Chong Wei game for 2020 Tokyo Olympics?
The Badminton World Federation holds the key to current world No 1 Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia participating in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The Malaysian ace from Penang - still searching for the elusive men's singles Olympic gold - is the winner of three silver medals so far after playing bridesmaid to his nemesis Lin Dan of China in the Beijing Olympics (2008), London Olympics (2012) and the recent Rio Olympics where he lost yet to another Chinese Chen Long in the final.
Chong Wei has repeatedly said that he will be too old (he is 33 now), for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 but sang a different tune a few days ago following news reports that the BWF is contemplating switching the points scoring system from the current best of three 21-points format to the 11-point best of five system.
The Malaysian believes the 11-point system will suit senior players like him and Lin Dan as it is less taxing on their physical condition which will allow senior player to control the match better.
The 21-18, 21-18 defeat to Chen Long in the Rio Olympics badminton final is thing of the past as Chong Wei switches his focus to coming tournaments - starting with the Japan Open (Sept 20-25). This will be followed by the Korea Open from Sept 27-Oct 2.
Chong Wei is the top seed in the Japan Open and his first round opponent is Thailand veteran Boonsak Ponsana.
The Japan Open is also Chong Wei's favourite hunting ground having won the title five times - in 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Chong Wei is also using the coming tournaments to prepare himself for next year's World Championships which will be held in Glasgow in August.
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