Chong Wei into the lion's den

2009/11/07

By K.M. Boopathyboopathy@nst.com.my

LEE Chong Wei, despite just recovering from a left knee injury, will not be cutting down on his schedule as he will be competing in the China Open in Shanghai on Nov 17-22.

Chong Wei, who makes a return after a three-week layoff in the Hong Kong on Tuesday, was expected to skip the China Open but national singles chief coach Rashid Sidek has confirmed the shuttler's trip to Shanghai.

"Chong Wei has been going through training without problems and he will compete in the Hong Kong and China Opens," said Rashid.

"He wants to compete in these events as well as the Super Series Masters Finals in Kuala Terengganu (Dec 2-6) and is confident of performing well.

"The Laos Sea Games will be the fourth event but Chong Wei is committed to seeing through this hectic period."

In China, Chong Wei plays Denmark's Jan Jorgensen in the first round, a probable second round match against Eric Pang of the Netherlands followed by a possible quarter-final showdown against Dane Peter Gade Christensen.

He will most likely meet fourth seed Chen Jin of China in the last four and should the Malaysian survive, another final clash with Olympic champion Lin Dan of China is on the cards.

Lin Dan has had a brilliant run since winning his third world title in Hyderabad three months ago and Chong Wei can gauge his level against the China ace should both make it to the Hong Kong Open final.

Chong Wei is also at the risk of losing his World No 1 status to Lin Dan should the latter win the Hong Kong Open.

ll have to do something he has never done before -- beat Lin Dan on his home soil a week later in the China Open.