Not so easy: Lee Chong Wei (front) beat Indonesia
THE younger players want world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei’s scalp – real bad.
Chong Wei had a taste of their hunger on Wednesday when one of them – Indonesia’s Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka – gave him a rude shock with a superb attacking game.
Thankfully, the Malaysian won the second round game of the World Championships 14-21, 21-18, 21-11 at the Tianhe Gymnasium.
Indonesia's Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka played a superb attacking game against world No.1 Lee Chong Wei. - IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star
And a sweat-soaked Chong Wei said that he would not forget the hard-fought win over Hayom.
It will, he said, remind him to be more prepared for his younger opponents.
Chong Wei will take on 2009 world junior champion Wang Zhengming of China on Thursday and, if he wins, he is likely to face Indonesia’s Tommy Sugiarto next.
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And a sweat-soaked Chong Wei said that he would not forget the hard-fought win over Hayom.
It will, he said, remind him to be more prepared for his younger opponents.
Chong Wei will take on 2009 world junior champion Wang Zhengming of China on Thursday and, if he wins, he is likely to face Indonesia’s Tommy Sugiarto next.
China's Wang Zhengming will be world No.1 Lee Chong Wei's next opponent.
Two-time Olympic Games silver medallist Chong Wei admitted that his confidence took a huge beating when the spirited Hayom dominated the opening game.
“Hayom played remarkably well today and it didn’t help that I made some mistakes by allowing him to dictate the pace,” said Chong Wei, who is competing in his seventh world meet.
“I was struggling to get my game back. I played against him last month (Indonesian Open) but, this time, he looked more confident and his net game has improved. He is an attacking player and did not waste any time in doing just that.
“Just look at me, I’m totally drenched in sweat trying to fend off all those shots!
“The turning point for me was the decider, when I was able to break his flurry of attacks. I was back in control after 11-8.”
Chong Wei said that he understood the younger players’ determination as “I was like them once”.
“They are all probably annoyed with me for holding on to the world No. 1 position for so long. I have also won four Super Series titles this year ... so, it’s no surprise that they all want to beat me,” said Chong Wei.
“They are putting so much effort into trying to beat me ... I understand, I was like them before.
“Today was a reminder for me to always be prepared. I’ll spend some time analysing my opponents’ games and be ready for them. I’m ready to perform much better – that’s a promise.”
Two-time Olympic Games silver medallist Chong Wei admitted that his confidence took a huge beating when the spirited Hayom dominated the opening game.
“Hayom played remarkably well today and it didn’t help that I made some mistakes by allowing him to dictate the pace,” said Chong Wei, who is competing in his seventh world meet.
“I was struggling to get my game back. I played against him last month (Indonesian Open) but, this time, he looked more confident and his net game has improved. He is an attacking player and did not waste any time in doing just that.
“Just look at me, I’m totally drenched in sweat trying to fend off all those shots!
“The turning point for me was the decider, when I was able to break his flurry of attacks. I was back in control after 11-8.”
Chong Wei said that he understood the younger players’ determination as “I was like them once”.
“They are all probably annoyed with me for holding on to the world No. 1 position for so long. I have also won four Super Series titles this year ... so, it’s no surprise that they all want to beat me,” said Chong Wei.
“They are putting so much effort into trying to beat me ... I understand, I was like them before.
“Today was a reminder for me to always be prepared. I’ll spend some time analysing my opponents’ games and be ready for them. I’m ready to perform much better – that’s a promise.”
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