Lee Chong Wei strolls into last 16 at worlds
Malaysian makes short work of unheralded German
World number one Lee Chong Wei marched on in his bid for an elusive world championship title as he strolled into the last 16 to follow suit with his leading rivals in Copenhagen on Wednesday.
The Malaysian top seed, runner-up at the last two world finals, made light work of Germany’s Dieter Domke with Lee cruising to a 21-12, 21-9 victory.
“He is a lower-ranked opponent but he put up a fight although I felt confident all the way through,” said Lee after dispatching his 43rd-ranked opponent.
I was out of action for two months ... there are some shots I’m still reluctant to play
However the Malaysian, also a two-time Olympic silver medallist, admitted he was still working his way back to top form having been sidelined since June with a persistent groin injury.
“I was out of action for two months so I’m still trying to get some feelings back out on court. There are some shots I’m still reluctant to play,” he said.
Lee faces unheralded 49th-ranked Irishman Scott Evans for a place in the quarter-finals but the world’s top player stressed he wouldn’t be caught looking further ahead in the draw.
“Evans is another lower-ranked player but I’m not going to underestimate him. I’ll be taking him seriously,” said Lee.