New Delhi, April 30 (IANS) Denmark’s Peter Gade said the pressure will be on top seed and World No.1 Lee Chong Wei when they meet in the men’s title contest of the India Open Super Series here Sunday.
Veteran shuttler Gade said he made it to a final after a long time and will be going all out to claim the title.
‘I have nothing to lose. The pressure will be on Chong Wei because he is the top seed,’ said Gade, who carved out an impressive 21-15, 21-19, victory over South Korea’s Sung Hwan Park in the semifinal.
Chong Wei, who is 11-1 head-to-head against Gade, does not mind the pressure of being the favourite. ‘It is okay for me,’ the Malaysian said.
‘It is the first Super Series in India and I would like to win it. He (Gade) is an experienced player and it is always tough to play against him,’ said Chong Wei after his convincing 21-11, 21-15 win over Yun Hu of Hong Kong.
The last time the two met was in the World Super Series Final in Chinese Taipei when Chong Wei beat Gade in the group match and then in the title contest.
Gade’s only victory against Chong Wei was in the 2009 Korea Open Super Series final.
Chong Wei, though, avenged the loss in the 2010 Korea Open final.
Gade is elated to make the final, beating quite a few youngsters.
‘I have been making the quarterfinals and semifinals but this is after a long time I made it to the final.’
‘You see these young players are doing their best and I have been here for so many years. I am an old guy and I enjoy the challenge of taking on the best Asian youngsters. It just shows that I am not finished yet.’
Gade said he has improved with every match in the tournament.
‘Against good players, it’s the small things that matter. I knew if I could get close against Park, I might have the mental edge in the end. I succeeded in doing that and then I was able to pull away from him.’
Gade has been playing on the circuit for more than 15 years and won the All England championship in 1999.
‘There are coaches of my age everywhere, for instance Gopi. It’s a bit strange but I don’t feel old. If ever I will, I will stop playing. Even when I lose, I still enjoy the game.’
Asked how he prepares himself for a match, Gade said: ‘When I start to prepare, I do a a bit of rehab, a bit of easy running and stretching. I eat a lot fruits, drink a lot of water, sleep and do as much to relax.’
‘Training is never boring, I miss my family though. I miss my girls. When I am at home, I am really busy. I have to take care of the house and of the family at the same time. I have to train hard. But when I reach a final, it’s all well worth the effort.’
