Next target is hitting a dozen at Malaysia Open

FRESH from winning his fourth All England crown on Sunday, Lee Chong Wei is now gunning for his 12th Malaysia Open title.

The 35-year-old who arrived in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, said he feels motivated to continue playing as long as his body permits him.

In Birmingham, the World No 1 outclassed 21-year-old Shi Yuqi of China 21-12, 21-10 in his seventh All England final.

The three-time Olympic silver medallist previously won the All England title in 2010, 2011 and 2014.

“The most important thing right now is to recover and get back to training as I will be heading off for the India Open (March 28-April 2) and the Malaysia Open (March 4-9).

“The Malaysia Open means much to me and I hope to win my 12th title.

“Winning the All England has definitely motivated me and I will push to do well in all the major tournaments this year,” said Chong Wei, who received a warm welcome from his wife (Wong Mew Choo) and kids (Kingston and Terrance Lee), BA of Malaysia (BAM) acting president Tan Sri Mohamed Al Amin Abd Majid and other office bearers at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) yesterday.

On his knee injury, which nearly ruled him out of the All England, Chong Wei said: “I have not fully recovered but I’m sure in time I will get back to my best.

“The main goal this year is to win the World Championships (in Glasgow) in August, as you all know it’s one of the titles that have eluded me all this time.”

When asked if he would play in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Chong Wei said: “I can’t promise if I will compete in Tokyo because it’s still a long way to go.

“I will take things one year at a time and see how my condition is. For now I still have the fire and desire to continue playing.

“Badminton is what I love, so I want to play for as long as I can.” Fabian Peter

The Malaysia Open means much to me and I hope to win my

12th title.

LEE CHONG WEI