Hamstring injury ends Chong Wei’s run

NATIONAL singles coach Hendrawan claimed that Lee Chong Wei’s hamstring injury, which he picked up on the opening day of the Denmark Open, led to the shuttler’s defeat to Frenchman Brice Leverdez in the quarterfinals on Friday in Odense.

Chong Wei, the three-time Olympic silver medallist, suffered his first career defeat to Leverdez in seven meetings, losing 21-17, 2022, 21-19 to the 38th-ranked shuttler in 77 minutes.

It was a disappointing defeat for Chong Wei as the Malaysian, who turned 34 on Friday, wanted to celebrate his birthday with the Denmark Open crown.

After the match, Chong Wei gave credit to Haziq Samsul celebrates scoring against China on Friday as teammates rush

Malaysia won 5-1. Pic by Luqman Hakim Zubir Leverdez by stating on www.badmintondenmark.com that the Frenchman played the match of his life.

“Chong Wei developed a strain in his hamstring and he felt discomfort when he led in the first game. He was forced to make adjustments as he could not move swiftly on the court,” said Hendrawan when contacted in Odense.

“Chong Wei already had some pain in his hamstring in the three-game win over Hong Kong’s Wei Nan in the first round. However, he did not feel it so much then but the pain got worse in the second round triumph over India’s H S Prannoy.”

Chong Wei will monitor his injury before the French Open next week.

“We will see how it goes in the next three days before the French Open. He will undergo physiotherapy and acupuncture treatment. He will rest and try to come back for the French Open,” Hendrawan added.

In men’s doubles, World No 7 Goh V ShemTan Wee Kiong reached their first ever Super Series final by overcoming second seeds Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen of Denmark 20-22, 21-15, 21-11 in 57 minutes.

The Malaysians play unseeded Bodin IsaraNipitphon Phuangphuapet of Thailand, who upset seventh seeds Angga Pratama-Ricky Karanda Suwardi of Indonesia 21-11, 21-18, for the title today. By Ajitpal Singh