COPENHAGEN, Aug 26 – Despite not having recovered fully from a groin injury, world number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei still packed too much power to dispose Lee Dong Kuen of South Korea 21-11, 21-12 in a first round BWF World Championships match at the Ballerup Super Arena, here.
Speaking to reporters after his match, Chong Wei said he was happy with his play although he has yet to recover fully from the injury he had suffered at the Indonesian Open Super Series about two months ago.
“I tried to give my best although I have not been playing competitive badminton for almost two months…Once I’m on court, I try to forget the injury,” he said.
The Penangite, chasing for the elusive World Championship title, showed no signs of his current injury to start the match on an aggressive note, giving the South Korean little room to recover.
Chong Wei who faces lanky German Dieter Domke in the second round said he would not take his opponent lightly although he had beaten the German twice before. “What is important is to focus on every match and not underestimate opponents. We must remain physically and mentally strong,” he said.
The World Championships in Copenhagen is seen as Chong Wei’s best chance to win the elusive title due to the absence of defending champion Lin Dan of China, Chong Wei’s arch-rival and nemesis. However, the path to the final would not be easy with the presence of World number two Chen Long who will certainly be a serious threat.
Domke meanwhile, dashed the hopes of Glasgow Commonwealth Games gold medallist Kashyap Parupalli from India 26-24, 13-21, 21-18 in a three-set thriller to set a date with Chong Wei. Apart from Chong Wei, his namesake Chong Wei Feng will see action in the first round against England’s Rajiv Ouseph.
– BERNAMA
