Chong Wei Makes Nervous Start To Singapore Open

SINGAPORE, June 17 (Bernama)-- Lee Chong Wei made it past the opening round of the Singapore Open but he was made to work hard for the win Wednesday night.

The All-England champion beat Brice Leverdez of France 21-9, 15-21,21-15 in 46 minutes at the Indoor Stadium here.

"I thought he played well and adapted himself to the pace of the game. He is no pushover for sure," Chong Wei said of the French No 1 player.

Chong Wei who won the tournament in 2008 complained that the court's surface was a little slippery for his liking.

"I am still recovering from a slight left knee injury after slipping during the match, I was very cautious. I fear a fall will aggravate my injury," said Chong Wei who will play Rumbaka Hayom of Indonesia next.

While Chong Wei had an encouraging, Malaysia's No 1 women's player Wong Mew Choo suffered a shock opening round defeat to India's Saina Nehwal 8-21,5-21.

"She was just too good today. Unlike last week where I took her to three sets in the final of the Indian Open, I just could not penetrate her defence," said Mew Choo.

Saina, the No 1 seed in the absence of the big guns from China, was just too strong and at times too fast for Mew Choo to cope with.

"I had beaten her three times before and it gave me confidence but I must admit that her performance today was a surprise.

"Maybe it was just her off day," said Saina.

Source from BERNAMA