Since LCW has more or less made up his mind to return to competition, I actually can't wait for his comeback. Hope to see him make an appearance at the home-based MAS Masters in January though I already said it's highly unlikely.
It would take about six months to be on form..I predict that he will definitely compete in the Malaysian Masters to support the home tournament and judge interim progress. Last year he promised he would be back at the HK Open. Maybe he will, but perhaps not playing.
I missed out on seeing lcw at this years all england, i was there for the morning session of quarter finals day but the lin dan vs lcw match was in the afternoon. I was gutted! but still enjoyed the matches i did see. Bought quarter finals full day tickets for 2019 in the hope i would get to see lcw play but it looks extremely unlikey that will happen now, even so, a return to full health regardless of if he plays again is fantastic to see.
Reminded me that I will upload a recording that I took of that game soon. Although the TV coverage for that match is naturally far superior.
@Tec07 As promised: It was difficult to record this one, but I hope that you can enjoy it from the view that I had!
Lee Chong Wei is reported to have said the earliest he may be back competing is February http://sports.sina.com.cn/others/badmin/2018-10-26/doc-ihmxrkzw9508492.shtml That means we won't see him at the MAS Masters in January. Only two tournaments available for him in February, the Spain Masters and the German Open, both WTS300, excluding the lowest tier minor events.
He have applied and have just been approved for his protected ranking per November 1, 2018. For comparison : ● LCW was ranked 7th at October 25, 2018 (no locked sign there) ● LCW is ranked 8th at November 01, 2018 (with locked sign appear there) ---> His protected rank was ranked 3rd
I've just found the English source from the first reporter (SS Dhaliwal's exclusive interview): 'Please pray I win this off-court battle' - Chong Wei in first media interview https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badmi...-court-battle-chong-wei-first-media-interview Summary: Q: When will you return to the court? A: It all depends on what the doctors say, but really not before next year, there is a possibility in February but then again it depends on my progress and response to the treatment.
Yes, Lee CW announced his comeback and has started his own physical training at home, not ready for the national training center yet. The doctor has given him the go-ahead to resume active competition in due course. Of his medical diagnosis, it was early stage nose cancer and full recovery is possible, a comforting thought. For the time being,he has to return to Taiwan every three months for follow-up medical appointments. At the moment LCW has not confirmed if he will aim to go to Tokyo 2020 but that still remains his goal. As for returning to the court, no definite time frame yet as he is still in the process of recovering his immune system. I summarised the news from here http://sports.qq.com/a/20181108/009976.htm
Another video of the press con He talked about how tough the treatment is. Hence the title of the vid "want to eat also cry." Upon knowing the diagnosis, with Eng subs, for those who need. Full vid from Astro Awani LCW has 7 doc in Taiwan to take care of him, 4 of which are his fans. Maybe he will start on court training in Dec. Tournaments, qualifying for 2020 OG depends on the condition of his body.