Let me first clarify that I am a big fan of Lee Chong Wei. Of all the badminton players, I have watched and followed his games most frequently. It's exciting to watch his games, and even at the ripe age of 34, he is hardly showing any sign of slowing down. Chong Wei was known first for his defense, speed and counterattacks (before 2007), then for his consistency (2008 onwards), and followed by his noticeable ability to maintain high attacking plays (2009 onwards). Now, he is widely regarded as one of the most successful player in the history of the game. However, what's separating him from the legacies of Lin Dan, Chen Long and Taufik Hidayat are victories in the World Championship and the Olympics Games. Here, I will detail why he may never win a World Championship title, and offer suggestions on how that can be changed.
1. Shot selection and predictability
Most people would quickly admit that they enjoy watching Chong Wei's style of play. His mix of trickery, defense, counterattacks, drops, and smashes is truly entertaining. His repertoire has enabled him to demolish most players. That said, his shot selection, especially during crunch time, is a suspect. For example, his tendency to initiate net plays during critical moments were often exploited by Chinese players. Check out the games between Chong Wei and Lin Dan or Chen Long when the scores are upward of 15-15. I have been particularly bewildered at Chong Wei's predictable straight drop response when Lin Dan pushed the shuttle to his forehand backcourt.
2. Match progression throughout a tournament
From a grand scheme of a tournament, I dislike the way Chong Wei handles his matches. More often than not, he chose to demolish lower-rated players in the earlier rounds, rather than seizing the opportunity to adjust to court drift and lighting conditions. It's especially shocking when he faced his compatriots, showing absolutely no mercy as he put on a clinic!
3. Coaching staffs
The prevalence of points #1 and #2 throughout the years goes to show that the coaching staffs either never made adjustments, or never recognized the problems in the first place, both pointing to coaching incompetency. While Lin Dan and Xia Xuanze (Chinese coach) provided a blueprint on how to defeat Chong Wei, the Malaysian coaching staffs clearly have not come up with a counter-response, relying merely on Lin Dan's occasional dip in form.
4. Immense pressure from his country
Being the only reliable star in the men's singles department, Chong Wei has been bearing the enormous pressure of his nation to deliver Malaysia's first ever Olympics gold medal and a badminton world championship title. To make matters worse, the media and the press have been quick to criticize Chong Wei whenever he failed to close out a tight match. There has been little, if any, encouragement and consolation offered in the wake of his defeat.
But, all hope is not lost. Here are areas to rectify:
1. Ignore media weeks before the world championship
Remain humble even if you have just won a prior tournament. Avoid speculating on what you would do next, or how you plan to adjust to certain players. The media just want to write something, and let them do the speculation.
2. Study the in-between moments
At this elite level, the game is more than just speed, strength and strategy. There is a huge psychological aspect. Learn how to manage moments like opponent requesting shuttle change (when he has the shuttle, or when you have the shuttle), court to be mopped, etc.
3. Study the Chinese players
Learn how they pace their games. Haven't you noticed how Lin Dan and Chen Long typically played a non-attacking game prior to the 11-point interval mark? Pace and intensity quickly pick up prior to the interval and after the 15-point mark. Also, see how they manage the match time by requesting court to be mopped, shuttle to be changed, and by holding up their hands just when you serve to disrupt your rhythm.
4. Be humble
So what if you have just thundered down a winning smash or played the perfect reverse sliced drop? Don't stare down at your opponents, lower-ranked or elite. Your gestures often indicated your insecurity and pride, which could be turned into a motivation for your opponent. Also, take your time acclimating to the court conditions in the earlier rounds when you face lower-rated players rather than rushing to demolish them. This will pay dividends to your stamina, court awareness and overall confidence.
5. Change the coaching staffs
Seriously, they need to go, or be switched to another department. Having the same coaching staffs without improvements to your games is a sign of comfort and complacency. Hire a foreign coach perhaps?
I have made my case. I hope some, if not all, the changes would be made. Should you, by any chance, consider hiring me as your seasonal advisor, contact me with a private message here.
Message to Chong Wei: Wishing you only the best in the upcoming World Championship (August 21-27) in Glasgow, Scotland!