China’s Lee Chong Wei swept aside Lithuania’s Kestutis Navickas in his opening match to pave his way to the second round in pursuit for his first-ever gold in the world championships. PHOTO: AFP
The former world number one, who only returned to badminton in May after being slapped with an eight-month ban for doping, swept aside Lithuania’s Kestutis Navickas 21-9, 21-13 in his opening match.
The Malaysian shuttler is unseeded for the first time in years at the world championships, his ranking having plunged during his ban for accidentally ingesting a banned inflammatory.
But he has made a strong return with back-to-back US and Canada Open titles, and is tipped to go far in Jakarta.
Lee is no stranger to the world championships, having claimed silver in the last three tournaments, though last year’s medal was stripped after he tested positive for using a banned substance.
Defending champion Chen Long overpowered him last year, but it is long-time foe Lin who has denied him the gold twice at the world championships and at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
Thanks to a favourable draw, Lee cannot face Lin until the semi-finals, if he makes it that far, a prospect that he knows has badminton fans excited.
“I am aware a great many people are waiting for us to duel on the court. Certainly I will give my best performance if this occurs” said Lee. “This is due to the possibility this could be our last game, because maybe next year we will retire.”
Lin began his campaign for a sixth badminton world crown on Tuesday with a routine victory over American Sattawat Pongnairat.
The two-time Olympic gold medal winner pummelled his unseeded opponent 21-8, 21-11 to book himself a spot in the second round.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 12th, 2015.
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