'Brutal winter'

"With his growing years and decline in status, 'Super Dan' has shown obvious signs of fatigue," Chinese outlet The Paper said following his loss to Momota, the 24-year-old who represents the new guard at the top of the men's game, but who lost in the Hong Kong semis to eventual champion Son Wan-Ho of South Korea

Lin is caught in a "vicious circle" of defeats, which in turn has led to his ranking tumbling to give him harder draws in tournaments, the Shanghai-based website added.

A Tencent Sports article said that Lin was in the midst of "a brutal winter".

"He used to be a legendary character admired by hundreds of thousands of people on the world badminton stage," it said.

"And now in such a state ... time is ruthless," the article added, nevertheless praising his "enduring tenacity and sportsmanship".

Lin will, however, need "a magic bullet" in order to qualify for the Tokyo Games, it warned.

With his trademark tattoos and rebellious streak - and a rap sheet that includes once hitting a coach - Lin is something of an unusual character in Chinese sports.

For years he was hugely popular, combining good looks with brilliant shot-making and athleticism.

But former fans can be uncompromising.

Some in China have never forgiven Lin after he had an affair while his wife, Xie Xingfang, herself a former badminton world champion, was pregnant in 2016.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE