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Chong Wei eyes Macau Open crown after Lin Dan’s withdrawal


PETALING JAYA: Four-time world champion Lin Dan has withdrawn from tomorrow’s Macau Open, leaving Malaysia’s world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei with the chance to gun down his eighth Open title of the season.

Chong Wei has decided to stick with his plan to compete in his 13th international Open of the year and win the Macau Open crown for the third time in a row.

In Chong Wei’s top half are two youngsters from China – Wang Zhengming and Du Pengyu; three Indonesians – Simon Santoso, Sony Dwi Kuncoro, Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka; South Korean Shon Wan-ho; Hong Kong’s Wong Wing Ki and a host of Malaysians – reigning world junior champion Zulfadli Zulkifli, Beryno Wong, Liew Daren and Goh Soon Huat.

Chong Wei has a tricky first round date with Thailand’s upcoming youngster Suppanyu Avihingsanon but his real threat could be either Simon or Wang.

Without favourite Lin Dan, who won back-to-back titles in the Hong Kong and China Opens, the fight for a ticket to the final from the bottom half of the draw will be among South Korea’s Lee Hyun-il, Indonesia’s Taufik Hidayat and Tommy Sugiarto; Japan’s Kenichi Tago and several Malaysian players led by former international Mohd Hafiz Hashim.

Former All-England champion Hafiz, who is now playing under the KLRC banner, is hoping to turn in a good showing to earn a place in Malaysia’s Thomas Cup Finals squad.
Currently, besides Chong Wei, no other back-up players have proved their worth for a place in the premier world team event.

“Lin Dan will not be around and that is good news.
“He has pocketed two titles in the last two weeks and he can afford to take a rest.
“I will give my best to earn a place in the Thomas Cup squad,” said Hafiz.

Hafiz takes on South Korean Lee Dong-keun in the opening round and victory will pit him against compatriot Chan Kwong Beng, who is in the second round following Lin Dan’s withdrawal. Lin Dan’s absence was confirmed during the team managers’ meeting yesterday.

The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM)’s coaching and training chairman Ng Chin Chai said he had spoken to coach Tey Seu Bock in Macau yesterday on Chong Wei’s condition following his back-to-back defeats to Lin Dan in the semi-finals of the Hong Kong and China Opens.

“Seu Bock gave an assurance that Chong Wei is not suffering from fatigue. The coach should know best about his player’s condition and the green light has been given for Chong Wei to continue playing,” said Chin Chai.

With the turn of events in Macau yesterday, it looks like badminton fans will only get one more chance to witness a clash between Lin Dan and Chong Wei this season when the duo renew their rivalry in the Super Series Masters Finals, which will be held in Liuzhou, China, from Dec 14-18.



By RAJES PAUL - The Star

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