My form has returned and it feels good, says China’s Chen Long
After an inconsistent season, the two-time world champion sets up a repeat of last year’s Rio final against Malaysian ace Lee Chong Wei at the Hong Kong Open
Reigning Olympic champion Chen Long, of China, feels he is beginning to hit top form as he reached the men’s singles final at the Yonex-Sunrise Hong Kong Open on Saturday.
The two-time world champion hasn’t been playing his best since winning gold in Rio last summer, winning just one superseries title at last week’s China Open – but that was coupled by some disappointing early exits.
However, the 28-year-old Jingzhou-born shuttler believes his best form is only around the corner, which will be a boost for him in time for the Tokyo Olympics in three years.
Standing in Chen’s way is Malaysian ace Lee Chong Wei, who won the other semi-final, defeating China’s Shi Yuqi 21-19, 21-8 in 39 minutes.
Lee and Chen set up a repeat of last year’s Rio Games final, where the Chinese world No 4 won gold while denying the Malaysian his first after two previous silvers in 2008 and 2012.
“After you have won all the world’s biggest tournaments, it is important to be strong mentally and to keep hungry on court,” said the Chinese ace, who defeated Anders Antonsen of Denmark in three tough games at the Coliseum in Hung Hom.