Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei is mentally focused on winning his first world title when he competes in this year’s World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland from Aug 21-17.
The 34-year-old Penangite, with three Olympic silver medals in his bag wants was also on the losing end in three world championships – in 2011, 2013 and 2015 – hopes to break the jinx time.
Chong Wei, was quick to admit that the presence of coach Datuk Misbun Sidek, has given him more confidence to face the challenges in Glasgow. The world number two is seeded second in Glasgow. Korea’s Son Wan-ho is the top seed.
“Our training match training and fitness was completed a month ago. I am more focused on strengthening my mental strength and its coming on fine,” said Chong WeiĀ
Ā In terms of training our fitness and tactical plays, I believe we’ve completed that a month ago. So the most important thing right now is to be mentally strong,” said Chong Wei after presenting prizes to the winners of the All Malaysia 2017 Badminton Team Championships as 100PLUS Ambassador.
Chong Wei still sees Chinese shuttlers as a big threat in Glasgow and will not let his guard down although Chen Long, Lin Dan, Tian Houwei and Shi Yuqui have been somewhat shaken by the absence of head coach Li Yongbo who stepped down from the hot-seat in April.
“So far as we can see that the China team are currently shaken without coach Yongbo. But at this moment, we can’t afford to take things for granted. We are Ā focused on our own objectives first.
“We have a smaller team participating in the World Championships as most of the team will be participating in the SEA Games but the our mission is the same… bring glory to our nation in both championships” said Chong Wei.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s No 1 men’s double pair Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong expressed a similar confidence in their mission to Glasgow. – BY ALVIN OH
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