China's Shi Yuqi(R) poses with the trophy after winning against Hong Kong's Lee Cheuk Yiu during men final at India Open badminton tournament held at Indira Gandhi Stadium on January 21, 2024. (Photo by Arun SANKAR / AFP)
PETALING JAYA: Chinese former great Cai Yun is impressed by coach Wong Choong Hann’s work in Hong Kong so far.
Choong Hann, who left the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) last June to take up the position of men’s singles coach in the Hong Kong national team, did well to guide Lee Cheuk Yiu to a runner-up finish in the Indian Open.
World No. 18 Cheuk Yiu stole the show by toppling the likes of Thailand’s reigning world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn, Indonesia’s world No. 4 Anthony Ginting and Japan’s world No. 6 Kodai Naraoka before going down 21-23, 17-21 to China’s Shi Yuqi in the final on Sunday in New Delhi.
It was Cheuk Yiu’s first Super 750 tournament final.
The 27-year-old’s performance even caught the eye of Cai Yun, who had formed a legendary partnership with Fu Haifeng in the men’s doubles during his playing days.
“Yuqi encountered a tough challenge against Cheuk Yiu in the final,” said Cai Yun via social media.
“I can see that Cheuk Yiu has improved a lot especially after Choong Hann joined the Hong Kong team as singles coach.
“He has always been a very fast and aggressive attacking player and has explosive power.
“I think Choong Hann can bring a lot of experience to the Hong Kong players.
“So, we cannot underestimate Cheuk Yiu from now on,” added Cai Yun.
Cheuk Yiu’s progress under Choong Hann spells trouble for the latter’s former charges Lee Zii Jia and Ng Tze Yong as well.
The Hong Kong player has given the Malaysian duo a tough time in the past as he holds a 2-1 head-to-head record against both.
Now, Zii Jia and Tze Yong need to be on their toes if they cross paths with Cheuk Yiu.
To add to the intrigue, independent player Zii Jia is currently coached by Cheuk Yiu’s former coach Wong Tat Meng.
