Selangor Open: Lee Chong Wei will be in action in Mixed Doubles category
Malaysian ace Lee Chong Wei wants to have a little fun during his tough and hectic routine and for that purpose he will compete in the forthcoming Selangor Open but surprisingly not in the Men’s Singles category as he intends to compete in the category of Mixed Doubles.
However, his fans will be happy to see him in action at a home event. This domestic tournament will start from Wednesday, February 22, at Juara Stadium Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur.
Chong Wei, who is World Number One in Men’s Singles category, will participate in the home event with his partner Vivian Hoo. The presence of the nation’s best shuttler will drag a huge crowd to see him playing in Mixed Doubles for the first time in last 10 years.
Chong Wei has been remained at the top in Malaysia for the last 10 years and no other shuttler in Men’s Singles category could beat him in the court at any domestic tournament in this prolonged period.
The World Number One is busy in his hectic routine of training for the upcoming All England Open premier Super Series and Olympic Games.
However, at the same time, he also wants to promote the local tournaments which will be beneficial in the promotion of badminton in the country.
That is why, instead of participating in Men’s Singles, he decided to play Mixed Doubles and entertain his fans in this home event.
He also said that all other shuttlers in Singles category will have a better chance to prove their worth on home soil and win this tournament.
He said, “I wanted to support the local tournament but didn’t want play in the singles. The best option was to try something new so I decided to play in the mixed doubles with Vivian. I hope that the back-up singles players will take the opportunity to showcase their talents.”
He further added, “The last time I played mixed doubles was during my junior days. It will be fun to try it again. It’s only a 16-draw competition so it will give me more time to focus on my preparations for the All-England (March 6-11).”
In the absence of Chong Wei, now Daren Liew is the top seed in Men’s Singles draw and Mohd Arif Abdul Latif has been placed at number two in Selangor Open.
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