Chong Wei may skip All-England

Lee Chong Wei in a file photo. He will decide on Saturday if he is going to the All-England. – FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

PETALING JAYA: World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei may yet skip the All-England after all.

The 31-year-old Chong Wei, who won the All-England twice in 2010 and 2011, has been troubled by an ankle injury the past week.

Chong Wei was due to depart for Birmingham on Saturday. On Friday, he confirmed that he is still not fully recovered from the ankle (left) injury he picked up whilst playing in a doubles exhibition match with Lin Dan two weeks ago.

“I have not made up my mind on whether I will make the trip to Birmingham. The injury is still bothering me and I will only make my decision tomorrow,” said Chong Wei, who is supposed to meet Thailand’s Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk in the first round.

If the Penangite decides to pull out, China’s world No. 2 Chen Long will be almost certain to retain his title.

Another player who is set to benefit is national No. 2 Chong Wei Feng.

The scrawny Wei Feng who has yet to win a single match this year, losing in the first round of the Korean and Malaysian Opens, starts his All-England campaign against Germany’s Marc Zwiebler.

The Kedahan however is unfortunately drawn to meet Chong Wei in the second round should he make it that far.

Malaysia will also have Liew Daren and professional shuttlers Misbun Ramdan Misbun and Zulfadli Zulkiffli in the fray although the trio will start from the qualifiers and will struggle to make the main draw.