PETALING JAYA, Aug 7 — Lee Chong Wei does not only look different, he feels different too.

The 33-year-old former world No. 1, who will be making his ninth appearance at the World Championships this month (Monday to Sunday), left for Jakarta yesterday confident of ending his drought in the competition.

“This year feels different,” said Lee.

“In recent years I’ve been competing as top seed and the man to beat but now I’m an underdog.

“This is my year. I want to show my worth and finally win the title not only for me but for all Malaysians.”

Lee, now sporting a new blue hairdo, has never tasted success in the sport’s premier event. After winning bronze in 2005, he twice finished as bridesmaid to traditional nemesis Lin Dan in 2011 and 2013.

The lowest point in his career also came at the tournament last year.

The Penangite was found guilty of having traces of banned substance dexamethasone in his system and was subsequently stripped of his silver medal.

He lost the final 21-19, 21-19 to Chen Long.

Having completed an eight-month ban and returning to winning ways after clinching the US and Canada Opens in June, Lee is ready to right the wrongs of the past.

“I’ve never given up on winning (the World Championships),” he said.

“I feel stronger after the doping ban. I’ve won two titles and played in two team events since so the confidence is back.

“I must thank my coach Hendrawan for putting together a good training programme for me,” said the world No. 45.

Lee sees the men’s singles this year being an open affair, which he believes will boost his chances of winning.

“It’s no longer a duel between Lin Dan and I.

“Shuttlers like Tommy Sugiarto, Kento Momota, Chou Tien-chen and K. Srikanth are playing well and this could work in my favour,” said Lee, who opens his campaign against Lithuania’s Kestutis Navickas.

BA of Malaysia (BAM) technical director Morten Frost, who first unearthed Lee as a teenager, backed his star pupil to become Malaysia’s first world champion.

“I’m confident Chong Wei can finally bring home the title. He has been preparing well and has good coaches around him to inspire him to victory,” said the Dane.