Chong Wei looks forward for challenges after spending time with family

PETALING JAYA: World No. 1 men’s singles shuttler Lee Chong Wei is all recharged after spending time with his family during the Chinese New Year in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
And now, the singles ace is looking forward to another reunion – with his coach Misbun Sidek - to prepare for the defence of his title in the All-England, which will be held in Birmingham from March 9-13.
Chong Wei will report for duty tomorrow after a well-deserved one-week break.
And his coach Misbun is expected to follow suit shortly after.
Prior to the Chinese New Year, Chong Wei was physically and mentally drained after going the distance to reach three finals in a month.
He won the Super Series Masters Finals in Taipei, was crowned the Malaysia Open champion for the seventh time and came close to a hat-trick of titles before going down narrowly to China’s Lin Dan in the US$1.2mil Korea Open final.
“It was the busiest and one of the most intense months for me (January).
“I was highly focused on all three events and it was quite tiring. So, it was good to relax and recharge in Bukit Mertajam with my family,” said Chong Wei.
“I had a good time catching up with my parents and my brother and sister at home. It was the first time that all of us were able to meet together after a year. They were happy with my achievements and it gave me great comfort.”
Chong Wei was also happy with the positive turn of events regarding his coach Misbun.
Misbun, who resigned on Dec 31, has had a change of heart following a positive meeting with Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Nadzmi Mohd Salleh.
It is learnt that both parties had reached a win-win deal.
Misbun is expected to meet up with the BAM’s management staff next week tomorrow to present a detailed account of his plans for Chong Wei – with special emphasis on the 2012 London Olympic Games.
After that, Misbun is expected to get cracking with Chong Wei’s training.
“I am happy with the positive outcome. Hopefully, all will be sorted out quickly. I am looking forward to training under Misbun again when I return on Monday,” said Chong Wei.
“I never had any intention of going against the BAM throughout the dispute. I am happy that everything will come to an end and I can now focus on my game.
“I won the 100th edition of the All-England last year and it is my desire to retain it. Besides, the All-England is one of the two major tournaments that I hope to win this year.
“The other is the World Championships in London (in August).”
On his defeat to Lin Dan in Seoul, Chong Wei had mixed feelings.
“I was sad to lose after coming so close. But, at the same time, I was happy with the way I played.
“I showed more confidence in my game,” said Chong Wei.
“This time, it was nothing like the one-sided defeat that I suffered against him at the Asian Games (in Guangzhou) or the Thomas Cup Finals (in Kuala Lumpur) last year.
“Lin Dan is still the player to beat but I am certainly closing the gap.
“It was satisfying to know that I am able to keep pace with him. I will continue to improve.”
Before his All-England assignment, Chong Wei has one more obligation to fulfil – keep his unbeaten run in the local scene intact by going for his ninth title in the National Grand Prix Finals in Kuala Terengganu from Feb 18-21.

Posted by Lucas Liau on 12:54 PM. Filed under Latest News . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0