CHONG WEI SLAYS WORLD CHAMP

He is all fired up for 2020 Olympics after win over Axelsen

RIGHT after beating World No 1 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the Malaysian Open quarter-finals yesterday, Lee Chong Wei declared that he might play in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The World No 6 lit up a flame of hope to win his 12th Malaysian Open title, when he beat the Dane 21-17, 21-9 at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.

His march into the semi-finals saw a big change in heart, as Chong Wei now looks forward to his last Olympics, and possibly, his only gold medal.

“If I can keep this momentum, and my body can stand this gruelling pace, maybe I will play in my last Olympics in Tokyo. But if my physical condition is not up to the mark, I will quit earlier,” said Chong Wei.

“As for this Open, it wil be my second last. So, will keep my focus on the current mission, which is to win my 12th title,” said the threetime Olympic silver medallist.

Talking about his second consecutive win over Axelsen, including the Thomas Cup in Bangkok last month, the 36-yearold said it was due to the homework he did to topple the 2017 World Champion after losing three other meetings earlier.

“It’s not easy when playing Axelsen, not only because he is No 1, but he is also still young. I lost in three encounters, twice in the Super Series Final and Japan Open, and after that I did my homework and had a fruitful discussion with my coach on what do to when I play him again,” said Chong Wei who will meet Tommy Sugiarto in the semifinals.

On his meeeting with Tommy, whom he has beaten in 16 previous encounters: “I want to maintain my record against him.”

Meanwhile, Goh Jin Wei lost 1521, 15-21 to World No 1 Tai Tzu Ying of Taiwan in the quarters.