Chong Wei unfazed by big names he's drawn to play

Possible match-up: Viktor Axelsen of Denmark could face Lee Chong Wei in the quarter-finals of the Malaysian Open. — AFP

KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Chong Wei could not have gotten a much trickier draw as he chases his 12th Malaysian Open crown.

But the 35-year-old is unfazed when the US$700,000 (RM2.78mil) showpiece takes place at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil from June 26-July 1.

Chong Wei has been drawn in the same half as world No. 1 Viktor Axelsen (pic) of Denmark and Chinese heavyweights comprising world No. 3 Shi Yuqi and long-time rivals Lin Dan and Chen Long.

He could face Axelsen in the quarter-finals and one of the Chinese trio in the last four.

Should Chong Wei reach the final, he is likely to meet Kento Momota of Japan, who joins world No. 2 Son Wan-ho of South Korea and India’s K. Srikanth in the other half of the draw.

“Yes, it’s tough. But for me, it’s just another draw,” said Chong Wei, who finished runner-up to Lin Dan in Sarawak last year.

“They are more or less the same opponents that I face in the other tournaments. I don’t think too much of who I’ll be facing. What’s important is to make the best preparation. With good preparation, comes good display.

“I will try my best to win because I know a lot of spectators will be coming to the stadium to cheer for the national team, so we can’t let them down.”

Hendrawan reckons winning the Malaysian Open will boost Chong Wei’s confidence ahead of the Asiad.

“The Malaysian Open, together with the Indonesian Open (the following week) make up a very important part of Chong Wei’s preparations for the Asian Games,” said Hendrawan.

“These are two premier events on the BWF Tour with the top-32 ranked players competing. If he can win, it would boost his confidence greatly. Besides, the Malaysian and Indonesian Opens hold special places in his heart. In Indonesia, he’s the most successful international shuttler with six titles.”

At the Malaysian Open, Hendrawan stressed that Chong Wei will take it one match at a time rather than focusing on potential clashes with his big rivals.

“Everyone is looking forward to the big match-ups, but I believe Chong Wei will take it one round at a time,” said Hendrawan.

“Facing (Kazumasa) Sakai (of Japan) in the first round is no easy task. The gap between the players nowadays is not too big and no one should be underestimated.”