Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei believes new national men’s singles coach Datuk Misbun Sidek has made a “lot of difference” in his game which could play a part in him winning his first world title.
The 34-year-old Malaysian ace left for the World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland on Tuesday night with men’s doubles pair Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and mixed doubles pair Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing.
The World Championships will be held in the Scottish city from Aug 21-27 and it will be Chong Wei’s 10th appearance in the world meet. He won a bronze in his debut in Anaheim, USA in 2005 followed by three silvers – in London (2011), Guangzhou (2013) and Jakarta (2015).
With the Great Wall of China as his kryptonite throughout his career, the three-time Olympic silver medalist has been on the losing end to the presence of Lin Dan and Chen Long.
Chong Wei, a father of two sons – Kingston and Terrance – has upped his preparations under Misbun with the assistance of Hendrawan, the 2001 world champion.
“I have made so many attempt and I believe at this stage I have nothing to lose.
“It is really different having the presence of Misbun. I have trained under him for about five weeks and I feel my preparations in terms of fitness level and tactics has improved.
“But for now, I think the most important thing is to be mentally focused as we know who our opponents are and I will meet quite a few China players along the way.
“It will not be easy playing against them. With the tournament only a few days away tactical play is in place. The focus now is to be mentally prepared,” said Chong Wei, adding that he has “nothing to lose” in his mission to break the jinx.
Misbun believes that Chong Wei is in best of shape to deliver.
“He is in high spirits and full of determination to do well. Pray that there are no distractions. If everything is in order he (Chong Wei) will deliver,” said Misbun.
Meanwhile, Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria is confident that any of the Malaysians can win the gold in Glasgow.
“If we can achieve that it will be the best 60th Merdeka present for the people of Malaysia. I have confidence and faith in the team to Glasgow,” said Norza, who was at the KL International Airport to send off the team. – BY ALVIN OH
