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Chong Wei Targets Capturing All-England From Lin Dan


 
After emerging as Malaysia Open champion for the ninth time, world number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei is now targeting to seize the All-England title from arch rival Lin Dan of China. 

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- After emerging as Malaysia Open champion for the ninth time, world number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei is now targeting to seize the All-England title from arch rival Lin Dan of China.

In the All-England last year, Chong Wei was forced to concede a walkover to the 13th ranked player in the world after suffering a shoulder injury in the second set.

Earlier, Chong Wei, who was first seed and Malaysia Open defending champion, easily pushed aside eight seed Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia in straight sets, 21-7 and 21-8 in 32 minutes in the men's singles final.

"There were no top players in this competition and hopefully, if Lin Dan plays in the All-England in March, that will be a real challenge for me.

"I hope to wrest the All-England title back," he said when met by reporters after the match in Stadium Putra, Bukit Jalil here Sunday.

Commenting on his victory for the ninth time, the 30-year-old player expressed appreciation to the large turnout of local supporters cheering him during the entire tournament.

"I hope to continue the momentum in other championships, including the All-England," he told reporters.

For the record, Chong Wei was earlier crowned Malaysia Open champion in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and last year.

With his ninth title this year, Chong Wei has also smashed the record held by former national badminton legend Wong Peng Soon who took the title in 1940, 1941, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952 and 1953.

Meanwhile, national singles coach Tey Seu Bock said he would focus on Chong Wei for the All-England preparation.

"I will be selective of tournaments for Chong Wei as what he needs is quality exposure," he said. Tey, who took over the training of the top player from Datuk Misbun Sidek in early 2011, wants Chong Wei to concentrate on the championships.

-- BERNAMA

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