Korea Open semi-final: Lee Chong Wei is heavy favourite but Du Pengyu can steal the limelight
China’s spirited shuttler, Du Pengyu, has the skill to steal the limelight despite the fact that Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei is heavy favourite to win the Men’s Singles semi-final contest at the Korea Open Premier Super Series.
Both shuttlers will lock horns on Saturday, January 7, at the indoor arena in Seoul, South Korea.
Two leading Chinese shuttlers, Chen Jin and Chen Long, crashed out in the opening rounds of the tournament China still has two more in the draw including Pengyu and Lin Dan, who can stop the World Number One Chong Wei from winning the title at Korea Open.
Lin, who is the arch-rival of Chong Wei, is expected to reach in the final as he is the favourite to win his semi-final battle against Japan’s Sho Sasaki.
On the other hand, Pengyu will play against the top seeded Malaysian shuttler in a bid to reach in the final of any Premier Super Series event for the first time.
In the semi-final contest, the World Number 11 Pengyu delivered stunning performance against the higher ranked Simon Santoso of Indonesia, who is currently World Number Seven.
The Chinese shuttler put up superb show of smashing badminton against the Indonesian and finished up the fight in straight games with a remarkable 21-16 and 21-19 score on the board.
Chong Wei has a better record against Pengyu in their previous head-to-head meetings but it will be challenging this time especially when the shuttle c**k is slow in Korea Open that can affect the game of top seed.
Malaysia’s Men’s Singles nation coach, Tey Seu Bock, said that slow shuttle has made it tough for the attacking shuttlers to play their normal game.
He said, “The speed of the shuttle is slow due to the cold weather and it thus becomes physically demanding for the players. Pengyu, however, is relishing the situation. In fact, he has been enjoying a good run so far. He is physically in good condition
and can last the pace.”
However, he further added, “I hope Chong Wei will make the necessary adjustments. It is our hope that he will get off to a good start this year. I will be more than happy if he makes it to the final first.”
The coach expects Chong Wei to win the battle but he also knows that Pengyu has the skill to create an upset as he is in his prime form at the moment.
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