LCW said both he (before he had retired that is) and LD wanted to break a new record, first MS player to play in 5 different Olympics. But if LCW retired, it's all up to LD now.
Maybe, just maybe, LCW will appeal to LD again like MO last time.. win Olympics for me, my greatest friend and rival
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/06/13/chong-wei-calls-it-quits/ Today, 13th June 2019 Malaysian badminton hero Lee Chong Wei officially announces retirement, health is top priority. Appreciating his wise yet hard decision to make. Lee CW has been nominated as chef de mission for Tokyo 2020 OG. Really sad moment for him and badminton fans He's definitely a legend despite never won any major titles in his 19 years career. Being silver medalist in three consecutive Olympic Games is such a superb achievement. Lee's last action was INA Open 2018 semifinal when he lost to eventual champion Kento Momota, a week earlier Lee bagged 12th MAS Open title in front of his homecrowd. The famous and classic Lin-Li rivalry must come to an end, 2018 All England quarterfinal was their last encounter when Lin Dan prevailed, 21-16 / 21-17. His achievements in OG + BWF Major Events : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Chong_Wei ALL ENGLAND : 2010, 2011, 2014, 2017
Im sad that in my whole career as a badminton fan I only watched LCW play live once, in 2016 all england where he suffered a chock defeat. I was expecting LCW to play in Basel WC when I planned my trip there Btw I still personally also count that LCW was runner up in 2014 WC despite the non performance enhancing thing he had acidentally digested somehow
Always a legend. Personally , I like the way he plays more than CL/Momota. The best right handed player in the history of the game.
The only time i watched him live or the last time (live) i guess is at MO 2017 where he played vs LinDan in that Final. It was the first and the last time i watch LCW vs LD in stadium (very lucky) He didnt win it but very thankful the atmosphere is really great, cant believe i went to a tournament with a fully packed stadium(its not as big as axiata arena)
Lee Chong Wei just announced his retirement. Wish him all the best in life and health. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to light up the badminton scene.
I don't think he will quit now. He is still very able and doing a great job keeping himself healthy and injury-free so far. LCW's sudden retirement might motivate him even more.
No, he's stated before he's continue to play because LCW was playing. Now that LCW is retired, I wouldn't be surprised if LD seriously considers it too. Sent from my SM-G965W using Tapatalk
He fought till the end despite getting 3 silvers in Olympic, those 21-19 or whatever. In the end, whether its 3 silver or 1 gold it pales in comparison to what he achieved. In the end, it doesnt really matter. In fact, it makes his greatness even more astounding and remembered.
It's indeed sad for the ambitious Dato Lee to announce his retirement today 13/6/19 but at the same time it should come as a great relief for him not to be burdened by the immense pressure of continuing to play in view of his medical condition. He owes it to himself and his family to take a well-deserved rest. He's already a legend in badminton and has contributed much to Malaysia's sporting scene. On the other hand, if a less fit Dato Lee were to carry on playing, he might suffer embarrassing defeats at the hands of fitter and younger opponents; worse still, he might have a relapse of his illness.
He has also stated too that playing in Tokyo 2020 was his dream. So that's why I think if he ever considered retiring, it would be after the Olympics at the least. This could be his last serious fight.
He must compete fiercely with Chen Long, barring any significant setback or serious injury Shi Yuqi will secure his first ever Olympic spot.
So be it. It's not like he hadn't had to compete the 4 previous times. He is probably doing whatever he thinks that he wouldn't regret it later in his life. Unlike LCW, LD doesn't have to shoulder the whole nation's expectation this time. All pressure will be on SYQ.