Chong Wei aims to go out with a bang

LEE Chong Wei has revealed that he plans to retire after 2012, but more than that he wants to go out with the World and Olympic titles in his bag. "I want to achieve what no Malaysian has achieved before in the sport, which is to win the World and Olympic titles," said Chong Wei after the Maxis Berhad sponsorship ceremony at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

"It is not an impossible dream. It will be a very difficult time from now till 2012 but I am focused in winning titles for the country."

The World No 1 added: "I have another three chances to win the World Championship but only one opportunity in the Olympic Games.

"This is why I have to be in my best form for the 2012 London Olympics. It will be my toughest challenge.

"My other dream is to end my career as the World No 1 player. I have been the World No 1 since 2008 and I hope to maintain my ranking till 2012.

China’s Lin Dan is expected to face Chong Wei for the first time this year at the All England.

"However, it is also important that I win major titles from now on. I am close to the end of my playing career and I don't want to have any regrets after I retire like not winning a single major title despite being the World No 1."



On his plans after retiring, Chong Wei said he has not decided but one possibility is he may open a badminton academy for youngsters.

"I have not given much thought to what I will do when I retire. I will think about my future in 2012. I could do many things which include setting up a badminton academy," said the player, who has won 24 career titles.

Chong Wei, who will turn 28 in October, has been the World No 1 since August 2008 but the Penang-born player has yet to win a major. Among those which have eluded him are the All-England, World Championships and an Olympic gold medal.

But the signs are there that Chong Wei could end his long wait for a major title this year after starting the season brilliantly by winning his first back-to-back titles -- the Korea Open and Malaysian Open -- recently.

However, in both tournaments, he didn't get to play China's three-time world champion Lin Dan, who opted out. Many think that Lin Dan is a better player than Chong Wei but the Malaysian hopes to put the record straight this year.

Chong Wei is expected to face Lin Dan for the first time this year in the March 9-14 All England, which is one of the three Super Series tournaments the World No 1 has yet to win. The other two are the China Open and China Masters.

"Winning the Korea Open and Malaysian Open has boosted my confidence to strive for bigger goals.


"I am aware that China's players, including Chen Jin, Bao Chunlai and Chen Long, have been testing me on court in recent tournaments so that they can report back to Lin Dan.
"I know their strategies but I have a bigger surprise for them including Lin Dan in the All England. I have never won the title but I feel I am nearing the end of my wait.

"I reached the All England final for the first time last year after many attempts and maybe this year will be my year to lift the title.

"But talking about it is easy. I need to work hard for it. I am free from now till the All England except for the National Grand Prix Johor leg next month. It will give me time to work on strategies for the All-England and Swiss Open (March 16-21). - NST