TRIUMPHS AGAIN
Chong Wei finds nemesis too hot to handle in Asian semis
FABIAN PETER fabian.mark@nst.com.my
WORLD No 1 Lee Chong Wei once again had his dreams dashed by Lin Dan of China, this time in the semi-finals of the Badminton Asia Championships in Wuhan, China yesterday.
The five-time world champion ended Chong Wei’s hopes of defending his title with a comfortable 21-13,
21-15 win.
The victory is also Lin Dan’s second over the Malaysian this month, after having beaten him in the Malaysia Open final in Kuching.
“Clearly Lin Dan was in total control from the start. He made Chong Wei feel very uncomfortable,” said national singles coach Tey Seu Bock when contacted.
“I know many are worried, because this is Chong Wei’s second consecutive defeat to Lin Dan this year. However, I think it’s good because at least we know what we need to work on.
“From my observation, Lin Dan has changed a lot. He is a different kind of player and we were clearly not ready for it.
“Chong Wei may have won all his matches till the semi-finals but I must say that he is far from his best. He seemed to be struggling to find his rhythm. Lin Dan capitalised on that.
“Lin Dan has got variety in both his attack and defence and that made things difficult for Chong Wei.
“It’s back to the drawing board for Chong Wei. I am not so worried, because Hendrawan, Chong Wei and I will sit down after this to discuss on what are the alternatives we can explore.
“The main focus this year is the World Championships (Glasgow) and that is
A badminton hall of fame will also be set up at ABM.
On his decision to step down as KLBA president and NSI chairman, Norza said: “I have informed the minister (Khairy Jamaluddin) about this and it is up to them to choose a successor.
“Many are saying that I hold too many positions, so now I am reducing them to the minimum so that I can focus more on BAM.
“I feel humbled by this appointment as I know how close badminton is to the nation. It is a tough job but I believe in the people I work closely with. We have a good team to bring about changes.”
Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Hussein (Sarawak BA) and Datuk Lim Teong Keat were elected as the new deputy presidents.
Datuk Ng Chin Chai retained his position as the secretary while Selangor BA president Datuk V. Subramaniam is the new treasurer.
Former deputy president Tan Sri Mohamed Al Amin Abd Majid was made advisor of BAM, while former president Tengku Mahaleel Tengku Ariff is now the honorary president. where we want Chong Wei to be at his best.”
Chong Wei will return to Kuala Lumpur this week, where he will resume training before leaving for Gold Coast, Australia for the Sudirman Cup on May 21-28.
He will then compete in the Indonesia Open on June 12-18.
Lin Dan, meanwhile, will face compatriot and Rio Olympics champion Chen Long in the final today.