BANGKOK: The Thomas Cup in Bangkok could very well be the tonic needed by Lee Chong Wei in what would be his swansong in some of the major tournaments this year, including the Asian Games in Indonesia in August.
Chong Wei, 36, has on several occasions, admitted that he is no longer the player he used to be, and that it was difficult playing younger shuttlers.
However, on Wednesday, the Malaysian proved he still has some fight in him when he saw off current World No 1 and reigning world champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the final Group D tie here.
Malaysia may have lost 3-2, but it was Chong Wei's superb play that drew everyone's attention.
Chong Wei, himself, seemed a much relieved person, especially after having lost to the Dane in three of their last meetings prior to the Thomas Cup match.
Now, could this be the turning point for the Malaysian, who many claim is on his way out?
For the record, Chong Wei won his fifth Commonwealth Games gold medal at the Gold Coast edition in April.
However, he has not won at the Olympics, Asian Games, World Championships and the Thomas Cup.
Following his match against Axelsen on Wednesday, the three-time Olympics silver medallist, said: "The victory was a matter of pride, it feels good to have won, especially after losing to him three times in a row before this.
"It has restored my confidence."
After the Thomas Cup, Chong Wei, will likely play in the Malaysia Open next month before shifting his focus towards the World Championships in Nanjing, China.