Kuala Lumpur: Despite Lee Chong Wei’s Japan Open final loss, Malaysian men’s singles head coach Misbun Sidek told reporters that Lee had given a good performance at the just-concluded Japan Open in Tokyo.
Although Sidek did not accompany Lee to Japan Open, he noted that Lee had shown a lot of improvement compared to his outing at the World Championships in Glasgow.
“Chong Wei still has some weaknesses that needed to be improved. Although he lost the final, but he was calm throughout the match. He was able to play well because he knew how to absorb the pressure,” said Sidek.
“Chong Wei is a very seasoned player and has won many Superseries titles, so, he is capable of playing really well if he really focuses on every match,” added Sidek.
Last Sunday, Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen spoiled Lee’s record bid of seventh Japan Open title by beating Lee 21-14, 19-21, 21-14 in the final.
Meanwhile, Sidek also admitted that young players such as Axelsen are always looking to improve their techniques when they are facing experienced players such as Lee Chong Wei.
“Young players such as Axelsen are taking the opportunities perfectly and to mature quickly when they play against players like Chong Wei. They will always try to analyze and to improve their game plan.”
