PETALING JAYA: World No. 1 shuttler Lee Chong Wei has challenged second stringers Chong Wei Feng and Liew Daren to play without fear in the World Championships in Guangzhou, China from Aug 5-11.
Debutant Wei Feng, the 15th seed, is drawn to meet England’s Rajiv Ouseph in the first round and expected to meet four-time world champion Lin Dan in the third round.
Daren, who will also be making his debut, has been given a tough draw. He faces Russia’s Vladmir Malkov in the first round, with a potential third round clash against second seed Chen Long.
But Chong Wei, who has a relatively easy path to the final, wants his younger team-mates to make the most of the opportunity of competing in the world meet.
“I hope that Wei Feng shows no fear against Lin Dan, who has not played much since the London Olympics last year,” said Chong Wei.
“We don’t know his match condition but he’s not unbeatable.
“As for Daren, he has a tough draw even in the second round, as he’s expected to meet Indonesia’s Sony Dwi Kuncoro (world No. 10). He just needs to encourage himself.
“There should be no pressure on them ... given it’s their first world meet. Hopefully, they’ll play their best.
“It’s not easy to qualify for a major tournament like this and they should make good of this opportunity to gain some good experience and the look forward to more major events next year like the Thomas Cup, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.”
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