Chong Wei Promises To Come Back Stronger

Posted by Adi

on February 5, 2008

National number one Lee Chong Wei left for Penang yesterday for a five-day break to celebrate the Chinese New Year. And he vowed to return refreshed to achieve two of his immediate targets.

World number two Chong Wei is determined to fulfil his responsibilities as the first singles player of the team in the Thomas Cup qualifying tournament. Another important goal for him is to make it to his first All-England final.

The Thomas Cup qualifiers will be held in Ho Chi Minh City from Feb 19-24 and the All-England will be played in Birmingham from March 4-9.

“It is only the Thomas Cup qualifying tournament but I want to win all my matches. I have never achieved a clean sheet in a team event,” said Chong Wei after completing his final training session before the holiday break at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara here yesterday.

With China and Indonesia not featuring in the Asian Zone because they are automatic qualifiers for the Finals by virtue of being the title holders and hosts, Chong Wei is looking forward to the tie against South Korea and a match against Lee Hyun-il.

Chong Wei defeated the resurgent Korean to win the Malaysian Open but conceded a walkover to him in the second round of the Korean Open last month because of fever.

“The All-England is after the Thomas Cup qualifiers and I want to make it to the final for the first time. It will be tough but I do not want to go through another disappointment in England.”

Chong Wei added that the short break at home would do him good ahead of the upcoming tournaments.

“I am in better condition now (after falling sick last week). Even my knee is not giving me too much of a trouble. It’s good to have a short break at home,” he said.

Besides spending time with his family and friends in Bukit Mertajam, Chong Wei will also visit his former coach, Teh Peng Huat, who was his guiding light when he was in the junior ranks.

On the possibility of not having Mohd Hafiz Hashim as his sparring partner after the Thomas Cup qualifying campaign, Chong Wei said: “It’s a pity that he wants to leave. But I understand his position. I also joined Misbun (Sidek) last year because I wanted a change. Hopefully, Hafiz will find what he is looking for in his bid to revive his career. I wish him well.”

Hafiz will leave professional club Nusa Mahsuri and the national training programme as soon as he sorts out contractual matters with Yonex and the club. He wants to join another professional club, KLRC Bhd.