KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei had to forgo watching his favourite team Brazil take on Croatia on the opening day of the World Cup because of his unwavering commitment to do well in Japan.
On Sunday, a focused Chong Wei delivered when he bulldozed past Hu Yun of Hong Kong 21-14, 21-12 in a 34-minute lopsided final to lift his fifth Japan Open title at Tokyo.
“I love Brazil but with all the matches being shown at night, I had to make a choice. A good night’s sleep is more important to me. Hopefully, I will be able to catch up on all the other matches,” said Chong Wei.
“I am delighted Brazil won their first match (3-1) and I hope they will go all the way.”
The 31-year-old Chong Wei was also extra happy to win his fourth Superseries title of the year on Father’s Day.
“I have entered every final of the Superseries so far this year and I have won four out of the six. It feels great that I can stay consistent,” added Chong Wei.
“Today’s title in Japan is my fifth since 2007 but it is more special because I won it on Father’s Day,” said Chong Wei.
Chong Wei’s other victories were achieved in 2010, 2012 and 2013.
Although his opponent Hu Yun did not have a colourful credential like him, Chong Wei said he did not take him lightly.
“It was a tricky final against Hu Yun. He had entered the final after beating Chen Long (China) and Jan O Jorgesen (Denmark) and I knew, he could not be brushed off,” added Chong Wei.
“I am glad that I did not let my focus waver and kept my game tight.”
Chong Wei will now head to Indonesia for the seventh leg of the Superseries.
He will open his campaign against homester Sony Dwi Kuncoro on Wednesday.
“It is a challenge to keep winning every time but I will keep on trying. I aim to go as far as possible in the Indonesian Open,” added Chong Wei, who is seeking his sixth title in Jakarta.
Meanwhile, Japan’s top women’s pair Misaki Matsutomo-Ayaka Takahashi finally got it right by winning their first Superseries title in their fifth attempt.
The duo, who had choked in four other Superseries finals, defeated team-mates Reika Kakiiwa-Miyuki Maeda 21-13, 21-17.
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