Kuala Lumpur: Before the New Delhi Thomas Cup, Chong Wei Feng – the No. 2 men’s singles in Malaysia has often crumbled under pressure. He was expected to bring home the men’s singles Gold at the Myanmar SEA Games last December, but was knocked out by Thailand’s A.Suppanyu in the first round. He also conceded a walkover in the semi-finals of the Malaysian Open Grand to India’s Sourabh Verma early this year.
However, winning five out of six of the matches he was fielded in during the Thomas Cup Finals has undoubtedly boosted his confidence.
“The Thomas Cup really helped me a lot! I am more confident, and mentally, I am tougher than before. I know what I should do to thrive under pressure,” said the 27 year old.
“After losing the opening game in our group match against Dieter Domke of Germany, I was able to come from behind to defeat him.”
“Scoring these coming back victories during the Thomas Cup Final gave me more energy, more intensity, and more confidence,” added Wei Feng.
“I played my best against Ken Momota in the final, but the game plan didn’t quite work out.”
Wei Feng is now hoping for a good showing at the Japan Open, which will be held from June 10 to June 15.
“I had a pretty bad start of the year, but there is still enough time for me to turn things around,” said Wei Feng.
He will play Shon Won-ho, the world number 7 from South Korea in the first round, and could possibly play Lin Dan in the second round.
“I am hoping to make the Superseries finals this year, so, I’ll have to perform better in order to achieve that goal.”
