CHONG WEI ON WUHAN MISSION
Vows to go all out to defend title despite not being 100 per cent yet
AJITPAL SINGH ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my
LEE Chong Wei has yet to recover 100 per cent from his knee problem but the shuttler has pledged to do his best as defending champion in next week’s Asian Championships in Wuhan.
The World No 1 won his first Asian men’s singles crown in 2006 in Johor Baru and repeated his feat last year in Wuhan by overcoming Rio Olympic champion Chen Long of China in the final.
Chong Wei suffered a medial collateral ligament knee injury in training in February but turned on the heat in the following month by winning his fourth All England crown.
However, the three-time Olympic silver medallist failed in his bid to win a record of 12 Malaysia Open titles following the heartbreaking defeat to former world champion Lin Dan of China in the final in Kuching.
In Wuhan, Chong Wei hopes to come back stronger following the disappointment in the Malaysia Cup as he aims to get even with Lin Dan and Chen Long at their own backyard.
“The Asian meet is important… I am the defending champion and of course, I will prepare comprehensively for each match in hope of doing well,” said Chong Wei in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
“Most of the world’s best players come from Asia and this tournament will be tough for everyone.
“It is nothing new to me and I know the strengths and weaknesses of all opponents.”
Asked about his knee problem, Chong Wei said he is okay but not 100 per cent yet.
“I am not putting too much pressure on myself by thinking about the tournament.
“You cannot expect a player to win every tournament he competes in.
“I will do my utmost best in Wuhan.”
Chong Wei is the top seed in Wuhan and he is drawn to face fourth seed Lin Dan in the semifinals.
Second seed Chen Long is expected to play third seed Son Wan Ho of South Korea in the last four.
The Malaysian will open against Japan’s Kazumasa Sakai in the first round on Wednesday and if he wins, he is likely to take on Indonesian Tommy Sugiarto for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Other Malaysians in the main draw are former world junior champion Zulfadli Zulkiffli and independent shuttler Chong WeiFeng.
Except for Chong Wei, the other Malaysians are not expected to progress far.