Chong Wei stretched but makes it to the quarters

Submitted by Zam on Friday, January 22nd, 2010

Haresh Deol

Friday, January 22nd, 2010 11:23:00

KUALA LUMPUR: A TV station wanted to get footage of Lee Chong Wei’s Chinese New Year greetings yesterday but the tired Penangite politely turned them down by saying "let’s do it tomorrow (today)".

Such is the confidence of the world No 1 who has set his eyes on winning his sixth Malaysian Open title at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Sunday.

Nevertheless, the lanky shuttler cannot afford to expect the unexpected as he plays world No 4 Chen Jin of China in the quarterfinal tonight. Yesterday, Chong Wei was stretched to three games by China's Du Pengyu before winning 21-23, 21-17, 21-14.

"I’m surprised….really surprised. Du was in an attacking mode. I certainly didn’t see that coming," said Chong Wei.

"I was sluggish in the first game, perhaps I didn’t warm up as much as I should. I will play Chen Jin next and it’s going to be an interesting match."

Joining Chong Wei in the quarterfinals is Chong Wei Feng who defeated India's Chetan Anand 21-15, 19-21, 21-18 yesterday. Wei Feng plays Thailand’s Boonsak Ponsana tonight.

"I’m very happy for Wei Feng. I hope he will be consistent and help us in our Thomas Cup campaign. It’s not going to be easy in the Thomas Cup and we need the support of the junior players as well," said Chong Wei.

However, women’s singles player Wong Mew Choo burst into tears after losing to Korea’s Sung Ji-hyun (12-21, 21-18, 21-17) while the early promise shown by men’s doubles pair of Hoon Thien How-Ong Soon Hock fizzled out after they fell 23-21, 19-21, 21-18 to Japan's Kenichi Hayakwa- Kenta Kazuno.

Koo Kean Keat-Tan Boon Heong beat China’s Sun Junjie-Tao Kiaming 21-16, 21-12 while in the women's doubles Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui defeated teammates Vivian Hoo Kah Mun-Woon Khe Wei 21-12, 21-8.

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