Decline of great athletes

AGE FACTOR: Chong Wei compares himself to Nicol, Woods, Federer, Nadal

WORLD No 1 Lee Chong Wei has compared himself and squash queen Nicol David to the likes of golfer Tiger Woods and tennis greats Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the light of their recent slump.

Since winning his third consecutive Olympic silver, the 34-year-old has struggled to reproduce his form.

After winning the Japan Open in September, Chong Wei exited early at the Denmark Open before pulling out of the China and Hong Kong Opens last month.

Nicol, 33, on the other hand, recently lost to American Amanda Sobhy in Paris, which also ended Malaysia’s campaign at the Women’s World Team Squash Championship as the national team finished sixth.

“I know many fans are experiencing mixed feelings about us (and Nicol). Some even feel that we should have hung up our racquets because age is catching up on us.

“It’s hard, but I think we cannot let these comments bring us down. We have to continue doing what we do and try to focus more on our own effort.

“I know many people are disappointed with my failure to win gold at the Rio Olympic Games. I am disappointed too, but I think I have done so much more in recapturing the World No 1 spot after my eight-month doping suspension.

“I was ranked as low as No 180 at one point. Every top athlete goes through this... look at people like Tiger Woods, Roger Federer or even Rafael Nadal,” said Chong Wei, who despite his slump, has qualified for the World Super Series Finals in Dubai next week.

He has vowed to end the year on a strong note by winning the title for a fifth time.

Chong Wei, who has not competed in the World Super Series Finals since the 2014 edition, won the title three years in a row from 2008-2010 and again in 2013.

“I leave for Dubai this week and it is going to be my first competition there. I will have to wait and see who I face because this meet features the best eight players and pairs throughout the year.

“Hopefully I will be able to end the year on a good note. I want to try and win it for the fifth time.”