# When others abandoned him 100PLUS stood by him during his doping ban
By Rizal Abdullah
Both parties have come through thick and thin and the big smiles on the face of World No 1 Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei spoke of the bond that he has established with Malaysia’s No 1 isotonic drink 100PLUS.
The 34-year-old Malaysian ace has inked another two-year deal with 100PLUS – which means the ace shuttler will be the brand’s ambassador for a decade, having inked the first deal in 2009.
Chong Wei revealed that many sponsors pulled out during his eight-month doping ban from October 2014 to May 2015 but 100PLUS stood by him. It played a big role when both parties inked the new deal.
The latest deal would not have come at a better time for Chong Wei who leads the Malaysian time to the Sudirman Cup Mixed Team Championships which will be held in Gold Coast, Australia from May 21-28. The Malaysian team left for Australia last night.
More importantly, Chong Wei, who hails from Penang and has thrown hints many time of calling it quits, has vowed to “play competitive badminton for the next two years” and is here to keep Malaysia’s flag flying in badminton majors.
After the Sudirman Cup the Malaysian will head to Glasgow, Scotland for the World Championships in August and try to win the elusive world title.
Chong Wei is grateful for his partnership with 100PLUS and could not hide his joy and happiness for the faith they have for each other.
“100PLUS stood by me when many others abandoned me during my dark episode (the ban). I am motivated and I promise to give my best in the coming two years…gun for the elusive titles (Olympics and world championships).
“The Sudirman Cup is the first stop and we can achieve our best result in the mixed team championships,” said Chong Wei, adding that reaching the final will be a bonus but not impossible.
Malaysia’s best in the Sudirman Cup was reaching the semi-finals in 2009 (Guangzhou) and the quarter-finals in Dongguan two years ago.
Malaysia’s initial target in Gold Coast is to reach the semi-finals despite losing mixed doubles player Goh Liu Ying through a shoulder injury. Liu Ying is currently in Halle, Germany seeking expert treatment.
Malaysia are drawn in Group C together with Japan and Germany and open their campaign with a match against the Germans on May 23.
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