Proton Malaysia Open 2010

Date: 24-Jan-2010

ITS BEEN A FANTASTIC TWO WEEKS FOR ME: CHONG WEI

KUALA LUMPUR (24 Jan 2010) - Datuk Lee Chong Wei was simply too strong for Boonsak Ponsana and demolished the Thai 21-13, 21-7 in the final for his sixth Malaysia Open title - still two shot of Wong Peng Soon's all time record of eight titles.

And along the way Chong Wei also wrote personal history by winning his first back to back titles. Last week, Chong Wei also created badminton history by becoming the first Malaysian to win the Korea Open in Seoul.

It has been a fantastic two weeks for the Malaysian who is currently badminton's hottest property in the country if not the world.

The World No. 1, backed by a vociferous home crowd - one of the biggest ever seen at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil - after acknowledging the crowd's support, did his routine to hug his coach Datuk Misbun Sidek.But there were two very special people among the crowd

- his parents, dad Lee Ah Chai and mum Khor Kim Chooi - and Chong Wei made his way to his parents before heading for the prize giving ceremony and the post match press conference. "

This is the first time my parents came and watched me play in the final. Before this, they watched the live telecasts on TV. So this is a very special occasion for me.

"Also the crowd support was simply fantastic. This is one of the biggest crowd I have seen at the Malaysian Open. The support from the fans in the stands drove me on," said Chong Wei. Chong Wei also made it clear that he

‘will pick and choose' selected tournaments this year due to a busy schedule which includes the Thomas Cup Finals which will be held at the same venue, the World Championships in Paris (August), the Commonwealth Games in India (October) and the Asian Games in Guangzhou (November). "My coach will decide on which tournaments to compete but I am sure to go for the All England, Swiss Open and probably the Indonesian Open."

Chinese ace Lin Dan pulled out of the Malaysia Open at the last minute which put paid to any hopes of a Chong Wei-Lin Dan clash here.

Chong Wei was quick to say: "The whole world is waiting for us to meet each other. Lin Dan skipped the Korea Open and pulled out of the Malaysian Open.

"But we are bound to meet. It did not happen here. But there are other tournaments where we will meet. It could probably be at the All England or the Swiss Open. There is also the Thomas Cup Finals.

"We are rivals on court but outside we are great buddies. Sooner or later we will face each other."

On his match against Boonsak, the Malaysian said playing in two tough tournaments in two weeks has been energy sapping.

"I am surprised that I could maintain my fitness. The final was not a physical game but all about the mind games. Mentally, I am strong and was up for it," added Chong Wei.

"Much was said about the adverse conditions in Korea where it was freezing cold and Malaysia where it is hot. It was hot and cold but it did not affect me much. "

This is my first back to back (Super Series) titles and I am proud of it. I tried many times to achieve this in the past but flopped each time. So it gives my great satisfaction to do it on my home soil in front of my home supporters. I thank them for the tremendous support."

Meanwhile, a disappointed Boonsak said: "I tried my best and did well in the first set. But the second set was a disaster for me. Chong Wei was simply too fast and too strong for me." Boonsak

's only win over Chong Wei was in the Asian Badminton Championships in Johor Bahru in 2008.

For his efforts, Chong Wei was US$15,000 richer while Boonsak pocketed US$7,600.