Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan, the two players who have long faced each other across the net, will team up in men’s doubles for an exhibition match on February 16 in Lingshui, China. The event is part of the opening of a new national training centre in the province. The world No. 1 singles shuttler from Malaysia said on Monday that he was looking forward to the match.
To make the contest even more attractive, the duo will take on five-time world champions Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng of China. Lin Dan’s appearance will also mark his first time playing in front of his fans since he beat Lee Chong Wei in the final of the World Championships in Guangzhou last August.
An Invitation to Play Doubles
Lee Chong Wei said he received an invitation from China’s chief coach, Li Yongbo, to take part in the exhibition. He was surprised that Li wanted him to partner Lin Dan in doubles.
“I have not played doubles before but this is a good idea to promote the game and will be good for the sport,” said the 31-year-old.
The match was originally planned as Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei against Cai Yun and Chen Long. However, Chen Long could not take part, so the pair will now face Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng instead.
“There are three Chinese players and one Malaysian in this exhibition match and it is an honour. I will do whatever I can to promote the sport wherever possible,” he said.
Lee Chong Wei also joked that the experience could change his plans. “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,” he said with a smile.
Training Centres and Malaysia’s Plans
Lee Chong Wei noted that training centres are multiplying in China, while Malaysia still does not have one that 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 to set up a new state-of-the-art training centre for some time, but the project remains a grand scheme on paper.
Lin Dan’s Return and the Rivalry
Lee Chong Wei’s face lit up when asked about Lin Dan’s return to competition after six months away. Lin Dan may also meet him at the World Championships in Copenhagen in August.
“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, who is ranked world No. 104, is likely to return at the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold from March 11 to 16 and may also play the Malaysian Open Grand Prix Gold in Johor Baru from March 25 to 30. He may also enter two Superseries events in India and Singapore to earn quick ranking points before the qualifying period ends in May.
Indonesia Super League Commitment
Lee Chong Wei was 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 had initially planned to skip the ISL so he could spend his first Chinese New Year with his wife, Wong Mew Choo, and their son. However, the club owner, a good friend, persuaded him to play.
“He told me to play for fun but how can I play for fun? I resumed training on the second day of Chinese New Year to prepare for the league although I committed to play in two group ties … it was a small sacrifice from my side to just promote the game,” added Lee Chong Wei.