‘NEVER SAY DIE’
Daren believes in Chong Wei’s mantra in match against Japan
HAVING to fill the shoes of former World No 1 Lee Chong Wei is no easy feat, but independent shuttler Liew Daren believes he and his younger teammates can stun favourites Japan in the first round of the Asian Games men’s badminton team event today.
Coming in as a replacement for the ill Chong Wei, who is currently undergoing treatment, Daren said the pressure is on Japan, and Malaysia’s young lineup should capitalise on it.
In fact, if there’s one thing Daren had learned from Chong Wei is never say die until a match is over.
“There is no easy way out, but success comes with hard work, and this is something I’ve learnt from Chong Wei himself.
“As the most senior player in the squad, I urge my teammates, especially the young ones to fight hard because they have got nothing to lose. The pressure should be on the Japanese,” said Daren yesterday.
The 31-year-old former BA of Malaysia (BAM) shuttler will also be seeking to avenge his recent World Championships semi-final defeat to Kento Momota, who went on to claim his maiden world crown in Nanjing, earlier this month.
Speaking to reporters at the Istora Senayan Stadium in Jakarta, Daren added: “The last time I played Momota, I was injured, and I couldn’t do much to prevent him from winning big.
“I now have a chance to avenge that defeat and it would be great if I can pull off an upset.”
On paper, Japan, who are also this year ’s Thomas Cup runners-up, are tipped to win the opening tie, but a point from Daren could go a long way as Malaysia look to avoid missing out on the quarter-finals for the first time in the history of the Games.