Chong Wei signals intent with devastating first round win

COPENHAGEN: World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei got off to a cracking start in the World Championships to show his clear intention of ending the country’s elusive chase for a world title.
On Monday, he went on a ferocious mode to break apart Lee Dong-keun of South Korea 21-11, 21-12 in 45 minutes at Ballerup Super Arena in Copenhagen.
And the Malaysian was simply overjoyed with his performances after having had to take a break for almost two months due to an inner thigh injury.
“This is my first tournament after two months and I am quite happy with my performances. Despite not being 100 percent at my best, I was able to play a good attacking game,” said the 31-year-old Chong Wei.

Chong Wei’s last tournament was the Indonesian Open in June. He lost to Kenichi Tago of the Japan in the semi-finals.
“This is the World Championships and not a Superseries event and I did not want to take it easy in the first round. I attacked at every opportunity and it worked for me.
“But credit should be given to Dong-keun. He did well in the opening game to stay close to me. His defensive game was good as he was able to retrieve some of my shots.”
Asked whether he had any pain on his leg, he said in a jest: “I did not think of it at all during the match but now, I am feeling it…just kidding. I am good.”
Despite getting off a to a good start, Chong Wei said that he would remain focused on his task at hand.
In the second round on Wednesday, he will take on Germany’s Dieter Domke.
The lanky Germany produced a magnificent effort to beat Glasgow Commonwealth Games gold medallist P. Kashyap of India 26-24, 13-21, 21-18.

 http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Badminton/2014/08/26/Chong-Wei-signals-intent-with-devastating-win/

 

Towering German won’t be looking down on Chong Weii

GERMAN Dieter Domke’s game plan against world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei in the men’s singles second round at the World Championships on Wednesday is quite simple – to just survive!
On Monday, the 27-year-old towering German pulled off a surprise when he sent reigning Commonwealth Games champion P. Kashyap of India packing 26-24, 13-21, 21-18 at the Ballerup Super Arena.
He admitted that it would be tough against Chong Wei, who got off to a brilliant start in the world meet with a stunning 21-11, 21-12 win over youngster Lee Dong-keun of South Korea.
After a two-month layoff to recover from a thigh injury, Chong Wei was hardly bothered by it as he went on the offensive from the start.

Seven-footer Domke has no intention of looking down on Chong Wei – especially after losing in straight games to the Malaysian in the 2013 Sudirman Cup and 2009 World Championships in Hyderabad.
“Chong Wei and Lin Dan are the best players ever ... I’m just thrilled to have the opportunity to play against him,” said Domke.
“My game plan against him is ... to survive,” he laughed.
Chong Wei, while ecstatic with his opening victory over Dong-keun, does not plan to take his German opponent lightly.
“Every player hopes to make an impression in a big tournament like this. I’ve beaten him before but I will not brush him off as a non-threat,” said Chong Wei.
If Chong Wei wins, he is likely to meet Ireland’s Scott Evans in the third round on Thursday.

 http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Badminton/2014/08/26/Towering-Domke-wont-be-looking-down-on-Chong-Wei/

 

Zhengming desperate to step out of Lin Dan’s shadow

COPENHAGEN: In a country where five-time world champion Lin Dan is the king of badminton, it is easy to overlook the others.
Just ask former world junior champion Wang Zhengming.
Although the 25-year-old Zhengming has been in the shadows of two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan, he is not blaming anyone but himself for not stepping up to the plate.
That’s why Zhengming has pledged to reach the semi-finals of the ongoing World Championships – although it means he will have to beat top seed Lee Chong Wei, who is in his same quarter, along the way.

“How many times do I have to keep losing to Chong Wei ... I’m just so frustrated. I’m no longer a junior and I do not see many more years ahead of me,” he said.
Zhengming, who won the world junior title in 2008, has lost to Chong Wei 11 times since the first round of the 2009 Macau Open.
Zhengming also said that he is not ready to follow compatriot Du Pengyu, who quit the national team just before the World Championships.

more information； http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Badminton/2014/08/26/Zhengming-desperate-to-step-put-of-Lin-Dans-shadow/