KUALA LUMPUR: National men’s singles head coach, Datuk Misbun Sidek has admitted that he is in awe of Datuk Lee Chong Wei’s spirit, determination and resilience after the latter advanced to the men’s singles final of the Super Series Final in Dubai where he is currently taking on Denmark’s Victor Axelsen.
According to Misbun, as stated earlier, Chong Wei went to compete without being the favourite or favoured player.
"He is not the favourite or seeded player, however at his age now and the experience he has garnered over the years, he has worked very hard and made it to the final,” said Misbun when met at the closing ceremony for the 2017 Sports Ministry’s Badminton Talent Camp at the Paralympics Sports Excellence Complex in Kampung Pandan here earlier today.
He explained that even though Chong Wei lost in an early group match to South Korean Son Wan Ho, the former World No 1 managed to rise to the occasion in the semi-finals to get the better of the South Korean.
"He managed to bounce back and put up a better performance in the semi-finals. I hope all that he has sacrificed and worked hard for the sake of the country on the international arena will garner undivided support from all parties.
"I really hope he succeeds, the country, people and the association are all behind him. In today’s final against Dane Axelsen I predict it will be a hotly contested match,” he said.
Misbun added that even though Axelsen is younger, he still believes Chong Wei is in the better position to emerge as champion.
Based on previous meetings between the two, Out of 11 matches, Chong Wei has won nine encounters, even though the last time the two met, Axelsen won 14-21, 21-19, 14-21 at the Japan Open men’s singles final in September.