Chong Wei vows to make amends by winning Olympic gold at same venue
Top News 3:58 PM
LONDON: The titanic battle between two maestros of world badminton in the men’s singles final in the World Badminton Championships at the Wembley Arena on Sunday has whetted the appetite of lovers of the sport.
And just thinking of a mouth-watering re-match between China’s Lin Dan and Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei at the same venue in next year’s London Olympics is enough to give everyone goosebumps.
Lin Dan
On Sunday, Chong Wei and Lin Dan displayed skills of the highest quality in a heart-pounding final which ended with the latter coming from behind to win his fourth world title with a 20-22, 21-14, 23-21 win.
There was no shame in defeat for Chong Wei as he showed the world and Lin Dan that not much separates them as far as their standard and determination are concerned. Their duel has now narrowed down to who gets luckier during crunch situations.
A visibly disappointed Chong Wei, whose tears ran down his cheeks during the victory ceremony thinking of how close he came to being the country’s first world champion since its inception in 1977, has vowed to make amends at the Olympic Games.
“From now all my preparation will be geared towards the Olympic Games. I will continue to give emphasis in training and look at ways to further improve my game,” said Chong Wei.
“Lin Dan will be the main threat again. I am happy to say that our standards are about the same now. I gave my all because the world title meant a lot to me and this desire to get the better of him will only grow stronger.”
Chong Wei said that China would be out to demoralise him over the next one year. Besides Lin Dan, they also have Chen Jin, Chen Long and Du Pengyu in the fray for Olympic glory.
The 21-year-old Chen Long, despite a shock first round defeat to Guatemala’s Kevin Cordon, is expected to come back stronger from his first world meet debacle.
“China have a big pool of players. They will come after my scalp during the Olympic qualifying period to break my resolve. I will not let that happen,” he said.
“It is also my hope that our younger players will step up. I will help in whatever way I can to raise their standard and confidence”.
None of Malaysia’s back-up shuttlers – Liew Daren, Chong Wei Feng and Chan Kwong Beng – had played in the world championships. And with their world ranking far down the list, they are unlikely to make it for the Olympic Games.
National coach Rashid Sidek hopes that youngsters would be inspired by Chong Wei’s performances at the world meet.
“Chong Wei was far behind Lin Dan’s standard at one stage. But he has put in a lot of hard work to stand at the same level with the Chinese ace. That speaks volumes about his committment and hunger to make a difference,” said Rashid.
“He was mentally strong. If not he could not have taken Lin Dan to the distance. Unfortunately, he was unlucky not to win. Chong Wei will come stronger after this.”
Except for Chong Wei and probably the women’s doubles Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty’s gallant fight before going down to Japan’s Mizuki Fujii-Reika Kakiiwa in the second round, there was nothing much to shout about for Malaysia at the world meet.
The top doubles pair Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong were a letdown after losing tamely to South Koreans Ko Sung-hyun-Yoo Yeon-seong for the fifth time.
National doubles coach Rexy Mainaky has his work cut out for him if he hopes to turn the duo into medal prospects at next year’s Olympic Games.
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 3:58 PM.
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