PETALING JAYA: Two-time Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong Wei thirsts for more honours after extending his partnership with 100PLUS for a record 10th year.
Yesterday, the world No. 1 men’s singles shuttler received a timely boost ahead of the May 21-28 Sudirman Cup in Gold Coast, Australia, when he signed another two-year contract with Malaysia’s leading isotonic beverage firm.
The 34-year-old Chong Wei, who has been the brand ambassador for 100PLUS since 2009, said he was grateful for the support and promised to deliver the goods.
“Today, I give my commitment to play at the competitive level for another two years,” said Chong Wei after yesterday’s signing ceremony.
“Many sponsors pulled out during my eight-month doping ban (from October 2014 to May 2015) but 100PLUS stood by me. This kind of support only motivates me to train harder and achieve better results.”
Buoyed by the undisclosed huge financial sponsorship deal yesterday, skipper Chong Wei promised to steer Malaysia to their best ever result in the Sudirman Cup.
Malaysia’s best finish was a semi-final appearance in Guangzhou, China, in 2009. Chong Wei and Co crashed out in the quarter-finals in Dongguan, China, two years ago.
“We’ve a chance of doing well although we don’t have Goh Liu Ying. The rest of the team have been working hard,” said Chong Wei.
Liu Ying was forced to skip the world mixed team event after suffering a shoulder injury.
Besides Chong Wei, the other members of the team are Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin (men’s singles), Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi (men’s doubles); Goh Jin Wei and Soniia Cheah (women’s singles); Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei and Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean (women’s doubles); Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing, Chan Peng Soon and Cheah Yee See (mixed doubles).
“V Shem, Wee Kiong, Peng Soon and I have played in the Sudirman Cup before.
“We’ve the experience. There are a few new faces like Jin Wei and Yew Sin-Ee Yi but they are very determined.
“The team spirit is good,” said Chong Wei, the reigning All-England champion.
“It’ll be great to reach the semi-finals again.
A place in the final will be a bonus.
“It’s all about team work and we’ll fight hard,” added Chong Wei, who will leave with the team for Australia tomorrow.
Malaysia are in Group C with Japan and Germany. They face Germany in their first match on May 23.
Top seeds and title-holders China are in Group A with Thailand and Hong Kong.
In Group B are South Korea, Taiwan and Russia while Group D comprises Denmark, Indonesia and India.
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