Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s badminton superstar Lee Chong Wei says he goes to the 2017 Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Championships to face the best, although he was drawn in the loaded bottom half, together with Chen Long and Tian Houwei of China, as well as rising young guns, Viktor Axelsen of Denmark and Chou Tien Chen of Taiwan.
“It doesn’t really matter. I’ve gone through so many draws. In order to win the World Championships title, I would have to be prepared to face competition from anyone. Furthermore, there are 4 players from China this time, no matter what, I would have to face some Chinese players at the tournament,” said Lee.
Lee’s coach, Misbun Sidek also stressed that there’s no need to worry too much about the draw.
“Chong Wei’s main focus right now is to concentrate on his training and accept the draw results,” said Sidek.
“So far, Chong Wei’s training has gone smoothly, however, of course the outcome is hard to predict,” added Sidek.
The 35 year old Lee is expected to take on Rio Olympic champion Chen Long of China in the quarter-finals, and could meet Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the semi-finals.
If Lee advances past both Chen Long and Viktor Axelsen and the seeds play out on the top portion of the draw, Lee will face long-time rival Lin Dan of China in the final. Lin Dan is looking to make history by claiming his sixth World Championships title in Glasgow. But, World No. 1 Son Wan Ho, India’s red hot Kidambi Srikanth also loom in Lin’s section.
The Malaysian national team is expected to depart for Glasgow on Aug 15.
In addition to Lee, Malaysia’s World Championships team also comprised of men’s doubles pair Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong, Chooi Kah Ming/Low Juan Shen and mixed doubles pair Tan Kian Meng/Lai Pei Jing.
