We need to play attacking badminton against Korea, says World Number One Lee Chong Wei
Lee Chong Wei, the World Number One player from Malaysia, wants national shuttlers to play attacking badminton, particularly in Men’s Doubles fights, if they want to beat South Korea in the Thomas Cup Qualifying Round, which will be played in Macau, from
February 13-19.
Chong Wei, who is currently the best shuttler in the Men’s Singles category, has confidence in his country-mates and wants them to display team spirit which will help them to beat Korean opponents.
Malaysia is the favourite for opening Men’s Singles fight, which will be between Chong Wei and Korea’s Lee Hyun Il. The Malaysian shuttler has a strong track record against the Korean opponent and is expected to win this fight without taking pain.
A victory in the first match will reduce pressure on Men’s Doubles players, Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong, who will take on the World Number Two Korean pair of Jung Jae Sung and Lee Yong Dae.
According to Chong Wei, national shuttlers should play attacking badminton in the starting fights of the contest which will reduce pressure on the second and third Men’s Singles fights.
Chong Wei also said that players should not think of who will be their opponent at the quarter-final stage. They should focus on their round matches first.
He said, "Our aim is to beat Hong Kong and South Korea and not think too much about the quarter-finals. If the players have the fighting spirit, we can qualify for the final rounds."
However, the World Number One also admitted that Korean squad seems stronger in the later singles and that is why he wants the Doubles shuttlers to attack in the opening fights.
He added, "South Korea are strong on paper and their doubles look solid but we have nothing to lose. If I secure the first point, Koo-Tan will be confident in the first doubles. The Koreans are favoured in the second and third singles and this is why I feel
we should attack them in the doubles.”
Chong Wei also expressed that if Malaysian shuttlers manage to remain at the top in their group by beating Hong Kong and Korea, they will have better chances to reach in the semi-final and secure a berth in the Thomas Cup Finals.
Tags: