Kuala Lumpur: With Lee Chong Wei officially withdrew from the XX Commonwealth Games, Glasgow 2014, it’s time for the younger players such as Chong Wei Feng, Daren Liew to break out of the shadow of Lee Chong Wei.
Chong Wei Feng was tasked with winning the gold medal in the Myanmar Sea Games last year, but he let slip a chance for a golden debut in the SEA Games after losing 19-21, 12-21 to A. Suppanyu of Thailand in the opening round of the men’s singles competition.
“I went to the SEA game with huge ambition of winning the title there but I have allowed the pressure to get to me and paid a heavy price for it. Having said that, after the Thomas Cup Finals, I believe I can handle pressure better now.”
“Without Chong Wei, the Glasgow game has turned into level playing field where everybody has a shot at the gold medal. My target will be to reach the final, and if possible, to win the gold,” added Wei Feng.
As for Lee Chong Wei’s replacement, Malaysia’s men’s singles coach Rashid Sidek acknowledged that Daren Liew is the best candidate to fill the world number one’s spot.
“Daren is a good candidate for Chong Wei’s spot, but BAM’s exco will announce their final decision on Monday,” said Rashid.
Daren Liew who is gearing up for the Taiwan GP Gold on July 15-20, noted that he is ready to represent the country should he be included into the team.
“If BAM decided to send me to Glasgow, I’ll have to pull out of the Taiwan GP Gold, and I think between Wei Feng and me, we should be able to defend the gold medal,” said the confident Daren.
“I’ve grown a lot after the Thomas Cup final, and I can handle pressure better now,” added Daren.
