Chong Wei Focusing On All-England Title

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- World number one singles shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei refuses to bother about who he will be facing in the All-England badminton championship beginning March 9 as he wants to focus on the best preparation for the competition.

Although he has a tough draw in the championship which will celebrate its 100th anniversary, Chong Wei pointed out that the main aspect in his preparation was his mental state especially if he had to face Olympic gold medallist, Lin Dan from China.

"What is important is to make the best preparation, whether physically or mentally. I don't think of defeat. I don't really think of my opponent, whether Sony Dwi Koncoro from Indonesia in the quarter-final or Lin Dan in the final.

"What is important is to give the best for the country, to create history and to win," he said when met by reporters after a function organised by the National Foundation for Athletes' Welfare (YAKEB), here Wednesday.

Also present at the function was the wife of the prime minister, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who is the patron of YAKEB.

According to Chong Wei, who has never won the All-England, after the championship, it was most likely that he would not compete in any other championships to enable him to prepare for the Thomas Cup.

"The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) may be targeting for the semifinal which is different from the Minister's target, but for me and the squad, we plan to give our best.

"Although there is a slight problem especially with regard to the differences with the coach, I hope the Thomas Cup squad can be ready and train with determination," he said.

At the same time, Chong Wei defended the badminton coach by stating that the national coach should not be made the scapegoat if the team failed.

Source from BERNAMA