Lee Chong Wei to face tough challenge from Chen Long at the 2012 Olympic Games
China’s Chen Long will be another potential opponent of Malaysia’s World Number One, Lee Chong Wei for the Men’s Singles title at the 2012 London Olympics. The Chinese shuttler defeated the Malaysian in the final of last week’s Japan Open Super Series.
Current World Number Four, Long, who will elevate to Number Three when the Badminton World Federation (BWF) updates new rankings on Thursday, September 29, has turned into a complete player as he has defeated all top shuttlers in the Men’s Singles category in the current year.
In the final contest of Japan Open, the Chinese defeated an in-form Chong Wei and proved that he has also attained the highest skills and is ready to put up a strong show in all major events. Long won the final battle in three games with a 21-8, 10-21 and 21-19 score in 73 minutes.
In the current year, Long has clinched three titles including Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold, China Masters Super Series and Japan Open Super Series. The recent back-to-back victories at the China Masters and Japan Open will certainly boost the confidence of the Chinese and now, he will also be looking forward to win the title at Olympic Games.
Tay Seu Bock, the Singles’ coach of Malaysia said that Long will also be a threat for Chong Wei at the Olympics, as he has grown to a level where he can spoil the party of any shuttler in the world.
Seu Bock said, “We have to face it that Chen Long has earned respect. He will be a threat.”
He further added, “Chong Wei will have to just work harder to stay above all the growing challenges from other younger players. My only consolation is that the defeat will make Chong Wei more positive. I am confident that he will not let it affect him and in fact, he will bounce back as a stronger player as his focus is on the Olympics.”
The qualifying round for 2012 Olympic Games is in progress and all top shuttlers will be looking forward to win a medal in the mega event, which is less than a year away.
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