BAM wants Wei Feng to excel in Asian Badminton Championships – Badminton News
The Men’s Singles expert, Wei Feng Chong of Malaysia has a huge burden of expectations on his shoulders as Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is hoping that he will rise in Asian Badminton Championships (ABC) which is starting in China from April 17,
2012.
World Number 46, Wei Feng has a tough task to surpass as he is up against a strong Chinese contender Chen Jin in first round of the event. If he overpowers his higher ranked opponent it will raise his chances for a spot in the Thomas Cup squad.
BAM secretary Ng Chin Chai feels that Malaysian youngster will soar high against Chinese maestro in ABC and ensure his spot as reserve player in the Thomas Cup finals.
He said, “BAM will surely be more than happy if Wei Feng gets off to a good start in the ABC with a win over Chen Jin. It will be a good personal achievement, a win will increase his chances of being considered for the Thomas Cup Finals.”
Moreover, if Wei Feng beats his competitor in opening match it will be a huge blow to Chen Jin’s race for a ticket to the 2012 London Olympics.
World Number five shuttler is looking to earn third spot for China in Singles event and he desperately wants to unseat the Danish shuttler Peter Hoeg Gade from his fourth position in world ranking.
According to Olympic qualification rules, a country can have maximum two seats if its shuttlers fall in top 16 however if all of its shuttlers sit in top four players then that country will have three spots in the mega event.
World Number two Lin Dan and Number three Chen Long from China have already secured their spots so now Chen Jin will be looking to climb up to the fourth position.
Chin Chai, who is also BAM Coaching and Training chairman, hoped that Wei Feng will put Chinese expedition to halt in ABC.
He said, “If the Chinese former world champion goes out early in the ABC, it may jeopardise his chances of overtaking the Dane in the world rankings. So, we hope Wei Feng will end his challenge early.”
If Chen Jin proceeds in his race for Olympic qualification it will put Malaysian hope for Olympic medal in danger as World Number one Lee Chong Wei will have to edge three top class Chinese shuttlers in 2012 London Games.
Wei Feng has beaten Chen Jin once in their last four meetings and the country is looking forward to him clearing at least one hurdle from Chong Wei’s way.
Tags: