CHONG Wei Feng could end up like the underperforming Liew Daren if the 27-year-old does not find solutions to manage pressure during matches.
Criticised for failing to retain Malaysia’s men’s singles gold medal in the recent Commonwealth Games, Wei Feng was determined to put his quarter-final exit in Glasgow behind him by earning a respectable result in the ongoing World Championships.
Instead, the World No 19 failed to make it count in his second appearance in the world meet, going down to the unseeded Rajiv Ouseph of England in the first round on Tuesday.
The Malaysian paid the price for not converting three match points in the second game in the 17-21, 24-22, 21-16 defeat to the World No 22 in 65 minutes.
National chief coach Rashid Sidek said Wei Feng’s inability to handle pressure during crucial stages of matches is holding him back from attaining good results.
“Despite dictating the pace, Wei Feng could not close out the match. He was putting unnecessary pressure on himself at the tail-end of the second game,” said Rashid.
“He crumbled and was tactically poor in the third game. It has happened many times before. He must learn how to handle pressure.”
Wei Feng not only impressed in training after returning from Glasgow but also received advice from World No 1 Lee Chong Wei on ways to approach matches before heading to Copenhagen.
Rashid had praised Wei Feng’s attitude and also predicted that the shuttler would grab attention in the world meet.
However, the demoralising defeat in Copenhagen will not affect Wei Feng’s spot in the team for next month’s Incheon Asian Games.
“We do not have many options. If he does not play, then who else can we rely on apart from Chong Wei? This is a fact we have to accept.
“However, I hope Wei Feng will learn from this defeat and also work harder to improve his weaknesses.
“He is a dedicated shuttler but pressure is his biggest enemy. He must work on it,” Rashid added.
Wei Feng admitted that he did not perform to his ability.
“I allowed Ouseph back into the match when I was in control. I wanted so much to win this match but it did not happen.
“I lost focus and also put too much pressure on myself. I always find it hard in my opening matches. I have to find a solution,” Wei Feng added.
Disappointed with the defeat, the Kedah-born added he was willing to make way for others in the national team.