Birmingham: Malaysia’s national singles coach Hendrawan described last week’s German Open runner-up Chou Tien Chen is on impressive form heading into the All England, and is going to be a big threat for Malaysian badminton superstar Lee Chong Wei in the quarter-finals.
Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei stretched two-time reigning Olympic champion Lin Dan to the limit in the German Open final last Sunday when he stole the first set from Lin 21-15, before dropping the next two sets 21-17, 21-17 in a 77 minutes thriller.
Although Lee Chong Wei just had a fever before traveling to England, Hendrawan is confident that Lee is ready for a strong showing at the All England.
“Lee Chong Wei is in good shape both mentally and physically, we’ll take it as it comes and not get too caught up in Chou Tien Chen even if Lee will face him in the quarter-finals,” said Hendrawan.
Lee Chong Wei will be Malaysia’s sole representative in the men’s singles category after Zulfadli Zulkiffli pulled out from the tournament at the very last minute, and Chong Wei Feng was defeated by Kenta Nishimoto 10-21, 17-21 in the second men’s singles qualifying match on Tuesday.
