NATIONAL
men’s singles shuttler Chong Wei Feng is all set to lead Malaysia's
charge in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland on July 23-Aug 3.
The responsibility to retain the men’s singles gold medal now falls on the 27-year-old Kedah-born, following the withdrawal of World No 1 and defending champion Lee Chong Wei, who has a thigh injury.
Wei Feng, who was in a similar situation at the Sea Games in Myanmar last year, said: “I have learned a lot since the Sea Games last year, where I was expected to bring home the gold.
“I failed to do so, but I can handle the pressure better now. We must understand that a time will come when Chong Wei has got to retire, and we must be prepared for that.
“My target remains the same, and that is to reach the final and help Malaysia retain the men’s singles gold.”
Chong Wei, who was set to win his third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold, withdrew from the competition on Friday after failing to recover from an injury sustained at the Thomas Cup Finals in New Delhi in May.
Wei Feng, who is the National No 2, admitted that his confidence has grown since helping Malaysia to reach the final of the Thomas Cup, where they lost 3-2 to Japan.
“Chong Wei’s absence will surely open up the competition. More players have a chance to perform, but that will not stop me from doing my best.”
Malaysia’s best performance at the Games was at the previous edition where they won four gold medals through Chong Wei (men's singles), Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong (men's doubles), Kien Keat-Chin Eei Hui (mixed doubles) and the mixed team.
The national squad of 10 shuttlers will leave for Glasgow on Saturday.
By Fabian Peter - NST
The responsibility to retain the men’s singles gold medal now falls on the 27-year-old Kedah-born, following the withdrawal of World No 1 and defending champion Lee Chong Wei, who has a thigh injury.
Wei Feng, who was in a similar situation at the Sea Games in Myanmar last year, said: “I have learned a lot since the Sea Games last year, where I was expected to bring home the gold.
“I failed to do so, but I can handle the pressure better now. We must understand that a time will come when Chong Wei has got to retire, and we must be prepared for that.
“My target remains the same, and that is to reach the final and help Malaysia retain the men’s singles gold.”
Chong Wei, who was set to win his third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold, withdrew from the competition on Friday after failing to recover from an injury sustained at the Thomas Cup Finals in New Delhi in May.
Wei Feng, who is the National No 2, admitted that his confidence has grown since helping Malaysia to reach the final of the Thomas Cup, where they lost 3-2 to Japan.
“Chong Wei’s absence will surely open up the competition. More players have a chance to perform, but that will not stop me from doing my best.”
Malaysia’s best performance at the Games was at the previous edition where they won four gold medals through Chong Wei (men's singles), Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong (men's doubles), Kien Keat-Chin Eei Hui (mixed doubles) and the mixed team.
The national squad of 10 shuttlers will leave for Glasgow on Saturday.
By Fabian Peter - NST
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