Chong Wei advices compatriots to focus on their own game

KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei has some advice for Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin (pic) and Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong ahead of this week’s Hong Kong Open.

He wants his team-mates to persevere and focus on their own game.

At last week’s China Open, Iskandar went down fighting to Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark in the men’s singles semi-finals. The 25-year-old Iskandar claimed the Dane intimidated him and it resulted in the 20-22, 22-20, 7-21 loss.

“I am happy to see Iskandar in the Superseries semis for the first time. In my absence, he kept the Malaysian flag flying,” said Chong Wei, who skipped the China and Hong Kong Opens to recuperate from a hamstring injury.

“Intimidation is a norm in a match. I have gone through it in matches against China’s Chen Long and Lin Dan. We should not react to it.

“It is easy to get emotional but we should be focused. I hope Iskandar will be bolder in future. He will get better from this experience, that’s for sure,” added the three-time Olympic silver medallist.

Chong Wei also did not want V Shem-Wee Kiong to lose heart after the world No. 1 were sent packing by China’s Zhang Nan-Liu Cheng in the men’s doubles first round last week.

“I hope they will bounce back in Hong Kong. There’s always pressure as the world No. 1. They must get used to it,” said Chong Wei.

“I have maintained it (No. 1) for a long time. V Shem-Wee Kiong can do that too. They should not be worried about what others say. They just have to focus on their own game.”

V Shem-Wee Kiong has a tricky opener tomorrow as they are up against Denmark’s Kim AstrupAnders Skaarup Rasmussen tomorrow. The Malaysians lost to the Danes in the French Open first round last month.

As for Chong Wei, he just wants to enjoy his break.

“I have turned down invitations to play in the Chinese and Indian Leagues although I’m better now. I just want to enjoy the break,” said Chong Wei.

There is only one tournament left – the BWF World Superseries Finals in Dubai from Dec 14-18 – and Chong Wei will only know if he qualifies after the Hong Kong Open. Only the top eight players qualify and Chong Wei is in fifth spot.

“I will go to Dubai if I qualify. If not, it’s fine. I will come back when the new Superseries season starts with the All-England in March. Until then, let this tired body has its rest,” said the 34-year-old in jest.