KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 — National badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei is optimistic that men's singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia and the doubles pair of Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik can win titles at the Malaysia Open 2024, set to kick off at the Axiata Arena tomorrow.
Based on the performance of the 11th-ranked individual player and the fourth-ranked doubles pair in the world, he feels they surely do not want to miss the opportunity to showcase their best performances in the tournament held on home soil.
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Former national badminton champion and Soul Sports Physio and Rehab Centre co-founder Datuk Lee Chong Wei speaks during the centre's opening ceremony in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, on April 26, 2023. — Picture by BERNAMA[/caption]
"For me, this is the best opportunity for Chia-Soh and Lee to win the championship. I know the Malaysia Open is very important because we are playing at home, and there are high expectations from the fans.
"It is a heavy responsibility, so they need to do their best for their careers and the country," Chong Wei said during a media session to introduce two new faces joining the 'Yonex Legend Vision' today.
They are women's singles champion from India, Saina Nehwal, and Spanish star Carolina Marin.
Reflecting on the moments when he participated in the Malaysia Open before, the three-time Olympic silver medallist said he was touched by the support of fans who were willing to come from far away to support the national players.
"Like for me, fans came to the stadium to support, and I felt impressed; some even came from Kuantan, taking buses. So, players need to work hard and not give up easily.
"Losing is okay, but do not give up easily. They understand that you have fought your best. I hope this time, not just Chia-Soh and Lee, but everyone (national players) has a chance to become champion," he said.
Previously, Akademi Badminton Malaysia coaching director Rexy Mainaky challenged the national players to end the championship drought at the Malaysia Open 2024.
The last time a Malaysian representative became the champion was Chong Wei in the 2018 edition.
— Bernama
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National men’s singles badminton ace Lee Zii Jia. — Picture by BERNAMA[/caption]
