LEE CHONG WEI
The German Open is normally used as a warm-up event held a week before the All England and has attracted Chong Wei's arch rival Lin Dan while world champion Chen Jin will also be playing in the grand prix gold event.
Chong Wei's attempt at winning back-to-back titles in the Malaysia Open and Korea Open was halted by Lin Dan as the Olympic champion secured the Premier Super Series crown in Seoul to grab badminton's biggest pay cheque of US$90,000 (RM275,000) last month.
"Chong Wei's aim is to defend the All England title and it is becoming increasingly difficult to win back-to-back titles. This is the reason he has withdrawn from the German Open," said Rashid.
"He has already done well by winning two titles last month and his No 1 status is secure.
"As such, it is better to focus his attention on the All England where Lin Dan will also be competing.
"The All England has attracted almost all the top 30 players and matches will be close from the opening round.
"Although the German Open serves as warm-up, Chong Wei will give it a miss as it will be physically too taxing to maintain his momentum in the All England the following week.
"He needs to be fresh in Birmingham as Lin Dan will be going all out for a fifth title. So, Chong Wei wants to stay back and prepare for the event."
Rashid will be travelling to the German Open where Chan Kwong Beng and Liew Daren are competing in the qualifying rounds while Chong Wei will continue his training under Tey Siu Bock in Kuala Lumpur.
No comments:
Post a Comment