Lee Chong Wei must be prepared to face anyone in semi-final at London Olympics, says Rashid Sidek
Rashid Sidek, the former player and current Singles coach of Malaysia, said that the Lee Chong Wei should not think too much about his expected semi-final clash against China’s Chen Long and that he must be prepared to take anyone on the opposite side of net.
The 29-year-old Chong Wei, who has got rid of his ankle injury, is in good shape and is one of the major title contenders in Men’s Singles category.
The World Number Two Chong Wei has been positioned at the top half of main draw and his most powerful opponent in the upper half will be the third seed Long.
If things proceed according to paper, both shuttlers will meet at the semi-final stage.
However, Rashid said that it might not happen as Long has many tough opponents in his way towards semi-final and he wants Chong Wei to remain focused to face any opponent.
In Group E, Long will be facing Thailand’s inform player Boonsak Ponsana, Hong Kong’s Wong Wing Ki, Denmark’s Peter Hoeg Gade and Korea’s Shon Wan Ho.
The Chinese shuttler need to clear all these hurdles to meet Chong Wei at the semi-final stage.
Rashid stated, “Chong Wei's possible semi-final clash against Chen Long has been getting much attention but it might not even take place. Chong Wei should not be too focused on playing Chen Long and must be prepared to face anyone.”
He further added, “Chen Long has a tough draw. Beating players like Boonsak, Wing Ki, Christensen or Shon Wan Ho will take a lot of effort and he needs to clear all of them first.”
Chong Wei was the heavy favourite to win the gold medal at London Olympics but his preparations were hampered by an ankle injury he got at the Thomas Cup Finals in the last week of May.
Many doubts were there about the timely recovery of Chong Wei after receiving a severe injury but a steely determination enabled the shuttler to surprise everyone by making an incredibly fast recovery before the start of mega event.
The Malaysian hero will take on Ville Lang of Finland in his opening fight at the Wembley Indoor Arena on Monday.
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