ALL ENGLAND CHAMP CHONG WEI FIRED UP FOR THOMAS CUP

SEPANG (Malaysia), March 17 (Bernama) -- All England champion Lee Chong Wei
is all fired up for the Thomas Cup Championship from May 9-16 at Stadium Putra,
Bukit Jalil.

The world number one single player has decided not to defend the Swiss Open
title but will concentrate on training for the Thomas Cup.

"Although the Thomas Cup is not dependent on me alone, I hope my triumph at
the All England will fire up my team mates," he said on arrival at KL
International Airport (KLIA) Tuesday.

Chong Wei, 28, who was accorded a welcome befitting a national hero was met
on arrival by Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek and Badminton
Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Mohd Nadzmi Salleh, among others.

Present include his mother Khoo Jing Xui, brothers Chong Sun and Chong Yin
and over 300 badminton fans.

Chong Wei said he will rest for one week before starting intensive training
for one and a half month with the national badminton squad.


"Although Ken Kiat and Boon Heong did not do well at the All England, I hope
they will perform well in two months time. Playing at home is an advantage but
the pressure will also be great.

"We must give our best and not lose hope. The most important thing for us is
to be free of injuries," Chong Wei said.

He hopes to help Malaysia win the Thomas Cup which the country last won in
1992 in Kuala Lumpur.

Chong Wei emerged single champion at the 100th All England beating shock
finalist Kenichi Tago of Japan, 21-19 and 21-19.

He is Malaysia's fifth player to win the title after Muhammad Hafiz Hashim,
Wong Peng Soon, Eddy Choong and Tan Aik Huang.

-- BERNAMA