THE mercurial Lin Dan has been avoiding the Malaysia Open after the heartbreak of the 2006 final against Lee Chong Wei but the Olympic champion is certain to compete in the event he dreads most, beginning Tuesday.

Lin Dan was just one point away from clinching his first Malaysia Open crown in Kuching as he led 20-10 but Chong Wei staged one of the most astonishing comebacks ever to win 21-18, 18-21, 23-21.

That bitter defeat probably kept Lin Dan away from four consecutive Malaysia Opens but a convincing victory over Chong Wei in the Thomas Cup semi-finals last year seems to have given the three-time world champion confidence of securing the only Super Series title he has yet to to win.

BA of Malaysia (BAM) general manager Kenny Goh said Lin Dan's name is on the list of China shuttlers arriving tomorrow.

"Lin Dan is certain to play in the Malaysia Open, which has attracted all the top shuttlers except for few names from Denmark and South Korea," said Goh.

"Barring a last minute withdrawal, Lin Dan appears to be a sure starter this time and his presence will be highly anticipated by the fans who will hoping for a Chong Wei-Lin Dan clash again."

Chong Wei, seeking his seventh Malaysia Open crown, is expected to meet Lin Dan in the semi-finals but the former is going through a tricky period where his coach Misbun Sidek has resigned.

However, Chong Wei has stated that his target is to win the title and looks forward to playing Lin Dan.

"Everyone will be expecting my clash against Lin Dan in the semi-final and I will go all out," said Chong Wei.

"I will give my best to win the title again and I hope that Misbun will be in my corner to help me achieve my objective."

Chong Wei has an easy draw en route to the semi-finals where he will meet an qualifier in the first round followed by an expected match second round match against Hu Yun of Hong Kong.

He should not face any problems overcoming Nguyen Tien Minh of Vietnam in the last eight before the last four encounter against Lin Dan.