World No. 1 puts up a brave front to face media upon returning
Top News 3:57 PM
SEPANG: A visibly disappointed Lee Chong Wei arrived home yesterday after his heart–breaking final defeat to old nemesis Lin Dan in the World Badminton Championships at London on Sunday.
Chong Wei was bidding to be the first Malaysian to be crowned world champion but saw his dreams went up in smoke after Lin Dan twice fought back from a point down to win the tense rubber game.
Nevertheless, the 29-year-old, was still given a warm reception by fans and media members alike upon arrival at the KLIA yesterday.
In the limelight: Lee Chong Wei arriving at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Monday. - CHAN TAK KONG / THE STAR
Despite clearly looking downtrodden, Chong Wei managed to put up a brave front to answer questions by the media.
“That was my best ever match with Lin Dan throughout the years and I guess I was just unlucky not to win,” said Chong Wei.
“However I will come back stronger for the London Olympics next year and hopefully I will be mentally stronger then,” added Chong Wei
Meanwhile. national coach Tey Seu Bock, has tipped his top charge to overcome this defeat and come back stronger.
“I really feel sorry for him because he has given his utmost best and I don’t blame him at all for not achieving the target,” said Seu Bock. “In fact, he was playing with blisters on his right feet and it was bleeding badly after the match.”
“Lady Luck just decided to desert him at that crucial moment in the match.”
“Both Chong Wei and Lin Dan are of equal standards in terms of skill and physical strength. It is just that Lin Dan always manages to raise his game whenever he is up against Chong Wei and that gives him the psychological edge.”
“Chong Wei is disappointed now but I hope he’ll be able to regain his focus soon because we need to shift our priorities to the London Olympics.”
“Right now, it is important that he remains injury free until the Olympics next year because it is the biggest challenge yet,” concluded Seu Bock.
Chong Wei will now take a well deserved week of rest before resuming training and preparing for the Japan Open from Sept 20-25.
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 3:57 PM.
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