IT has been one big party for Lee Chong Wei since his silver triumph in the Beijing Olympics but business resumes with the Japan Open on Sept 16-22.

Not only will Chong Wei be, in the absence of Olympic champion Lin Dan, the highest profile men's singles in Tokyo but he will play as the World No 1.

For coach Misbun Sidek, who must surely be eager to get Chong Wei's attention to the business end of the game, this provides an ideal opportunity for the shuttler to gauge his comfort with his new status.

Twice a World No 1 in 2006, Chong Wei doesn't have fond memories as success was limited on both occasions and Misbun knows it will be a battle for the shuttler to maintain his focus.

"It normally becomes tougher to keep focus after a major event like the Olympics and now Chong Wei has also become the World No 1. It is going to be a stiff test in Japan and he has to be ready," said Misbun at Juara Stadium yesterday.
"Players will be out for his scalp and he must also get used to being the top ranked shuttler.

"However, I feel that Chong Wei is now better equipped to handle the pressure as the World No 1 compared to his previous stints as the leading player.

"The celebrations slowed down his preparation but he didn't lay off completely. Being conferred a Datukship also means he must be more responsible and the Japan Open will tell us how well he can handle all this," said Misbun, also a Datuk now.

With the Olympics out of the way, Misbun said the target for Chong Wei is to defend his world ranking for as long as possible.

"Lin Dan will surely try hard to reclaim his position and Chong Wei must be prepared for battle all the time.

"He will be able to stay at the top at least for a second month if he wins in Japan but he needs to keep working hard and also have superior physical condition. Only then can he stay on par with Lin Dan."

Chong Wei's next meeting with Lin Dan is expected to be in the final of the China Masters on Sept 24-29.

Before that, he has to overcome the challenge of Indonesians Sony Dwi Kuncoro and Taufik Hidayat and Dane Peter Gade Christensen in the Japan Open.

If Chong Wei does, then Misbun will surely be convinced that his charge is indeed ready for another go at Lin Dan.