NEW DELHI: That Lee Chong Wei's three Indian 'adventures' ended in disasters is not reason enough to look beyond the Malaysian ace when it comes to pinning the 'favourite' tag at the XIX Commonwealth Games.
The World No.1 is in omnious form, and on a new high after taming his long-time nemesis Lin Dan at the Japan Open last month.
With seemingly no serious challenger to his supremacy this time, Wei is all but assured of ending his Indian title drought.
The reigning All England champion, who, along with Saina Nehwal and Denmark's Tine Baun, is leading the world challenge against Chinese domination, was all praise for the Indian ace as he spoke about the Games and the game. Excerpts:
You don't have a good record in India, and even complained of food poisoning in Hyderabad last year. Any more complaints on your fourth visit?
Actually, we were very apprehensive about coming here. Till the last minute, pulling out of the Games was very much on my mind. We were a bit worried about the security and the facilities. But since we arrived here, everything has been fine. The facilities are good, the food is good and we have no issues about security.
At last you have managed to beat Lin Dan at the Japan Open. Have you figured out a way against him?
I know I am getting better. I am confident that Lin Dan will not be able to dominate me anymore. From now on all our matches will be very evenly-contested, I hope.
You, Saina and Tine are the only shuttlers who are able to challenge the Chinese domination. Will there be more players in future?
I hope so. The Chinese have a very good system. But it's good for the sport if there are more players like Saina. She's giving a tough time to the Chinese.
Which aspect of Saina's game impresses you the most?
She is a great fighter. She has a very good game; her retrieving is good and she moves well on the court. But I think she needs to gain more experience. She has everything in her game and I am expecting her to get better and better.
Who do you think can trouble you here on the court?
We have a pretty strong team. England and India won't be able to stop us.
TOI
The World No.1 is in omnious form, and on a new high after taming his long-time nemesis Lin Dan at the Japan Open last month.
With seemingly no serious challenger to his supremacy this time, Wei is all but assured of ending his Indian title drought.
The reigning All England champion, who, along with Saina Nehwal and Denmark's Tine Baun, is leading the world challenge against Chinese domination, was all praise for the Indian ace as he spoke about the Games and the game. Excerpts:
You don't have a good record in India, and even complained of food poisoning in Hyderabad last year. Any more complaints on your fourth visit?
Actually, we were very apprehensive about coming here. Till the last minute, pulling out of the Games was very much on my mind. We were a bit worried about the security and the facilities. But since we arrived here, everything has been fine. The facilities are good, the food is good and we have no issues about security.
At last you have managed to beat Lin Dan at the Japan Open. Have you figured out a way against him?
I know I am getting better. I am confident that Lin Dan will not be able to dominate me anymore. From now on all our matches will be very evenly-contested, I hope.
You, Saina and Tine are the only shuttlers who are able to challenge the Chinese domination. Will there be more players in future?
I hope so. The Chinese have a very good system. But it's good for the sport if there are more players like Saina. She's giving a tough time to the Chinese.
Which aspect of Saina's game impresses you the most?
She is a great fighter. She has a very good game; her retrieving is good and she moves well on the court. But I think she needs to gain more experience. She has everything in her game and I am expecting her to get better and better.
Who do you think can trouble you here on the court?
We have a pretty strong team. England and India won't be able to stop us.
TOI
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