Badminton: Chong Wei clears first hurdle, Bao bows out
News 8:52 AM
MALAYSIA’s world number one men singles shuttler Lee Chong Wei buried the ghost of the past at the Gachibowli Stadium to advance to the second round but China suffered a major setback when one of their title contenders Bao Chunlai fell in the first round at the World Championships yesterday.
Top seed Chong Wei took his time to beat Germany Dieter Domke 21-14, 21-10 in 25 minutes in the opening match.
The win was ironically achieved at the same court where he was shocked by Chen Long of China in the opening round of the Indian Open in April.
“It was at this same court that I lost in the first round the last time I was here. The defeat was playing in the back of my mind. But I am happy, I made it through this time,” said Chong Wei.
“I did make some easy mistakes in the first game. But overall, I am happy with my performance.”
He will have a break today while the second group of the men’s singles will be in action.
“This is the first time that there will be a day’s break between the matches and I have no problem with that.”
EArly exit: A dejected Bao Chunlai talking to the Chinese press after losing his first-round match to Holland's Dicky Palyama Monday. While Chong Wei settled in well to strengthen his bid to become the country’s first world champion, there was a major panic in the China’s camp with a sluggish Bao, who was reduced to tears after losing 18-21, 14-21 to Dicky Palyama of Holland.
It was one of Bao’s worst defeat in recent times and it could see him even being dropped from the national team.
The lanky shuttler had been bugged with a knee injury and only got back to full training about two weeks ago.
China’s Lin Dan, who breezed into the second round with a convincing 21-9, 21-11 win over Misha Zilberman of Israel, came to the defence of Bao yesterday.
“I do not think Bao was at his best in this tournament. He was not in the good mood as he used to be,” said Lin Dan. “But if he is in his best, even Chong Wei and I are not assured of a win against him. It is unfortunate that he has to lose in this manner.”
On his approach for the world meet, Lin Dan tried his best to deflect the pressure that comes with being a two-time champion and the hot favourite to win again.
“I think, the standard of play in the men’s singles is almost on par. The title can go to anyone who plays their best on that day,” he said.
“I am hailed as the favourite but I think, Chong Wei and Peter-Gade (Christensen) are the favourites here. I have come prepared and I will give my best,” he added.
Malaysia’s challenge however, has been reduced to only two so far in the men’s singles after a tame defeat of Lee Tsuen Seng yesterday.
Seasoned campaigner Wong Choong Hann will begin his quest for honours when he takes on Ville Lang of France today.
In the women’s singles, Malaysia’s Wong Mew Choo also advanced to the second round with a effortless 21-4, 21-6 win over Shannol Pohl of United States.
“This is a good start although I have not been tested to the limit yet. I will be playing against Ai Goto of Japan next (on Wednesday) and I am bracing myself for a tough time,” said Mew Choo.
Posted by Lucas Liau
on 8:52 AM.
Filed under
