New Delhi, May 1 (IANS) World No.1 Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia said he is thrilled to become the first men’s singles champion at the India Open Super Series badminton here Sunday – and will return to defend his title next year.
Lee overcame stiff resistance from Denmark’s veteran Peter Gade 21-12, 12-21, 21-15 to win the inaugural tournament.
‘I am happy to win the inaugural India Open Super Series. It was a tough match,’ said Lee.
‘It was a great tournament and I will be happy to come back and defend my title next year.’
Asked about the crowd supporting Gade, Lee said: ‘I am used to it. I play all over the world, in China etc. Sometimes you get the backing of the crowd, sometimes you don’t.’
The Malaysian was all praise for the 34-year-old Gade.
‘I have a great respect for him (Gade). He is a fighter and at 34 he is still fighting on the court. I don’t know what I will be doing at 34,’ said Lee.
Gade said he lost to the best player in the world.
‘He is unbeatable at the moment. I am happy that if I can take a game against him and that too 21-12, it shows that I am still good,’ said Gade.
‘I gave my best. He has tremendous confidence which is difficult to break. But he was shaken when I was leading in the third game. The momentum was with me. But then I gave some easy point. There was a long rally in which I thought he snatched the momentum.
‘I cannot play too much of an attacking game because he can counter attack. So, I have to strike a fine balance. The game is changing all the time and you have to take the right decisions. One wrong stroke and you will be punished. I had to be in the front of him to win the match and I tried my best.’
Asked about the crowd, he said: ‘It was a good match for the spectators. I can come back to play one last time next year.
‘I have set myself the target of playing till the London Olympics, but for that I need to qualify and be fit. I have been there for 20 years and I know it is the last few days of my career, may be one or one and a half year, so I need to enjoy my game. I have to be more than 100 per cent on the court,’ Gade said.
