Shi Feng aims to smash aside the shadows of Super Dan [WATCH]
But since then his play hasn't been as super as Super Dan; he only managed to win the Kumamoto Masters in Japan last November.
Now, the world No. 4 is more focused on making himself a complete player than the Lin Dan comparison.
This more pragmatic approach has led to better results this year as Shi Feng reached the semi-finals in four out of seven World Tour events this year, including the ongoing Malaysia Masters.
Shi Feng defeated Hong Kong's world No. 21 Angus Ng 21-13, 21-15 in the quarter-finals at the Axiata Arena today.
Shi Feng said he doesn't want to dwell on his past glories, but continue to become a better player.
"It's normal for athletes to have good or bad results and I had it good in 2023. I won the Asian Games and the National Games. Compared to 2023, my performance in 2024 was not as good, but it's a process.
"In fact, 2024 was a year of growth and I think it is more about evolving myself. I want to focus on becoming a strong player and I don't look back to the past."
Shi Feng's win over Angus was significant as the Hong Konger had come into the match with a 4-0 head-to-head record. "He is an experienced player and although I had lost in all four previous matches, I was well prepared today," added Shi Feng.
Asked if he is ready to win his first title of the year this weekend, Shi Feng said he would give it a try.
"I haven't thought about that (winning the title) but I have to focus on my next match and will do my best," said Shi Feng who will play Japan's world No. 8 Kodai Naraoka — who ousted China's world No. 14 Weng Hong Yang 21-12, 21-19 — in the last four.
Shi Feng has a favourable 5-3 record against Kodai, and had also beaten the Japanese in their last four meetings.
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