PETALING JAYA: A time together with family watching how he won his 12th Malaysian Open title has brought back a gush of good memories for Lee Chong Wei.
The Malaysian veteran defeated an in-form Kento Momota of Japan 21-17, 23-21 in a thrilling final in a packed Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil in July two years ago, in what would be the last tournament of his more than 17-year career.
After winning the home title, he was diagnosed with the nose cancer that eventually led to his retirement from the sport.
Chong Wei said it was the first time that he had actually sat down to watch the complete 71-minute match with wife Wong Mew Choo and boys – Kingston, 7, and Terrance, 5.
The replay was shown on television during the dates of the scheduled Malaysian Open, from March 30-April 5, this year. The tournament this year has been postponed.
“Usually, as a player, we only watch match reviews and analyses. This time, I’m glad that I watched the game my with family. I can now gladly say that I ended my badminton career on a high,” said Chong Wei.
“It was my 12th title in 14 home finals but I think it was the best Malaysian Open title.
Previously, Chong Wei considered his superb comeback win against Lin Dan of China from 13-20 in the deciding game of the 2006 Malaysian Open final in Kuching as one of his special home tournaments.
“The final match in 2018 was different. Kento was at his best form, he had the quality and was consistent but I was able to withstand the pressure,” said Chong Wei, who was 35 at that time.
“In the second game, I was trailing 19-20. I knew my legs were weak, I was struggling but I was determined. I know the fans were rooting for me. I saved two game points and challenged the last – and I eventually won.
“The stadium erupted in joy. I’m glad my last tournament was special. I do miss all that – the fans’ support, the matches. Winning 12 titles at home is a difficult record to match...I’ll cherish it.
“Kingston and Terrance were even more excited when we watched it together again. After that, they wanted to play badminton with me. We do spend a lot of time together at home now,” he said.
“Just recently too, Kingston keyed in Mew Choo’s name on Youtube and the 2007 China Open showed up.
“This time, we sat down to watch how Mew Choo became the first Malaysian woman to win the China Open.”
Mew Choo upstaged world No. 1and two-time world champion Xie Xingfang of China 21-16, 8-21, 21-17 in the women’s singles final.
En route to the title, Mew Choo eliminated four Chinese players, including reigning world champion Zhu Lin and 2004 Athens Olympic champion Zhang Ning, and China-born Pi Hongyan of France.
Since leaving the competitive badminton scene, Chong Wei has assumed the role as chef de mission of the Tokyo Olympic Games contingent but the Games has now been postponed to July 23-Aug 8 next year.
“The postponement has given me more time to settle down and learn more about my role. For now, I’ve just advised all athletes to stay positive.”
