SEPANG, Nov 26 — National badminton ace Datuk Lee Chong Wei does not want to be too comfortable after winning the China and Hong Kong Open championships.
Despite being satisfied at his successes, Chong Wei said it was no easy matter to be among the top six best players in the world in just six months.
Chong Wei returned to competition in June following an eight-month suspension by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), after testing positive for dope.
His ranking fell from being the world’s number one player to more over 100th.
“I did not expect to be at this level so quickly. Indeed, I have never given up, but, prior to this, my performance dropped at the Japanese Open, I was very stressed...there were times I was down.
“People tell me to retire when I lose, they praise when I win...I take all comments positively...what’s crucial is that I will not stop trying. “I alone am feeling this pressure, but I will never stop trying,” he told reporters upon his arrival at the KL International Airport here, today.
Chong Wei said the triumph at the China Open was a meaningful one for him.
“Winning the China Open is one of my dreams. I am very satisfied that I finally won the championship in my final appearance in badminton before I retire.
“My target is to qualify for the Olympic Games. Now my chance for the Olympics is already in my grasp, I hope my ranking will go up to the top four in the world,”he said.
Chong Wei said, he and the Badminton of Malaysia coaching side, must implement new strategies and programmes in preparation for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil next year.
Chong Wei is scheduled to participate in the Malaysia Open Gold Grand Prix Championship in January followed by the Thomas Cup qualifying and All-England. — BERNAMA
