Lee eases into final as Wang falls short
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail Shanghai Daily, September 22, 2013
Malaysia's world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei crushed fifth-seeded Nguyen Tien Minh of Vietnam to reach the Japan Open final yesterday, brushing aside controversy at home over the resignation of his coach while China's Wang Yihan, the fourth seed, was upset in the women's semifinals.
Lee, the top seed and defending champion, whipped world bronze medalist Nguyen 21-10, 21-5 in 29 minutes in their semifinal at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.
Wang surprisingly lost to Japan's Shizuka Uchida 19-21, 14-21.
Lee will play the seventh seed and hometown favorite Kenichi Tago today, hoping to lift a record fourth Japan Open title.
Tago beat China's Gao Huan 21-12, 21-12 in the other semifinal.
On Thursday, Rashid Sidek tendered his resignation as Malaysia's national singles coach, according to press reports from Kuala Lumpur.
Rashid — who was not in Tokyo — reportedly said he was frustrated and disappointed with the Badminton Association of Malaysia over its treatment of coaches.
"Before I left Malaysia I was aware of various issues concerning the coaches," Lee said through an interpreter after his victory.
"But I am an athlete and for now I want to concentrate on my game and win," said the 30-year-old, who was stretchered off with cramp and dehydration in the world championship final against his Chinese arch-rival Lin Dan last month in Guangzhou.
Asked how he felt about the BAM, Lee said: "As an athlete, it may be impossible for me to change anything about the association. After going home, I will consult everyone and think if I should make any decision."
Lee has not lost a single game in reaching the final, while second seed Chen Long of China crashed out in the first round.
Akane Yamaguchi will meet Shizuka in an all-Japanese women's final after seeing off Tai Tzu-ying of Chinese Taipei 26-24, 21-14.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)