CHONG WEI REACHES HIS 100TH CAREER FINAL IN TOKYO
Chong Wei wants to cap 100th career final with a win
Shuttler Lee Chong Wei is saving his best for his 100th career final at the Japan Open.
In Tokyo yesterday, the 34-yearold Malaysia turned on the power to beat Shi Yuqi of China 21-19, 21-8 to set up a men’s singles final showdown against reigning world champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark.
Chong Wei, the three-time Olympic silver medallist, almost lost the plot when he trailed the 21-yearold Yuqi 4-11 in the opening game.
But he managed to snap out of his slumber to level at 18-18 before pulling away for a win.
Oozing with confidence, Chong Wei led all the way in the second game to record his fourth win over Yuqi.
He is now looking forward to tackle Axelsen.
Both players had contrasting fortunes at the World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, last month.
Chong Wei suffered his worst career result when he was blown away in the first round while the 23-year-old Axelsen enjoyed a high when he went all the way to become
the world champion for the first time.
“I played one of my best matches today. My confidence is back after struggling the last few days,” said Chong Wei.
“Tomorrow’s my 100th final. That’s special.
“It’ll be nice to win but I’ll not be worried if I lose. I just want to enjoy the match.
“It’ll be interesting to play Axelsen for the first time as the world champion,” added Chong Wei, who is eyeing to win his seventh Japan Open title.
Both have played each other 10 times with Chong Wei losing the last meeting at the World Superseries Finals in Dubai last year.
Said national coach Tey Seu Bock: “I’m relieved to see Chong Wei back in his usual self.
“He was battling with his confidence over the last few days. Let’s hope that he’ll be able to end well.”
Japan will be out to win three titles today through Takuto InoueYuki Kaneko (men’s doubles), Misaki Matsutomo-Ayaka Takahashi (women’s doubles) and Takuro HokiSayaka Hirata (mixed doubles).