Lee Chong Wei was in a class of his own as he notched his 17th straight win against Tommy Sugiarto on Saturday to set up the men’s singles final against Japan’s Kento Momota in the 2018 Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open.
The Malaysian badminton ace, who is the most decorated player in the competition’s history with 11 titles, defeated his challenger from Indonesia 21-18, 21-15 in the semi-finals at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
After the match, the Rio Olympics silver medallist said his biggest challenge at the tournament would be against Momota, whom he felt would be the next world badminton sensation.
"He's a great and talented young player. After Lin Dan and I retire, the focus will be on him [Momota] and [Viktor] Axelson,” he told reporters after the game.
Lee and Momota have only met twice, with each winning a game against the other.
On today's match, Chong Wei sang praise of his Indonesian opponent, who beat world number three Shi Yuqi from China in the quarter-finals.
"I am satisfied with my performance, and having an unbeaten 17-game record against Tommy is very important for my career. Today's match was not easy, as he was in high spirit after beating the world number three yesterday," he said.
Meanwhile, Momota said he was looking forward to the match against Lee and expected a tough fight in the final on Sunday.
"I’m not thinking about losing or winning tomorrow, I just want to enjoy the game and do my best for the fans and supporters," said the 23-year-old who beat Kidambi Srikanth of India 21-13, 21-13 in the other semi-final contest.
Bernama
Sat Jun 30 2018
Lee Chong Wei kembali bertembung dengan Lin Dan di Kuala Lumpur
Lee Chong Wei akan kembali bertembung dengan seteru utamanya, Lin Dan, di Kuala Lumpur minggu depan.
Final Jelajah Dunia BWF: Axelsen samai rekod tiga kejuaraan berturut-turut Lee Chong Wei
Victor Axelsen mempertahankan gelarannya dalam acara perseorangan lelaki Final Jelajah Dunia BWF dengan menewaskan Shi Yu Qi 21-11, 21-12 di Hangzhou semalam.
Badminton Sukan Asia Hangzhou: Pemain sudah buat yang terbaik, perlu belajar dari kegagalan -- Chong Wei
Legenda badminton negara, Datuk Lee Chong Wei, memberi pujian buat kesemua pemain badminton negara yang telah berusaha sebaiknya dalam Sukan Asia Hangzhou 2022.
Chong Wei kesal dakwaan Tat Meng, Zii Jia
Legenda badminton negara, Datuk Lee Chong Wei, kesal dengan tindakan pasukan Lee Zii Jia termasuk jurulatihnya, Wong Tat Meng, yang mendakwa Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) membuli pemain profesional.
Chong Wei akui terguris kemelut melanda BAM-Misbun
Legenda badminton negara, Datuk Lee Chong Wei, mengakui terguris dengan kemelut yang melanda bekas jurulatihnya, Datuk Misbun Sidek, dengan Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM)
Zii Jia perlu lebih masa bawah bimbingan Tat Meng, kata Chong Wei
Lee Chong Wei menggesa penyokong untuk bersabar dan memberikan lebih masa untuk Lee Zii Jia menyesuaikan diri dengan jurulatih baru, Wong Tat Meng.
Lee Chong Wei sambut kelahiran anak lelaki ketiga
Legenda Badminton Negara, Datuk Lee Chong Wei, selamat menyambut kelahiran anak lelaki ketiga bersama pasangannya, Datin Wong Mew Choo, hari ini.
Badminton Dunia BWF: Itu pilihan Lee Zii Jia, kata Lee Chong Wei
Legenda badminton negara, Datuk Lee Chong Wei, menganggap keputusan Lee Zii Jia untuk menarik diri daripada Sukan Komanwel Birmingham bagi menumpukan kepada Kejohanan Badminton Dunia BWF sebagai sesuatu yang silap dan merugikan.
Zii Jia sudah minta nasihat Lee Chong Wei sebelum pilih tinggalkan BAM
Perseorangan lelaki negara, Lee Zii Jia, mendedahkan bahawa dia sudah meminta nasihat daripada idolanya, iaitu legenda badminton negara, Datuk Lee Chong Wei, sebelum menghantar surat peletakan jawatannya kepada Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM).
Saya bukan Lee Chong Wei -- Zii Jia tidak tolak akan bergerak secara profesional
Sehari selepas mengadakan pertemuan empat mata dengan Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM), perseorangan lelaki utama negara, Lee Zii Jia, tampil menjelaskan mengenai spekulasi yang mengaitkannya untuk bergerak secara profesional.
Eddie Howe hoping FA does not ‘throw the book’ at suspended Sandro Tonali
The 23-year-old is currently serving a 10-month ban.
Andy Murray to miss tournaments in Monte Carlo and Munich due to ankle issue
It is also uncertain when the Scot will be back on court.
'Kobe would be proud' – Murray the star as Hawks down Celtics again
Hawks hero Murray shouts out Bryant
Football rumours: Manchester United join the pursuit of Dani Olmo
Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham are also tracking the Spain winger.
England Women wrap up 4-1 series victory in New Zealand
Nat Sciver-Brunt starred with bat and ball.
Mental willpower is so crucial, says Marin after All-England, Swiss Open success
Carolina Marin, a recent double champion on the World Tour emphasized the importance of creating a powerful mental weapon as she looks to hunt another Olympic gold after missing the last one through injury.
On this day in 2012: England appoint Stuart Lancaster as head coach
Lancaster was put in charge after impressing during an interim stint.
NBA: Murray scores 44, hits late winner in OT to lift Hawks over Celtics
Dejounte Murray capped his 44-point effort with the winning jumper with 1 second left in OT as the Hawks beat the Celtics again
Grigor Dimitrov dumps Carlos Alcaraz out of Miami Open
The Bulgarian will play fourth seed Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals.
Uli Hoeness says ‘probably impossible’ to lure Xabi Alonso from Bayer in summer
Liverpool and Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in the Spaniard’s services.