Lin Dan win gives great satisfaction, says Chong Wei

KUALA LUMPUR: What better way for Lee Chong Wei to end his losing streak against China’s Lin Dan than to beat the five-time world champion in his own den – in Fuzhou.

The 33-year-old Chong Wei played his heart out to score a come-from-behind 17-21, 21-19, 21-19 emphatic victory in the semi-finals of the China Open on Saturday to set up a showdown with another Chinese Chen Long.

It was one of the Malaysian’s best performances of the season in the one-hour and 31-minute thriller. It was also Chong Wei’s first-ever win over Lin Dan on China soil – and his first over his nemesis in more than three years.

His last win over the two-time Olympic champion came in the Korean Open in January, 2012.

Yesterday’s win was only Chong Wei’s 10th triumph over Lin Dan in 35 meetings.

The lanky Chen Long, who has been enjoying an amazing season, disposed of Son Wan-ho of South Korea 21-11, 21-17 in a 52-minute semi-final clash and looks set to win his sixth Superseries title.

“It gives me great satisfaction to beat Lin Dan at his home ground after so long. After the one-sided loss at the Japan Open recently, I came prepared this time,” said Chong Wei in a telephone interview.

“It’s been a tough week for me, but I was able to raise my game today. That has given me a lot of confidence and put me in the right frame of mind ahead of next year’s Olympic Games.

“I also had extra motivation to do well here. This (China Open) is the only Superseries title that I have yet to win.”

Asked if he still has any energy left to face Chen Long on Sunday, Chong Wei laughed and said: “It has been a physically tough match, but I should be okay after a good rest. I’ll be fresh and ready for the challenge tomorrow.

“Chen Long has been dominant this year, but this could be my best chance to end his winning streak. I won’t be too upset if I lose, but it’s important that I enjoy the match tomorrow.”

Chong Wei has lost four times to Chen Long since the defeat in the final of the World Championships in Copenhagen last year. 

National coach Tey Seu Bock praised Chong Wei for his “incredible will to win”.

“He began badly and made many mistakes, but then he showed his determination by turning things around. He showed that he is not done with badminton, yet,” said Seu Bock.