Chen Long continues to be a threat to Lee Chong Wei for Men’s Singles title in 2012 London Olympics
China’s Chen Long has grown bigger at international stage and has also become a potential threat to Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei for the Men’s Singles title in the 2012 London Olympics, which will take place in London next year.
Jin’s two consecutive victories over the World Number One Chong Wei in two back-to-back tournaments have established his position as one of the major contenders for the title in the Olympic Games, which is just 10 months away.
In the final of the Japan Open Super Series, Chong Wei suffered with an unusual defeat from the hands of the young Chinese. Long’s win over Chong Wei in the final of the 2011 Denmark Open Premier Super Series proved that his victory in the Japan Open was
not a fluke, as the Chinese has elevated his standard.
The World Number Three, Long proved that he has achieved highest class skill and is ready to challenge the world in all major international tournaments.
In the final of the Denmark Open, the Chinese played terrific badminton against the top seed and finished off the match in straight sets in a surprising manner. He showed no mercy to the top seed throughout the battle and finished it up in an authoritative
way.
After the match, Malaysia’s national coach, Tey Seu Bock said that Chong Wei has been struggling against Chen Jin as the Chinese is physically strong and has learnt elite skills.
Seu Bock said, "Chong Wei is not comfortable playing Chen Long because he is physically very tough and a good retriever. His recovery is very good and manages to battle with Chong Wei rally after rally.”
He further said, "Chong Wei is an excellent shuttler but sometimes we forget that he is already 29 and it might take longer to recover from tough matches compared to players like Chen Long.”
After suffering with two consecutive defeats from the hands of the lower ranked Chinese shuttler, Chong Wei’s chances to win the medal at the Olympic Games have become doubtful.
The World Number One needs to regain his confidence and winning form, if he wants to win the Men’s Singles crown at the 2012 London Olympics.
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