Chong Wei out of group matches
Chong Wei to skip preliminary matches of Axiata Cup
PETALING JAYA: World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei has ruled himself out of Saturday’s Us$1mil Axiata Cup preliminary matches as he is still not fully fit.
The 29-year-old Chong Wei injured his right shoulder during the All-england two weeks ago but braved the pain to qualify for the final in a bid to win his third consecutive title.
However, the injury eventually took its toll and Chong Wei retired whilst trailing old rival Lin Dan.
“I jogged and did some light training. This is my first day back on court since my return,” Chong Wei said yesterday.
“The pain is still there but it isn’t as bad as before and I’m able to swing the racquet as long as I don’t overexert myself.
“I should make a full recovery soon. I’m just waiting for the doctor’s and the National Sports Institute’s (NSI) report.”
Chong Wei had MRI scans done on Tuesday and the report, together with NSI’S assessment, should be out today.
“Although I’m recovering well, I think it is too soon to compete in the Axiata Cup on Saturday.
“Hopefully, the reports are positive and I’ll be back in time for the semi-finals,” said Chong Wei.
Mohd hafiz Hashim, Liew Daren and Mohd Arif Abdul Latif will carry the load in the men’s singles for the Malaysian Tigers in Chong Wei’s absence. The doubles are Koo Kien Keat-tan Boon Heong and Goh V Shem-lim Khim Wah.
The Tigers are grouped with the Indonesia B team (Rajawali), Thailand and the Philippines.
The Malaysia B team (Leopards) comprise world and Asian junior champion Zulfadli Zulkifli, Iskandar Zulkarnian Zainuddin, Misbun Ramdan Misbun and Loh Wei Sheng and the doubles pairs of Nelson Heg-teo Ee Yi and Ow Yao Han-chooi Kah Ming.
They are drawn with the Indonesia A team (Garuda), Singapore and Vietnam.