CHONG WEI: THERE’S MORE TO COME

World No 7 looks forward to more success after regaining fitness and winning Hong Kong Open

Arejuvenated Lee Chong Wei assured that more is to come from him now that he is physically back to his best. Just four months ago, the 35year-old was sent packing in the opening round of the World Championships in Glasgow, but on Sunday, the World No 7 silenced his critics when he claimed the Hong Kong Open in Kowloon.

It was his second title of the season after the All England in March.

Chong Wei, who arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) yesterday, said: “Four months ago, I was in a sad state. Physically I wasn’t at my best.”

“It was difficult for me to find my footing, and I was struggling in a number of tournaments leading up to the Hong Kong Open.

“Now that I feel so much better, I would like to put my past behind me and look forward to more success,” he said.

Apart from seeing off reigning Olympic champion Chen Long of China in the final, Chong Wei also defeated World No 2 Son Wan Ho of South Korea and Shi Yuqi of China in the earlier rounds in Hong Kong.

On his future plans, Chong Wei said: “I will go to Dubai for the World Super Series Finals (on Dec 13-17) as it is the last tournament of the season.

“After that I want to take a break. I want to make a strong return next year at the All England.

“Next year’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and Indonesia Asian Games are also important assignments. Both events are only held once in every four years, so I am focused on them.

“The Thomas Cup and the World Championships are the other major events next year, but I will leave it to the BA of Malaysia to decide on my schedule,” he added.

Despite having 46 Super Series crowns to his name, the former World No 1 has yet to win titles in the World Championships, Olympics, Asian Games and Thomas Cup.

The last time Chong Wei bagged the World Super Series Finals was 2013 in Kuala Lumpur.