Lee Chong Wei needs to overpower Lin Dan to keep Malaysia’s chances alive, says Park Joo Bong
Korea’s former legendary player Park Joo Bong said that Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei needs to win his first Men’s Singles fight against China’s Lin Dan to keep Malaysia’s chances alive to create an upset in Thomas Cup Finals, starting from May 20, in China.
According to Joo Bong, if the World Number One Chong Wei wins the opening contest against the ruling Olympic and World Champion Lin then it will create pressure on the Chinese squad which will definitely help Malaysia to upset China.
Chong Wei conceded a walkover against Lin in the title match of All England Open Premier Super Series in March because of an unusual shoulder injury.
After winning All England Open, Lin will be in good shape in his home event but Chong Wei needs to prove his worth in China to have better chances of winning this team-event contest.
Chinese shuttlers seem best on paper as they are at the top in their respected categories. However a victory in the opening fight can push them on the back foot while playing against Malaysia.
While talking about the prospects of Chong Wei and Lin Dan, Joo Bong said that the Chinese has a little advantage over Chong Wei considering his victory at All England Open.
Joo Bong said, “The tussle between Chong Wei and Lin Dan should be keenly contested. For now, Lin Dan is in a slightly better position. His level of concentration has improved since the All-England. He was quite unstable during the Opens in Malaysia and
South Korea.”
He also said that Lin will be playing on his home crowd and his local fans will be a huge support for him while playing against the World Number One.
Joo Bong added, “Lin Dan will have great support from home fans but Chong Wei can challenge him if he is in good condition. A win for Chong Wei will surely give a tremendous lift to his team-mates.”
Chong Wei has been playing terrific badminton for the last few years but recently could not do well and lost to Shon Wan Ho in the final of India Open Super Series.
However, he is fully prepared to shine in Wuhan at the Thomas Cup Finals.
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