Chong Wei can deliver

LEE Chong Wei may have had a slow start to his Denmark Open campaign but national coach Hendrawan believes the World No 1 can only get better.

On Wednesday, Chong Wei had to claw back from a game down before winning 16-21, 21-19, 21-11 against Hong Kong’s Wei Nan in the first round and could only manage a 2110, 22-20 win over India’s H.S.Prannoy in the next stage.

Hendrawan, however, is certain that Chong Wei is only taking his time to adapt to the conditions in Odense.

“Yes the first round was a scare but there is no need for panic.

“Chong Wei is in very good condition and he will only get better. His second match — though quite close in the second game — wasn’t as bad as his first.

“There is no pressure on Chong Wei. I want him to enjoy this tournament,” said Hendrawan when contacted.

In the absence of reigning Olympic champion Chen Long and five-time world champion Lin Dan (both from China), Chong Wei seems to have an easy path to the title he last clinched in 2012.

“Yes it does look easy from here on, but Chong Wei cannot underestimate anybody. Staying focused throughout is more important,” added Hendrawan.

The 34-year-old Malaysian was involved in a late quarter-final match against France’s Brice Leverdez yesterday. A win would see Chong Wei play either Thailand’s Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk or Denmark’s Anders Antonsen in the semi-finals.

Also involved in a late quarterfinal match were men’s doubles Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong.

The Rio Olympic Games silver medallists played China’s Li JunhuiLiu Yuchen. By Fabian Peter