Skip to main content

Chong Wei Not Underestimating Others In Absence Of Lin Dan At All-England

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- The absence of defending champion Lin Dan of China at the All England Super Series next month, would not make a difference to world number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei.

The Malaysian said he would rather focus on his game with the intention of winning the title than worry about who is or isn't playing but is well aware of the dangers Chinese players like Chen Jin and Chen Long can pose.

Even players from South Korea and Indonesia will be no pushovers as the Malaysian ace sets out for his third All England title.

"I will take one match at a time and not rush into making any predictions," said the 2012 London Olympics silver medallist when met at his company Chong Wei Binajaya Sdn Bhd Chinese New Year celebrations, here Saturday.

With Lin Dan's withdrawal, Chong way is expected to have an easy path at the All England, to be held from March 5-10, but predicts his chances as 50:50.

"I do not want everyone to have high expectations and predict that I am going to win the All England just because Lin Dan won't be there. My main priority is to give my best," he said.

Chong Wei, winner of the prestigious title in 2010 and 2011, said he would leave to England on March 2, to get acclimatized and prepare early before facing Hong Kong's Wing Ki in the first round.

In 2010 Chong Wei defeated Kenichi Tago and in 2011 beat Lin Dan to clinch the title.

Besides losing last year's final to Lin Dan, Chong Wei also reached the final in 2009 but again lost to his arch rival.

Chong Wei who last year married his long time 'girlfriend' Wong Mew Choo, also a national shuttler, has started 2013 with a bang, winning the Victor Korea Open Super Series Premier and Maybank Malaysia Open Super Series.

--BERNAMA

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Ex-coach's jail sentence cut to a year

PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal yesterday sentenced former athletics coach C. Ramanathan to 12 months' jail for molesting two junior athletes 19 years ago. A three-man bench led by Datuk Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus unanimously dismissed Ramanathan's appeal against conviction, but varied the jail sentence of four years to a year, which was to run concurrently. Following yesterday's ruling, Ramanathan, 75, a former teacher, walked out a free man as he had served 10 months in Kajang Prison. Convicts get one-third remission for good behaviour while in prison. However, he will lose his pension. Hishamudin, who sat with Datuk Abdul Wahab Patail and Datuk Linton Albert, said the court found no merit to overturn the conviction. "However, in reducing the sentence, we considered Ramanathan's age and the long years the appeal has taken." Deputy public prosecutor Awang Armadajaya Awang Mahmud submitted that then High Court judge Tan Sri Abdull Hamid E...

Govt Always Gives Emphasis To Sporting Culture, Says PM

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 29 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badaw i said the government always gives emphasis on cultivating a strong sporting culture in achieving excellence at the international level. As such, the Prime Minister said, it was important to scout for young talents in sports. "I observe that the Malaysia Games (Sukma) has become one of the important platforms to do so. "In this arena, the potentials and skills of the youngsters can be identified for development so that they can achieve greater success in sports," he said in his message in the souvenir book of the 12th Sukma from May 31 until June 9. Abdullah said he was aware that competition in sports was very keen and challenging but this did not mean that Malaysian athletes were incapable of competing at the international level. "The fact is that we have all the characteristics required to be excellent. We must inculcate a strong fighting spirit so that we don't easily surrender,...

Chance to catch Messi and company

  FAM deputy president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and vice president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin with FC Barcelona chief executive officer Antoni Rossich yesterday. Pic by Osman Adnan LIONEL Messi's presence alone could sell half the tickets despite reigning world club champions FC Barcelona's date with a Malaysian XI at the National Stadium on Aug 10 falling on the third day of Hari Raya. The much anticipated visit of the four-time European champions comes with expectations from fans who want a full star-studded line-up. "The summer will be a busy period with a lot of uncertainty with players moving away and coming in. "But yes, our plans are to bring our full team here," said FC Barcelona chief executive officer Antoni Rossich yesterday. Rossich was speaking at the announcement of the friendly match, which is part of the three-match FC Barcelona Asia Tour 2013, which sees the giants also visiting China and Thailand. Also pre...