CHEN LONG CRASHES OUT
Olympic champ upstaged by Thai youngster as Chong Wei breezes through
WORLD No 6 Lee Chong Wei was not surprised with the early exit of Olympic champion Chen Long from the Malaysia Open yesterday.
The fifth seeded China star, who was crowned champion in 2015, lost in straight games 23-21, 21-5 to Thailand’s youngster Kantaphon Wangcharoen in the men’s singles first round at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
Chong Wei, who is gunning for a 12th Malaysia Open title, however, eased into the second round with a 21-13, 21-10 win over Japan’s Kazumasa Sakai.
When asked about the first round defeat suffered by Chen Long, who was also in the same half of the draw, Chong Wei said: “It is not surprising. As I have mentioned before, top players are always exposed to upsets, so we have to be wary. The first match is always crucial.
“Even in my opening match, you could see me trying out various shots to test the court. Upand-coming players are always gunning for our scalp.
“As for me, I am satisfied with my game today (yesterday). A convincing win in the first round definitely motivates me ahead of the next match. Playing in front of our home fans, I want to give my best.”
The 36-year-old will face South Korean Lee Hyun Il in the second round tomorrow.
On whether the one day break would affect his momentum, Chong Wei added: “Well, it’s the organisers who decided on this, guess we will just have to follow.
“I know who my opponent is, so I’ll discuss with my coaches and use this one day to prepare myself well,” he added.
Reigning world champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark and China’s Lin Dan also checked into the second round.
In the women’s singles, national No 1 Goh Jin Wei chalked up an impressive 21-13, 21-17 win over Taiwan’s Pai Yu Po.
“My coach (Tey Seu Bock) told me to play without pressure, and that helped a lot.
“It is not easy to be the first Malaysian to take to court on the opening day. I am glad I managed a victory over a higher-ranked opponent,” said Jin Wei who will take on the winner of today’s first round match between South Korea’s Sung Ji Hyun and Indonesia Fitriani Fitriani tomorrow.
On who she would rather avoid, Jin Wei added: “It doesn’t matter. I am ready to play either.”
In the mixed doubles, national No 1 Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie were sent packing in the first round, suffering a 18-21, 2115, 21-14 defeat to Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Sapsiree Taerattanachai.