Wily old fox

Chong Wei banking on experience to stop younger and faster rivals

SHUTTLER Lee Chong Wei (pic) is

10 years older than his two main Indian rivals – H.S. Prannoy and K. Srikanth – in the men’s singles individual competition.

And the old man of badminton plans to use his experience to get the better of Prannoy and Srikanth in the pursuit of his fifth gold medal in his last Commonwealth Games.

Chong Wei missed out on a chance to be the most successful gold medal winner for Malaysia when he lost to Srikanth in the mixed team event that saw defending champions Malaysia eventually losing 3-1 in the final.

Chong Wei has won a total of four gold medals – two at the 2006 Melbourne Games and another two at the 2010 New Delhi Games.

Former international Koo Kien Keat has won a total of five gold medals and Chong Wei has a chance to equal that feat in Gold Coast.

“My opponents are younger and faster but I have the experience,” said the 35-year-old Chong Wei.

Both Srikanth and Prannoy are 25-years-old and these two aggressive players have beaten Chong Wei in recent times.

Chong Wei is more fired up after his failure to win a point for Malaysia in the mixed team event. His pride is dented.

“I know why I lost. I could not keep up with Srikanth’s speed in the team. I’ll re-focus and get it right in the individual event,” he said.

“This is my last Commonwealth Games and I want a gold.”

Barring any upset, the three-time Olympic silver medallist is expected to meet Prannoy in the semi-finals and a re-match against top seed Srikanth in the final.

Yesterday, Chong Wei defeated Benjamin Li of Isle of Man 21-6, 21-3 to reach the third round. He takes on Brian Kasirye of Uganda next.