OLYMPIC champion Taufik Hidayat (pic) wants to rekindle his love for badminton and the only way he can do so is by playing in fewer tournaments this year.

The Beijing Olympics beckon but Taufik doesn't only want to defend the gold he won spectacularly in Athens four years ago.

Jakarta will host the Thomas Cup finals and Taufik wants to help his country regain the trophy Indonesia last won in 2002.

And there is also the All England, the only major title Taufik has never won.

"I have to admit that my love for badminton has dwindled over the years. I believe it has a lot to do with competing in too many competitions without proper preparation," said Taufik at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

Besides the All-England (March 4-9) and Thomas Cup (May 11-18), the World No 7 will play in the Swiss Open (March 11-16) and Asian Championships (April 15-20) before the Beijing Games.

"It was bad last year for despite nursing knee and back injuries, I still played in no fewer than 10 competitions -- excluding the Korat Sea Games -- and won only one (Asian Championships)."

"I realise that if I continue with last year's pace, I will not achieve my prime goals this year."

On the Malaysian Open, Taufik said he was treating it as warm-up for the All-England.

"I injured my back again during training recently but I will try my best here."

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