Skipper Chong Wei proud of Malaysia’s first-ever bronze

Posted by Lucas Liau Lee Chong Wei, Lin Dan, News 1:35 PM

PETALING JAYA: World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei’s first outing as a team captain in the Sudirman Cup world mixed team championships in Guangzhou ended with a high and a low.

Chong Wei lived up to his role to steer Malaysia to a first-ever bronze medal in the championships since their inception in 1989.

He said that the breakthrough was possible because of great team spirit.

“I have competed in several team events but this time, the team spirit was extraordinary. It was not about personal glory at all,” said Chong Wei.

Not my day: Chong Wei congratulating Lin Dan after their match on Saturday.

“The team made it to the semi-finals for the first time in 20 years and that means a lot to us. As captain, I feel quite honoured of this achievement.”

Chong Wei hoped that the team would build on their strong ties to make a greater impact in three major team events next year – the Thomas-Uber Cup Finals (in Kuala Lumpur), Asian Games (Guangzhou) and New Delhi Commonwealth Games.

“The Thomas-Uber Cup Finals will be on homeground and it is my hope that the players will remain strong as a unit. It will make a lot of difference as we try to regain the Thomas Cup (last won at the 1992 Finals in Kuala Lumpur).”

Chong Wei, however, was not able to keep a clean slate in the Sudirman Cup. He was beaten by world No. 2 Lin Dan in the semi-finals tie against China on Saturday.

The loss again showed that Chong Wei has a lot more catching up to do if he hopes to nail an elusive title in the World Championships in Hyderabad from Aug 10-16.

On current form, Lin Dan is the player to beat for the world title.

“The match against Lin Dan gave me the opportunity to see what I lack in my game and what I will need to do to get the better of him,” said Chong Wei.

“I am happy that I gave him a good challenge (in the Sudirman Cup). The quality of our game is about the same but I need to have better precision in my game.”

Chong Wei will play in four tournaments before the world meet — the Pahang Open (May 26-29), Singapore Open (June 9-14), Indonesian Open (June 16-21) and Malaysian Gold Grand Prix in Johor Baru (June 23-28).