Badminton All England 2013 Final: Chong Wei lost to Chen Long

I watched this game. Not sure why Chong Wei's movement was slow while Chen Long was turbo charged and responding to Chong Wei's shots so well. Is the age is catching up for Chong Wei or Chen Long has improved so much? I think it is both.

At the same time, I really miss to see the flamboyant Lin Dan. Where has he gone hiding?

WORLD No. 1 Lee Chong Wei was angry with himself yesterday after losing an opportunity to win the All-England for the third time at the National Indoor Arena.

The 30-year-old Chong Wei lost his spark, losing 21-17, 21-18 to Chen Long of China in a highly-charged men's singles final. It was the 24-year-old Chen Long's sixth win in 13 meetings over the Malaysian.

"I made too many mistakes today, especially in the early part of the game. I am angry with myself right now," said a disappointed Chong Wei, who also lost last year's final against Lin Dan after withdrawing with a shoulder injury.

"But this is not the end. I am going to try and get back at Chen Long. I want to get even with him.

"He showed great determination to win his first All-England title and credit should be given to him for a good performance," he added.

Things started to go wrong for Chong Wei, the 2010 and 2011 champion, in the opening game. He dropped seven points from a string of poor judgments and weak returns. Then, he started his fightback but it came too late as Chen Long marched on with his ferocious attacking mode to take the opener.

The second game was a sizzler.

Chong Wei trailed again but not by a big gap. He kept on pressing to level at 14-14. It was a neck-and-neck fight from there on as both tried their best to outplay each other. Chen Long, however, was just a notch better in his attacking game to romp home for his first All-England title. He celebrated like his senior Lin Dan by taking off his T-shirt.

"I was just so frustrated as he kept on retrieving my shots. It was hard to kill his shots too," he lamented.

Chong Wei agreed that Chen Long is now a new threat in his dream to become the world champion at the World Championships in Guangzhou in August.

"Lin Dan is not the only rival for me. Chen Long is young and aggressive and he seems to be improving day by day," said Chong Wei.

"I won the South Korea and Malaysian Opens and reached another final here. I want to keep the momentum going and continue to raise my game," he added.

Source: The Star