KUALA LUMPUR: It’s all systems go for world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei. He will be leaving for the All-England tournament on Saturday night.
The 31-year-old Penangite had on Friday stated that he may pull out of the tournament as he had not fully recovered from an ankle injury sustained two weeks ago during a doubles exhibition match with long-time rival Lin Dan of China.
Chong Wei, who won the All-England in 2010 and 2011, however deemed himself fit enough to compete after Saturday’s final training session at the Juara Stadium.
Although Chong Wei did not comment on the matter, national coach Tey Seu Bock confirmed his participation in the prestigious event.
“Chong Wei will be making the trip to play in the tournament,” said Seu Bock, declining to comment on the injury.
If all goes well for the singles shuttler, he will have a chance to exact revenge on world No. 2 Chen Long of China.
Chen Long defeated Chong Wei in last year’s All-England final, and again last month at the Korean Open final.
But first, the Malaysian ace will need to navigate past a tricky Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk of Thailand in the first round.