CHONG WEI PROVES A POINT

Malaysian ace shows why he is still among the best in the sport

LEE Chong Wei’s fine performance at the ongoing Thomas Cup in Bangkok could very well be the turning point for him ahead of other major championships.

For the record, the 36-year-old has not won titles at the Olympics, Asian Games, World Championships and the Thomas Cup.

Chong Wei has, on several occasions, admitted that he is no longer the player he used to be and that it was difficult playing younger shuttlers.

However, the Malaysian proved he is still among the best in the game when he upset World No 1 and reigning world champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the final Group D tie on Wednesday.

Malaysia may have lost 3-2, but it was Chong Wei's superb play that grabbed attention.

The win over Axelsen could offer Chong Wei, who many claim is on his way out, the needed boost in his quest to win a major title.

Last month, Chong Wei showed his mettle by winning his fifth Commonwealth Games gold medal by overcoming then World No 1 K. Srikanth at the Gold Coast edition.

“The victory (over Axelsen) was a matter of pride, it feels good to win, especially after losing to him three times in a row before this.

"It has restored my confidence,” said Chong Wei.

After the Thomas Cup, Chong Wei will likely play in the Malaysia Open next month before shifting his focus towards the World Championships in Nanjing on July 30-May 5.

DENMARK 1 CHINA 3, SOUTH KOREA 3 CANADA 1, INDONESIA 2 THAILAND 3, JAPAN 3 TAIWAN 1. time) — Matches at 3pm (Malaysian