Is Lee Chong Wei back on track after Japan Open success? – Badminton Feature
When everyone was discussing Lee Chong Wei’s future in the badminton arena, the Malaysian maestro gave a strong statement by claiming the crown in 2012 Yonex Japan Open. This Super Series event was his first appearance after a disappointing London Olympics
outing and he performed exceptionally well to resume his successful run.
Earlier, the World Number one shuttler was supposed to bid farewell immediately after the Olympics but he revised his decision and vowed to lift country’s flag for two more years.
In Japan Open, Chong Wei had a huge burden of expectations on his shoulders as the Malaysians desperately wanted him to escort the country to glory. Luck must be smiling at him as his Chinese rivals did not grace the event with their presence and ultimately
Chong Wei relished full benefits of their absence.
However, it was not a smooth ride to victory for him as he had danger men like Peter Hoeg Gade, Taufik Hidayat, Simon Santoso and Boonsak Ponsana in his way to glory.
Chong Wei was blessed with a favourable draw as he started his campaign against a lower ranked Indian lad Anand Pawar who was no comparison to his brilliance and experience. He registered a straight-set victory and setup a pre quarter-final clash with a
spirited campaigner Viktor Axelsen.
The Malaysian ace served notice of his supremacy also in the round of 16 as he took just two games to cast out the Danish shuttler. He looked in prime touch during this crucial match and this timely win helped him secure a berth in the quarter-finals of
this Super Series.
Chong Wei’s impressive run continued in the elimination round as he overwhelmed his compatriot player Wei Feng Chong with a splendid show of badminton craft. This time he tested his mental and physical fitness by keeping a low profile in the beginning and
then by storming back at the death.
However, his best performance was yet to come as World Number five shuttler Simon Santoso was his next challenger in semi-final round. Chong Wei’s performance was a real feast for the eyes as he sent the Indonesian packing by sealing a straight-set victory.
The two-time Olympic Silver medallist, who was the top seeded player of this tournament, reserved his spot in grand finale where he was scheduled to meet Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand. Though, he had to face a strong resistance in this tie but still he managed
to tip the scale in his favour and raised hands as champion.
With such an emphatic end, Chong Wei has silenced all the critics who were predicting that he will not be able to reclaim his status in the international arena. This success also elevated his standings and now he holds top spot in the World ranking.
The badminton gurus are praising Chong Wei for his unwavering commitment as he put his best despite of facing lower ranked rivals in Japan Open. He proved himself mentally and physically fit as he wrapped all the matches in just two games.
Now, his next challenges will be Denmark Open, French Open and China Open in this season and Chong Wei’s current form has raised his prospects in these upcoming tournaments.
His splendid win in the Japan Open has provided him the required momentum which will be pushing him until the esteemed badminton events like World Championships and Asian Championships next year.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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