Chong Wei urges Kwong Beng to thrive on Misbun’s harsh treatment

Posted by Lucas Liau Lee Chong Wei, News 9:10 AM

PETALING JAYA: The fasting month teaches perseverance.

And world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei has challenged younger compatriot Chan Kwong Beng to persevere in tough training sessions to help him become a world-class player.

The 22-year-old Kwong Beng was reduced to tears last week after receiving a tongue lashing from coach Misbun Sidek for showing a lack of commitment in training. Misbun had chased Kwong Beng out of the training session for two hours.

Feeling down: Chan Kwong Beng was reduced to tears by coach Misbun Sidek’s tongue lashing last week.

Chong Wei hoped that Kwong Beng would show better attitude in training after experiencing the harsh treatment from Misbun.

“What Kwong Beng went through is nothing new. I have seen Misbun being angry like this almost four years ago,” said the 27-year-old Chong Wei.

“In fact, I had experienced this when I was younger. Misbun threw me out of training for a week because I took it easy in training.

“So I can understand how Kwong Beng felt. But he should not give up. He should take Misbun’s stern warnings on a positive note.”

Chong Wei added that he had seen improvement in Kwong Beng since they began sparring against each other this year.

At the Macau Open last month, Kwong Beng chalked up his career best win, beating Hong Kong’s Ng Wei in the third round.

“Kwong Beng has provided me with quality sparring sessions together with another back-up player, Lok Chong Chieh. I believe Kwong Beng has a good future,” said Chong Wei.

“But he will not make it if he does not show the desire to improve. He has to change his attitude and not play well only when he feels like it. There is no easy way to success.

“I became the Malaysian champion when I was 22. He is fortunate that Misbun has faith in him and chosen him to spar and train with me on a full-time basis.

“I am willing to part my knowledge and experience to him but it is his loss if he does not make good use of this opportunity.”

Kwong Beng is now ranked 88th in the world and he has yet to win an Open title.

The other players in the back-up squad include Tan Chun Seang, Chong Wei Feng, Liew Daren and Mohd Arif Abdul Latif. But they come under the charge of Indonesia’s former world champion Hendrawan.