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Chong Wei calls for team effort

Wong Mew Choo (left) and Julia Wong could spring a surprise in Guangzhou.
Wong Mew Choo (left) and Julia Wong could spring a surprise in Guangzhou.

WORLD No 1 Lee Chong Wei's target in the Sudirman Cup is to continue his unbeaten run in team events but he doesn't want the Malaysian campaign to be a one-man effort in Guangzhou on May 10-17.

Chong Wei, who didn't lose a match in the 2007 Sudirman Cup and 2008 Thomas Cup, has urged his teammates to produce their best so that Malaysia can reach the semi-finals of the mixed team event for the first time.

His experience in the 2007 Sudirman Cup was bitter-sweet as despite beating China's Olympic champion Lin Dan, his teammates fumbled and Malaysia could only finish sixth.

However, a more-balanced team will compete this time around and Chong Wei is ready to give a winning start in Malaysia's Group B matches.

Chong Wei is looking forward to beating World No 13 Park Sung Hwan in the tie against South Korea on May 10, Hong Kong's Ng Wei (May 11) and the crucial match against World No 2 Peter Gade Christensen Denmark (May 14) to fulfil his responsibility as the team leader.
"My intention is to remain unbeaten in team events but it should not be a solitary effort. I want to see my teammates giving their best so that we can reach the semi-finals," said Chong Wei yesterday.

"I will go all out to give a winning start in every tie as this will ease the pressure on my teammates and they can perform better.

"It has to be a team effort and if we fail to reach the semis, there will be no joy even if I end up unbeaten.

"Peter Gade, Sung Hwan and Ng Wei will try to put pressure on me but I have played them enough times to know what to expect."

Chong Wei also had a minor scare after pulling a back muscle in training but he is not worried that it will disrupt his preparations for the Sudirman Cup.

Chong Wei said he has continued training with the strain and is optimistic recovering completely before the competition begins in Guangzhou.

Besides Chong Wei, Malaysia's hopes of a top four finish will depend on the form of World No 3 men's doubles Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and World No 1 women's doubles Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong fared poorly in their Sudirman Cup debut in 2007 where they only managed one win in three matches but their improvement of late has given hope.

Pei Tty and Eei Hui's performance will depend on how well the latter avoids injuries but with enough rest between matches in Guangzhou, they should deliver in key matches against Hong Kong and Denmark.

Women's singles is where Malaysia are hoping to serve a few surprises with both Wong Mew Choo and Julia Wong capable of doing the unexpected.

NEW STRAITS TIMES

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