Chong Wei terms new Olympic format a blessing in disguise – Badminton Update
Badminton World Federation (BWF) announced new format for London Olympics and Malaysian ace Lee Chong Wei believes this will help him in hitting the mark in mega event, starting from July 27, 2012.
Unlike previous edition, this year Olympics will be played under round robin group format in which 16 groups will be formed with each group having three or maximum four Singles contestants.
BWF wanted to throw maximum chances to weak contenders from low ranked countries. However, it will be an uphill task for these shuttlers to advance into next stage as only group winners will earn spot in knockout round.
World Number two Chong Wei expressed his delight over this transformation and stated that this format will help him to revive his rhythm and form before crucial matches.
He said, “The new format may be a blessing in disguise for me. The group matches will give me time to get into competition mode after a long layoff. The tough matches will start after the group stage.”
The Malaysian maestro has been out of action since he suffered ankle injury in 2012 Thomas Cup Finals. He was given eight-week rest to recover.
He admitted that during this period he was undergoing mental trauma but his family and friends provided him emotional and mental strength to cope this trouble.
He said, “Fortunately, I also have the support of my family members, friends and fans. Encouraging words like ‘Chong Wei you can do it’ inspire me.”
This injury badly affected his Olympic preparations as Chong Wei could not participate in Indonesia Open and Singapore Open this month.
However, he is not worried at all as his Chinese rivals Lin Dan and Chen Long also failed to make best out of this period as they got pale in Thailand Open and Indonesia Open respectively.
Chong Wei said, “It’s surprising for Lin Dan to lose to Sony. All the players are probably trying to keep a low profile before the Olympics. I would rather not think about them as I need to look at my own game.”
Moreover, he also showed intentions to touch his upper limit in national training camp which is going to start in Bath, England.
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is sending its campaigners two weeks before the commencement of mega event to give them an opportunity to practice under similar conditions of the London Olympics.
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