Chong Wei appreciates what Misbun has done for his career
Top News 2:19 PM
THERE is no bad blood between Lee Chong Wei and his former coach Misbun Sidek.
And Chong Wei plans to take the first step to maintain a good relationship with his mentor with a meeting after completing his mission in the Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold.
“I will have a discussion with him to find out why he had left,” said Chong Wei, who is gunning to win the title for a third consecutive time.
There has been no direct communication between the duo since Misbun declined a new contract with the Association of Malaysia (BAM) to coach national back-up shuttlers.
No fuss: Lee Chong Wei defeated Singapore’s Robin Gonansa 21-7, 21- 16 in his opening match Wednesday.
Misbun quit last Dec 31 because he was upset over some of the decisions made by the BAM coaching and training committee but he retracted his decision three months later. But by then Chong Wei had got used to train under the charge of Teh Seu Bock and Rashid Sidek and said that he would want to continue with the arrangements.
On whether he would coax Misbun to change his mind, Chong Wei said: “I respect Misbun’s decision. I just want to catch up with him and discuss what transpired over the last few weeks.
“Misbun is a good coach and it is a loss that he does not want to continue coaching. I will always appreciate what he has done for me.”
When Chong Wei won the India Open in New Delhi last Sunday, Misbun sent a text message to Seu Bock, congratulating them on a job well done.
“I am training well under Seu Bock and Rashid. But it all depends on how I want to benefit from the training. I am at a stage where I can be quite independent,” said Chong Wei.
On his excellent run in winning four of five tournaments he competed in thus far his year despite the distractions, Chong Wei said that he kept himself highly motivated and also took care of his physical condition.
“I want to keep on winning as long as I can. I am not getting any younger. Therefore I have to ensure that I prepare well and have enough rest after a tournament,” he said.
His main target this year is the World Championships, which will be held in London from Aug 8-14. And he is well aware of the mistakes that he has made for previous outings.
“Usually, I peak early and suffer a drop in form at the world championships. There will be better planning this time,” said Chong Wei.
“I will compete in only one Super Series event (either the Singapore or Indonesia Open) before the championships.”
Seu Bock and Rashid also echoed Chong Wei’s sentiments on Misbun and said that they would not sever ties with him even though he was no longer a national coach.
“We will seek his advise when we need it. I am still in communication with him. He was part of this and will still be. I will be meeting him after this GP Gold tournament,” said Seu Bock.
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 2:19 PM.
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