Malaysian Shuttler Lee Chong Wei Hints at Retiring Before Tokyo Olympics
Jakarta. World number one men's single shuttler Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia admitted that he is unlikely to be in action at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, after his dramatic defeat by China's Chen Long in the final in Rio on Saturday (20/08).
Chong Wei, who was defeated in straight sets 21-18 and 21-18, said he regrets his failure to present Malaysia with its first ever gold medal. He added that he was simply outplayed by world number two Chen Long.
"I'm really sorry to disappoint them [Malaysian citizens]. I tried my best, but I've got to accept that Chen Long played better than me. He was well prepared and managed to anticipate all my shots," Chong Wei said after the final game, as quoted by The Star Online Malaysia.
Malaysia has been waiting for its first ever Olympic gold medal and it will now have to wait even longer after Chong Wei only managed to win his third silver. A total of four silver medals and a bronze represents Malaysia's best performance since it first started to participate in the Olympics in 1964.
"I played better today than I did in the 2012 [London] Olympics and all the World Championships. It was just not my day, but I never gave up once. My regret is that I could only win a silver again for the third time," Chong Wei said.
Asked if he would participate in his fifth Olympics in Tokyo in 2020, Chong Wei hinted that his future was not clear yet.
"I don't think so. I'll continue until next year's World Championships and see how my condition is. I'll probably stop playing to give the younger shuttlers a chance to play in the 2020 Olympics," he said.
Other World Stars May Follow
The Rio Olympics might also be the last Games for badminton superstars, Lin Dan and Fu Haifeng of China, Lee Yong Dae of South Korea and Chinese mixed doubles pair Zhao Yunlei and Zhang Nan, who all hinted that they may retire.
Lin Dan was sent packing with no medals after he was defeated 21-15, 10-21 and 17-21 in rubber sets by Denmark's Viktor Axelsen in the men's singles bronze medal contest.
According to Reuters, Lin Dan, who turns 36 when the Tokyo Games start, will likely retire after his defeat against the Dane, following in the footsteps of compatriot and veteran doubles Fu Haifeng, who will also hang up his racket.
The Chinese pair Zhao Yunlei and Zhang Nan, who were beaten by Indonesians Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir in the semifinals, have decided that the Rio Olympics were also their last Games, according to Chinese media.
"After my retirement from badminton, I will be going to graduate school for higher studies. After all, life is far more than just badminton," Zhao Yunlei said, as quoted by Badmintonplanet.com.
South Korean world number one men's doubles shuttler Lee Yong Dae also hinted at retirement following his early elimination in Rio. Lee and his doubles partner Yoo Yeon-seong were beaten by Goh V. Shem and Tan Wee Kiong of Malaysia in the quarterfinals.
"I competed at the Rio Games as my last Olympics and I want to give opportunity to young players. South Korean badminton will be stronger if these young players get a chance," Lee told South Korean news agency Yonhap.
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