he painted a more hopeful picture of how to continue his career.

"I have had Yonex to consider," he said, referring to his equipment contract. "But I think it will be all right with my sponsor."

He also agreed that life feels different now he has an 11-month-old son, and admitted he often plays under a lot of pressure.

But he said he draws strength from both these things.

That was made possible because his wife, Wong Mew Choo, a former world No 7-ranked player, understands his situation well and is supportive.

"She is happy for me to try to play in another Olympics," Lee revealed. "She understands my life of sport. So I will try my best.

"And so yes, there is a chance that I'll continue".

(China Daily 03/09/2014 page11)