Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei recovering from the psychological pressure of facing Lin Dan
World Number 1 Malaysian shuttler, Lee Chong Wei, is recovering from the psychological pressure of playing against Lin Dan of China. The Malaysian has always been working hard to get the better of his arch-rival, Lin, who always acts as a hurdle in Wei's
way to major tournament titles at international level.
In the 2011 Korea Open Premier Super Series, Chong Wei once again failed to beat the invincible Chinese. Wei's string of defeats at the hands of three-time World Champion and ruling Olympic Champion, Lin, did make the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM)
a little worried.
However, Wei managed to win against the Chinese in the 2011 All England Open Premier Super Series, and proved that he is no more under the clutches of psychological pressure.
In their 23 head-to-head meetings, Lin leads with a big margin of 15-8. Chong Wei has always struggled against Lin, who won the World Badminton Championships in 2006, 2007 and 2009 and also got the Olympic gold medal in 2008. For the last six years, the
Chinese has dominated the Malaysian in key matches. In 2008 Beijing Olympics, Chong Wei was bitterly stung by his Chinese opponent, who finished the match in straight sets.
The worries of BAM also increased when Misbun Sidek left the national squad of Men’s Singles by resigning from his duties. Misbun worked hard on Chong Wei for many years and made him a world class player, but even he failed to pull Wei out of the Lin Dan
jinx. In 2011 Korea Open Super Series Premier, the Chinese shuttler was not at his best, but proved he was still the best in the world of badminton.
Chong Wei has played tremendous Badminton so far in 2011. He has won five important titles in the opening 17 weeks of 2011.The Malaysian is one of the best players in the world, considered as a complete shuttler both, in technical and tactical aspects of
the game.
Chong Wei has matured as a player as well. The guidance and supervision of his coach Rashid Sidek and Teh Seu Bock, has minimised the pressure of the Chinese. The officials of BAM are quite hopeful about the success of Chong Wei in the 2011 World Badminton
Championships, and the 2012 London Olympics.
Chong Wei and Lin Dan are clearly competing for the 'best player in the world' tag. Both have an extensive experience of international Badminton. Chong Wei proves his worth by winning back-to-back events, whereas Lin Dan is determined to win the World Championships
and Olympics before his retirement from the game.
A major question is staining the achievements of Chong Wei though, who is yet to win both, the World Championships and Olympics. Will Chong Wei win the title in the World Championships and in the Olympic Games, and finally defeat Lin Dan? According to the
ongoing state of affairs, it seems quite difficult as he is still under the shadows of psychological pressure.
However, if the World Number 1 leaves his ghosts behind and handles his nerves well, there is no doubt that Chong Wei has the right set of skill to overcome his greatest rival, Lin Dan.
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