SEPANG, Nov 27 — National badminton ace Datuk Lee Chong Wei who had initially decided to withdraw from the Badminton World Federation’s World Super Series Finals in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, next month, has changed his mind to compete instead.
The World number six had earlier decided to skip the tournament scheduled from Dec 13-17, but after winning the Hong Kong Open Super Series title yesterday, Chong Wei has had a positive change of heart and will compete instead.
“I have to play in the final Super Series competition which will feature only the top eight players in the world. It is not easy to play in the World Super Series Finals in Dubai because only the top eight ranked players are eligible to play.
“However, after competing in Dubai, I will take a break to spend time with my family before preparing for the All England in March next year. The All England will be my first tournament next year,” said Chong Wei when met at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport , here today after arriving from Hong Kong.
Chong Wei said National coaches Tey Seu Bock and Hendrawan would plan and decide the other major tournaments that he would be competing next year, including the Commonwealth Games in Australia, Asian Games in Indonesia, World Championships in China and Thomas Cup Finals in Thailand.
In yesterday’s Hong Kong Open Super Series men’s singles final, Chong Wei beat his arch rival and nemesis Chen Long from China, 21-14, 21-19 in straight sets to claim his fifth Hong Kong Open title after having triumphed in 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2015.
“I am happy to have regained my confidence after going through a lean spell for about eight months. This positive result will be a boost for me,” he said. — Bernama
