Kuala Lumpur: Returning to Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) after a lapse of six years, Misbun Sidek remained a beacon of inspiration for all Malaysian shuttlers, especially Lee Chong Wei.
After Sidek officially started his men’s singles head coaching job with BAM last Monday, he admitted Lee is no longer the young player who had advanced to the 2008 Beijing Olympic final.
“In my opinion, Chong Wei is at his peak, and now for him, the most important thing is not to get injured,” said Sidek.
“Regardless, I need to continue adding new elements to his training programs, developing more secret weapons, and put him in a strong position to achieve the impossible task,” added Sidek.
Misbun’s first mission after taking over the men’s singles head coach job is to prepare Lee Chong Wei for the World Championships that will be held in Glasgow, Scotland on August 21-27.
“I am not thinking too far ahead, I’m laying a strong foundation, but that does not mean I can ensure Chong Wei to win the World Championships.”
“The only thing I can guarantee is that I will do everything I can to best prepare him for the world meet.”
“Everybody tries to beat Chong Wei, he would need someone to provide guidance and advice to take his skills to a higher level.”
Lee Chong Wei had advanced to the World Championship final in 2011, 2013 and 2015 but has yet to win the title. He finished second to Chen Long in 2015 and arch-rival Lin Dan in 2013 and 2011. He has also lost Olympics gold to Chen Long at Rio 2016 and Lin Dan at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.
My prediction…..One of these players will be crowned world champion in Glasgow – Srikanth, Chen Long, Lee Chong Wei. Lin Dan can be a finalist but not champion.
Female world champion? Without Tai, one of the following will be champion – Sindhu, Sung, Carolina. China’s Sun and He do not have the drive and stamina to last the pace.