Chong Wei's Dubai Finals spot in jeopardy
Published on: Wednesday, November 16, 2016
PETALING JAYA: World No. 1 Datuk Lee Chong Wei's spot in the season-ending BWF World Superseries Finals is in serious doubt.Having withdrawn from the China Open, which began on Tuesday, the 34-year-old needed at least a quarter-final finish at the Hong Kong Open (from Nov 22-27) to secure his spot in the US$1mil (RM4.3m) Dubai Finals from Dec 14-18.But the three-time Olympic silver medallist has pulled out of Hong Kong Open, citing fever, reported The Star.
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"Chong Wei is suffering from fever now and he's yet to make a full recovery from his hamstring injury (suffered during the Denmark Open last month)," said national singles coach Hendrawan."He has pulled out from the Hong Kong Open ... it's not wise to compete when he's not in the best condition."He could still qualify for the Superseries Finals, but we'll have to wait and see how the others fare."Only the top eight players after the 12 legs of the Superseries events will qualify to play in the Dubai Finals and Chong Wei is fifth in the Superseries standings with 43,510 points.
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Hong Kong's Angus Ng Ka Long is sixth with 40,100 points, followed by Denmark's Viktor Axelsen (39,120) and Germany's Marc Zwiebler (38,230).The trio can easily overtake Chong Wei with a good showing in China and Hong Kong.
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Even Taiwanese duo Chou Tien-chen (No. 9) and Hsu Jen-hao (No. 11) as well as Hong Kong's Wong Wing Ki (No. 10) could overtake Chong Wei.Chong Wei's decision to withdraw from the China Open has benefited world No. 33 Zulfadli Zulkiffli, who has been promoted to the main draw.The former world junior champion will take on world No. 17 Hu Yun of Hong Kong in the first round on Wednesday.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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