I’ll cherish the last moments
Chong Wei wants to enjoy every tourney before retiring next year
ODENSE (Denmark): Birthday boy Lee Chong Wei (pic) wants to cherish every second of his time on court before calling it a day next year.
That’s why he intends to play in every tournament as if it will be his last before he finally bows out after the World Championships in Glasgow in August next year.
“I have told my wife (Wong Mew Choo) to be patient with me. I want to enjoy every tournament in the next one year ... I’m glad she is understanding,” said Chong Wei, who celebrates his 34th birthday today.
“People ask me why I keep playing after the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro ... they tell me to rest longer.
“But I feel that time is running out for me.
“I may retire, depending on my condition, after the world meet next year.
“I just want to cherish and enjoy every tournament.”
On Wednesday, threetime Olympic silver medallist Chong Wei showed just how badly he wants to win his third and last Denmark Open title when he dug himself out of a hole to beat Wei Nan of Hong Kong 1621, 2119, 2111 in a onehour firstround match at the Odense Sports Park.
He lost to Wei Nan in the second round of the Denmark Open last year. But, this time, Chong Wei got his revenge.
“When I was down 1117 in the second game, I felt it was impossible to catch up ... especially with Wei Nan playing so well,” admitted Chong Wei, the 2005 and 2012 Denmark Open winner.
“But I kept reminding myself that this is my last Denmark Open. This tournament is also special because I always get a chance to celebrate my birthday here ... I’m glad I managed to turn things around.”
Chong Wei, who is the only Malaysian men’s singles shuttler left in the tournament after the exits of Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, Chong Wei Feng and Zulfadli Zulkiffli, will next face India’s H.S. Prannoy.
Chong Wei has beaten Prannoy once in the 2013 Indian Open.
“The Indian players have improved and I won’t take Prannoy lightly,” said the Malaysian.
Iskandar, who lost 821, 2117, 1721 to Rajiv Ouseph of England on Wednesday, was left ruing another early exit in the Superseries Tour.
“I’m trying very hard to make a mark in the Superseries, but it’s frustrating to lose early again.
“It’s a different level of play here,” said Iskandar, who is playing in the Denmark Open for the first time.
“I will keep on trying until I get it right ... that’s my promise.”
Iskandar will compete in the French Open in Paris next week.