Determination and focus the keys in Chong Wei’s victory

Monday January 10, 2011

PETALING JAYA: Steely determination and complete focus.
World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei showcased these two qualities to destroy veteran Peter-Gade Christensen of Denmark in the men’s singles final of the Super Series Masters Finals in Taipei yesterday to emerge as the champion for a third consecutive time.
He outclassed Christensen 21-9, 21-14 in 40 minutes to claim US$40,000 in prize money. The success made him the most successful player in the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) season’s finale since its inception in 2008.
Christensen, coming out of series of injuries, gave his best but Chong Wei was in a different league altogether to get Malaysia off to a superb start to the year.
He caught the Dane out of position many times with his stinging attacks, fiery pace and deft touches at the net.
At one stage, Christensen threw his racquet in sheer frustration because even an excellent move from him was not good enough to break the rhythm of the Malaysian.
The 29-year-old Chong Wei said that he was happy to overcome two hurdles – a fighting Christensen and the mounting pressure on him since the resignation of his coach, Misbun Sidek, on Dec 31.
“I respect Peter for giving me such a good fight even at his age (34 years old). I was faster than him but his fighting spirit was amazing,” said Chong Wei in a telephone interview.
“I felt a big burden coming off my shoulders when I won. The hope of the nation was on me and I delivered. There was fear in me that I will be criticised if I lose. But I stayed focused on the task.”
Chong Wei, who was draped in the Jalur Gemilang during the victory ceremony, hoped that there would be more good news for him when he returns home today.
“I called my coach (Misbun) after my win. He was pleased. He will be meeting top sports officials in the night and I hope that there will be a favourable outcome,” he said.
Misbun met Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek and Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) president Datuk Seri Nadzmi Mohd Salleh over dinner.
With a mega buck title in his pocket, Chong Wei said that he would shift his attention to the next two – the US$400, 000 Malaysia Open (Jan 18-23) and the US$1.2mil South Korea Open (Jan 25-30).
National coach Teh Seu Bock was pleased with the show of confidence in Chong Wei’s game yesterday.
“This was his best performance in the tournament. He showed great control even though there were some distractions in his mind,” he said.
“I am very happy that he did not cave in to any form of pressure.
“I hope he will continue to be physically and mentally strong in his game.”
Meanwhile, Denmark’s Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen kept the European flag flying high when they upstaged South Koreans Jung Jae-sung-Lee Yong-dae 21-17, 21-15 to emerge as the men’s doubles champions.

Article by Rajes Paul thestar.com.my

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