KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 1 singles shuttler Lee Chong Wei has always faced Lin Dan of China across the net, but on Sunday the two greatest players will do the unthinkable and team up in men’s doubles to promote the sport.
On Monday, Lee Chong Wei said he was looking forward to playing alongside Lin Dan in an exhibition match on February 16 in Lingshui, China. The match will coincide with the opening of a new national training centre in the province.
To make the event even more appealing, the duo will take on Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng, both five-time world champions from China.
The match marks the first time Lin Dan will appear in front of his fans since he beat Lee Chong Wei in the final of the World Championships in Guangzhou last August.
A Surprise Partnership
Lee Chong Wei said he received an invitation from China’s chief coach Li Yongbo to take part in the exhibition. “I was surprised that he wanted me to play with Lin Dan in the doubles,” the 31-year-old said. “I have not played doubles before, but this is a good idea to promote the game and will be good for the sport.”
The lineup changed after Chen Long was unable to make the trip. Originally, Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei were set to face Cai Yun and Chen Long. “There are three Chinese players and one Malaysian in this exhibition match, and it is an honour,” Lee Chong Wei said. “I will do whatever I can to promote the sport wherever possible.”
He added with a smile that the experience could reignite his enthusiasm. “Maybe the experience of playing in an exhibition match like this will get me excited, and I may reconsider any plan I have of retiring from the sport.”
Malaysia’s Training Centre Gap
Lee Chong Wei noted that training centres are multiplying across China, while Malaysia still lacks one it can proudly call its own. He added that some training centres in the states are in deplorable condition.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has planned a new state-of-the-art training centre for some time, but the project remains a grand scheme on paper.
Eyeing a Showdown With Lin Dan
When asked about Lin Dan’s return to competition after six months away, and the possibility of the two meeting at the World Championships in Copenhagen in August, Lee Chong Wei’s face lit up. “I heard that he is coming back in March. I think it is good for the sport. I will be ready for him. I will train harder and prepare better to face him. Lin Dan is a great and strong player.”
Lee Chong Wei will compete at the All-England from March 4 to 9 in Birmingham. Lin Dan is also likely to return at the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold from March 11 to 16 and the Malaysian Open Grand Prix Gold in Johor Baru from March 25 to 30. He may also play in the two Superseries events in India and Singapore to collect quick ranking points before the qualifying period ends in May.
Team Success in Indonesia
Lee Chong Wei was also pleased that his team, Musica Flypower Champion, defended its title in the Indonesia Super League (ISL) in Surabaya on Sunday. He played twice during the group ties.
He initially had no plans to play in the ISL, as he wanted to spend his first Chinese New Year with his wife, Wong Mew Choo, and their son. However, the club owner, a close friend, persuaded him. “He told me to play for fun, but how can I play for fun?” Lee Chong Wei said. He resumed training on the second day of Chinese New Year to prepare for the league. “It was a small sacrifice from my side to just promote the game,” he added.