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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

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