Saturday, 15 August 2009
WORLD No. 1 Lee Chong Wei was crushed by Sony Dwi Kuncoro yet again in the World Championships at the Gachibowli Stadium yesterday.
Surprisingly, though, the Malaysian did not take the defeat too badly.
The top seed was hailed as Malaysia’s great hope to end the country’s elusive chase for a world title but yesterday Chong Wei showed the ugly side of his game to lose 16-21, 21-14, 12-21 to Sony in the quarter-finals of the men’s singles match that lasted an hour.
Ironically, it was Sony who dashed Chong Wei’s dream of a first world title at the previous world meet in Kuala Lumpur, stopping the Malaysian in the third round.
And yesterday, Sony showed the same drive and determination while Chong Wei looked lost and out of sorts from the start.
“I gave it my all. After the first game defeat, I fought back. But it was not to be my day today,” said Chong Wei, who hardly showed any signs of being terribly upset.
“My strength is in net play but it worked against me. I was sending half court returns and my defence was weak.
“I have to accept this defeat. I know people will be angry with me but it just seems that I am not lucky when it comes to the World Championships.”
What a win: Sony celebrates after beating Chong Wei in the quarter-finals on Friday. Sony won 21-16, 14-21, 21-12. Starpic by S.S. Kanesan
His best achievement in four world outings thus far has been a semi-final finish in Anaheim in 2005.
When asked why he was all smiles despite the defeat, he said: “I am putting on a brave front here, but inside I am hurting. I wanted, as much as anyone else, to do well here.”
A confident display by Sony in the first game ripped Chong Wei’s confidence into tatters right from the start. The Malaysian was slower than usual and did not show any urgency in his game, giving room for Sony to take control of the game.
Chong Wei, who has won four Open titles this year, sparked hopes of a great fightback after taking the second game but it all fell flat when he adopted a cautious approach in the decider, hardly showing any aggression.
The Beijing Olympic Games silver medallist said he would discuss with coach Misbun Sidek about taking a long break from competition.
“I have been listed for the Macau Open but I will talk with my coach to skip the tournament. I need a break. I may come back refreshed after a break to continue my chase for a world title and an Olympic title,” said Chong Wei.
Sony’s reward for taking out Chong Wei is a semi-final date with Lin Dan of China.
Lin Dan was pushed to the limit before prevailing 22-20, 21-16 over the evergreen Peter-Gade Christensen.
The other semi-final will be between second seed Chen Jin and Indonesian Taufik Hidayat, who is eyeing his second world crown.
Courtesy of The Star
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