Chi Wing hopes to ‘rebuild’ himself after failing on world stage

PETALING JAYA: Independent shuttler Lim Chi Wing is out to create a new identity for himself.

The 25-year-old does not want to be remembered as a two-time national champion – a status he reckons does not befit someone who has underachieved on the international stage.

Chi Wing was one of many players who tasted success at national meets in the absence of Lee Chong Wei, who stopped participating after dominating for 10 successive editions from 2002-2011.

In his absence, Chi Wing won back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017.

But none of these victories could inspire him to be a world-beater when he was with the national team.

Chi Wing eventually quit the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to turn professional in August 2019.

“I’m trying my best to become the new Lim Chi Wing, ” he said after finishing third at the Top Glove-Purple League in Putrajaya yesterday.

“I’m no more a two-time national champion. There’s nothing to be proud of when I have little success to show internationally.

“Hopefully I will be able to build a decent independent career in years to come and people will remember me for being a World Tour champion.”

Chi Wing revealed he had thought of retiring after leaving the national team, but glad he did not.

“It took me two months to decide on becoming an independent shuttler, ” recalled Chi Wing, who has joined Sports Affairs academy and is training under Thomas Cup winner Rashid Sidek.

“My friends and family gave me words of encouragement and asked me not to give up on my dream easily.

“My ultimate goal is to qualify for the Paris Olympics. I know it may sound unrealistic and difficult, but I will try my best.

“My immediate goal is to break into the top 100 by winning satellite titles as I’m now at No. 264.

“If I could do that and make my way to the top 80, then I can compete on the World Tour. So Paris 2024 is not entirely impossible.”

Chi Wing is convinced that he is making progress with his creditable third placing in the Purple League.

Having defeated third seed Yeoh Seng Zoe in the first round, Chi Wing made all the way to the last four before losing narrowly to top seed Soong Joo Ven in five games.

“It may not be a big tournament, but considering my performance has dropped significantly since I left BAM, I think it’s quite satisfactory, ” he said.

“This third spot means a lot to me. I have rediscovered some confidence too.

“I prepared for this tournament for a few months and happy with what I’ve achieved.”

RESULTS

Third-place playoff

Men’s singles: Lim Chi Wing bt Mohd Izzuddin Shamsul 11-8,8-11,11-9,11-6.

Men’s doubles: Liew Daren-Soong Joo Ven bt Chung Kin Wai-Shaun Wong 11-8,11-8,11-5.

Mixed doubles: Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien bt Arif Abdul Latif-Desiree Siow 11-6,5-3, rtd.