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Chong Wei signals intent with devastating first round win


COPENHAGEN: World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei got off to a cracking start in the World Championships to show his clear intention of ending the country’s elusive chase for a world title.

On Monday, he went on a ferocious mode to break apart Lee Dong-keun of South Korea 21-11, 21-12 in 45 minutes at Ballerup Super Arena in Copenhagen.

And the Malaysian was simply overjoyed with his performances after having had to take a break for almost two months due to an inner thigh injury.

“This is my first tournament after two months and I am quite happy with my performances. Despite not being 100 percent at my best, I was able to play a good attacking game,” said the 31-year-old Chong Wei.

Chong Wei’s last tournament was the Indonesian Open in June. He lost to Kenichi Tago of the Japan in the semi-finals.

“This is the World Championships and not a Superseries event and I did not want to take it easy in the first round. I attacked at every opportunity and it worked for me.

“But credit should be given to Dong-keun. He did well in the opening game to stay close to me. His defensive game was good as he was able to retrieve some of my shots.”

Asked whether he had any pain on his leg, he said in a jest: “I did not think of it at all during the match but now, I am feeling it…just kidding. I am good.”

Despite getting off a to a good start, Chong Wei said that he would remain focused on his task at hand.

In the second round on Wednesday, he will take on Germany’s Dieter Domke.

The lanky Germany produced a magnificent effort to beat Glasgow Commonwealth Games gold medallist P. Kashyap of India 26-24, 13-21, 21-8.


by Rajes Paul - The Star

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