2016 celcom axiata Malaysia Open - logo W650xH230# ‘Fans demand…so does the management and this affects the player’ – Hendrawan

# ‘Things have changed since the last two Olympics’ – Hendrawan

 

Datuk Lee Chong Wei’s Indonesian coach Hendrawan is not getting distracted by the former World No 1’s recent dip in form which saw him make early exits in the Yonex All-England Superseries Premier and the Yonex Sunrise India Open in New Delhi.

The former Indonesian ace has not panicked and neither has he given up hope on Chong Wei winning Malaysia’s first Ollympic badminton gold.

“Chong Wei is still in the top bracket and a strong contender for the elusive gold. His defeats in the All-England and India Open has caused ripples in the badminton fraternity, especially in Malaysia,” said Hendrawan.

“A lot has been said by the fans and the media…his age has often been the main topic. The (BAM) management too has come into the picture and some unkind remarks have been made.

“I am a man of few words…I do not wish to say anything when a player loses. I would rather talk only when the player wins.”

The Indonesian drove home a strong message and said that many of the critics have not realised that the entire scenario has changed when Chong Wei won the silver medal in the 2008 Olympics (Beijing) and 2012 Olympics (London).

“Age is one factor but the player has also to cope up with different environment. He now has a family…this has also changed his outlook in his badminton career,” said Hendrawan.

“The fans expect him (Chong Wei) to win each time he plays. They cannot accept defeat. A defeat becomes a big issue but this should not be the case.”

Hendrawan strongly emphasised that the defeats in the All-England and India Open do not mean Chong Wei is on the slide.

“A different approach is needed and we are in the midst of that. The Malaysia Open is another tournament where expectations are high the player and I as his coach can tell you safely that Chong Wei is one of the favourites in any tournament.

“Chong Wei is high in spirits and he is coming on fine in training,” said Hendrawan.

Chong Wei will face Hong Kong’s Wei Nan in the first round in the Malaysia Open and many are expecting a “revenge match” with Wei Nan leading 2-1 in the head to head count after his 21-19, 21-19 win over the Malaysian ace in a second round match in the India Open.

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