Winning start, but Chong Wei's not a happy camper

INCHEON: Lee Chong Wei slammed the court conditions, saying that the lights were too bright and causing problems for players in Malaysia’s 3-0 win over Nepal in the men’s team quarter-final.

Chong Wei started the ball rolling with a 21-10, 21-12 win over Ratna Jit Tamang. Chong Wei Feng made it 2-0 after beating Bikash Shresta 21-10, 21-13. Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin then sealed the winning point with a 21-3, 21-4 win over Sajan Krishna Tamrakar.

But the world No. 1 was unhappy after the match.

“This was my first match and I just wanted to try out how I felt,” said Chong Wei.

“I think this court is very bad for me because the light is not so good.

“Normally there are only lights side to side (at either end), but here you have them all around so you are looking into the light. I think it’s tough for all the players.”

Tamang also complained about the lighting after the match.

“It’s very bright and difficult to see the shuttlecock,” he said.

Despite his gripe, the usually tight-lipped Chong Wei seemed more relaxed than usual.

“I’m just going to do my best and enjoy my last Asian Games,” he said, hoping that a good performance in the team event would pave the way for a win in the individuals.

Malaysia will face defending champions China, who ousted Hong Kong 3-0, in the semi-finals on Monday.

When asked about the showdown, Chong Wei said: “It is important for me to win the first point because I think they will put Lin Dan in the second singles … he’s a stronger bet than the other singles players (Tian Houwei and Gao Huan).”