Changing of the guard
Chong Wei predicts fierce rivalry between Axelsen and Momota
ODENSE: The badminton rivalry between Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan of China is set to end soon. And we can look forward to a new one between Viktor Axelsen and Kento Momota.
At least, that is Chong Wei’s prediction. “I foresee Viktor and Momota will rule the court just like how Lin Dan and I did,” said Chong Wei.
“Both of us are on the brink of retirement. It’s good to see others continuing to make the sport exciting.”
The 23-year-old Axelsen is the reigning world champion while Momota is on a comeback trail after serving a one-year ban for gambling.
Since his return in May this year, the Japanese has won four titles – US Open, Belgian International, Czech Open and Dutch Open to move up in 110th spot in the world ranking.
“Their standard is higher than the others although some Indonesian players like Ginting Anthony and Jonatan Christie have shown much improvement. In Malaysia, I see Polish Open champion Lee Zii Jia as a player to watch. But he still has a long way to go.”
While waiting for the youngsters to catch up, Chong Wei said he would continue to make his presence felt.
And he showed that he has not lost his touch when he defeated Spain’s Pablo Abian 21-12, 21-16 to enter the second round of the Denmark Open on Wednesday.
Chong Wei, who turns 35-years old tomorrow, takes on H.S. Prannoy of India for a place in the quarter-finals.
“I’m the old man here but I’ll not make it easy for the youngsters. I’ll give them a good fight,” said Chong Wei.
Another “old-timer” South Korea’s Lee Hyun-il also stamped his mark when the 37-year old upset China’s Chen Long 21-19, 22-20.
In mixed doubles, Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie pulled off one of the biggest upset when the unseeded pair stunned sixth seeds and world No. 8 Wang Yilyu-Huang Dongping of China 21-14, 16-21, 21-18.
Soon Huat was happy that he kept his nerves in the pulsating match.
“It’s one of the hardest match I’ve played. It was so close.”
Shevon added that it was one of their best results.
“Were getting better. We trust one another and communicate well on court. It’s great to win against a top Chinese pair.”
In women’s doubles, Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean defeated Ashwini PonnappaReddy N. Sikki of India 15-21, 21-18, 23-21 to set up a meeting against eighth seeds Naoko Fukuman-Kurumi Yonao of Japan.