Monday, August 23, 2010

EASY WINS FOR CHONG WEI, MEW CHOO AND HAFIZ

World number one Lee Chong Wei had a light workout in the opening round of the World Championships in Paris as he defeated Kevin Cordon of Guatemala 21-7,21-11.

It was akin to a walk in the park for the Malaysian as he hardly broke sweat as he raced to a 5-0 lead before wrapping up the set with neat net play.

The second was no different as Chong Wei led 7-2 and never looked back, wrapping up the match in 26 minutes.

"It's good to start the tournament after the few days of waiting. I had a good feel of the court and playing conditions and am looking forward to a good outing," said Chong Wei.

"There is a slight draft but I doubt it will worry anyone. And as for the hall being not having air conditioning, I believe its no advantage to the Asians as most of the European players too are accustomed to these conditions."

Wong Mew Choo also got off to a winning start, needing 37 minutes before registering a 21-16,21-14 over Karin Schnaase of Germany.

Muhd Hafiz Hashim got the better of Tan Yuhan of Belgium, registering a 21-13, 21-15 win in just 27 minutes. But he will face Chong Wei in the second round.

"I will give my best and in the end that is what matters most," said Hafiz.

"Only one of us will move into the second round, and although the odds are stacked heavily against me, if I go down, it will not be without a fight."

Also making it to the next round was mixed doubles pair of Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying who defeated Belgium's Jonathan Gillis/Severine Corvillian 21-12,21-14 in just 21 minutes.

Meanwhile coach Misbun Sidek said that the hot and humid conditions in the Pierre de Coubertin Stadium will be a severe test for all the players.

"From what i have seen so far, the players are gasping for breath, and that is not a good sign as over the next few days with the number of spectators increasing, I expect things to become more difficult for the players," said Misbun.

"Therefore it is vital that the players pace themselves in the matches and get it over and done with, and not stay long in the court."