MORE SPICE FOR CHONG WEI
Defeat to Lin Dan shows World No 1 needs variety in his game
NATIONAL men’s singles coach Hendrawan wants to find more ways to help World No 1 Lee Chong Wei be a little more unpredictable on court ahead of the World Championships this August.
Hendrawan believes that if Chong Wei wants to be at his best in Glasgow, he will need more variety to his game.
“There must be something new for Chong Wei. I will do my best to help him add more variety and firepower to his game. Let me work out some ideas.
“However, we must also remember that Chong We has got a signature style and not every change will work in his favour. We will have to discuss more but I will do my best to make sure he is fully ready for the World Championships,” said Hendrawan. On Sunday, Chong Wei failed to capture his 12th Malaysia Open title after going down 2119, 21-14 to five-time world champion Lin Dan of China in the final at the Perpaduan Stadium in Kuching.
According to Hendrawan, the defeat exposed Chong Wei’s weakness when it came to handling crucial moments during a match.
“When dealing with crucial points, we can see that Lin Dan was more brave while Chong Wei was hesitant. Lin Dan would then force Chong Wei to play in front. This is something I’ve noticed with Chen Long as well.
“The defeat was a good lesson and we must accept the fact that Lin Dan was the better player in the final.
“We just have to find ways to improve,” added Hendrawan.
Chong Wei will next travel to Wuhan, China for the Badminton Asia Championships on Apr 2530, where he will try to defend his men’s singles title.