Japan Open: Chong Wei's road to London begins

IT is not easy for a player to perform at his best after narrowly failing to win a major title but Lee Chong Wei can use the Japan Open, beginning today, to overcome his frustration after missing out on the world crown in London last month.
Winning the Japan Open is no consolation for someone who was really hoping to nail the big one but Chong Wei has gone through such setbacks before and the only thing he can do is to not lose faith and continue working towards finally clinching a major title.

The London Olympics gold is the ultimate aim and in order to achieve victory next year, Chong Wei must continue to hold his own against his rivals.
China's Lin Dan, his main rival, was the top shuttler for three years before the 2004 Olympics but lost in the first round in Athens and then failed to capture the world title in Anaheim, the United States, a year later.
Lin Dan's first success in a major event was achieved in 2006 when he secured the world crown and since then, he has conquered all.

It is sheer bad luck that Chong Wei is in the same era with Lin Dan, clearly the best men's singles player of all time, but perseverance will ensure the former will be rewarded at some point of his career.
However, Chong Wei must maintain his pedigree until that point arrives and a new cycle of victories should start with the Japan Open and climax with gold in London next year.

Rajiv Ouseph of England, Wang Zhengming of China, Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia and Peter Gade Christensen of Denmark are the players Chong Wei would probably have to beat to reach the final.

The final could be another tussle with Lin Dan but it remains to be seen if the China ace is up for the challenge after having lost in the semi-finals of the China Masters on Saturday.
Though the Japan Open is not the world championships, Chong Wei must beat Lin Dan as every victory against his greatest rival is a plus factor as he closes in on his Olympic dream.

Men's doubles Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong face a different challenge as they will be in Japan without a coach with Tey Seu Bock likely to provide some tips, but this is a test of the duo's character.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong, on paper, are expected to reach the semis and if they hit their target, it is a sign that they are serious about turning around their poor form.

Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah are the only other Malaysian entry in the tournament and they should target the last eight where they are likely to meet Kien Keat-Boon Heong.
Courtesy of New Straits Times