World No. 1 strolls into quarter-finals of Kedah Open

Posted by Lucas Liau Top News 4:51 PM

ALOR SETAR: World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei showed no signs of a “minor” injury by demolishing national back-up shuttler Loh Wei Sheng 21-12, 21-7 in the second round of the Kedah Open at the KBA Badminton Hall here yesterday.
Chong Wei, who is only competing in the Kedah Open in a bid to qualify for the National Circuit Grand Finals and to defend his title, took just 30 minutes to wow the crowd with his skills.
He will face Chong Wei Feng in the quarter-finals. Wei Feng downed Beryno Wong of Sabah 21-15, 21-15 in front of his hometown crowd.

National singles coach Rashid Sidek confirmed that Chong Wei “is carrying an injury but it is only a minor one and will not hinder his preparations for the World Champ­ion­ships in London next month”.
“It’s only a small injury and the world meet is still a long way to go. There will be time for him to recover,” said Rashid.
Also progressing into the quarter-finals were third seed Mohd Hafiz Hashim of KLRC and fourth seed Liew Daren.
Hafiz was gifted a free ride. Zul­fad­li Zulkifli, exhausted from his exertions in the Asian Juniors, threw in the towel while trailing 7-21, 4-11.
Zulfadli had only returned home after winning the Asian Juniors boys’ singles title in Lucknow, India on Monday and was clearly off colour.
“He is a talented young player and he has a very good game,” said Hafiz. “However, in order to bring out his potential, he needs to improve on his fitness and body strength.”
Daren, meanwhile, was forced to battle hard before claiming a 13-21, 21-19, 21-15 victory over Misbun Ramdan Misbun.
The tournament, however, lost its second seed when another World Championships-bound player, Wong Choong Hann, retired barely minutes into his second round match against former national shuttler Yeoh Kay Bin.
Kay Bin was leading 1-0 in the first game when Choong Hann retired.
“I just flew in this morning and I am having a slight fever. So I decided to withdraw,” said the 35-year-old.
“I am not injured and my plans for the World Championships are still on track,” added Choong Hann.