Can Lee Chong Wei delivered?

Read news about how our national No. 1 beat the world No. 1 again! Lee Chong Wei has beaten Lin Dan of China yet again in the ongoing Japan Open. Congratulation to Mr Lee. I'm sure that you will be satisfy with your effort in this tournament after a dismal outings at recently concluded World Championship on your own home soil.

This is a good news for Malaysian badminton sports and after such 'big' controvercial comments made after the tame defeat, because Lee has yet again bounced back from a shattering display last month. But one question I do have to ask: Is Lee really has what it takes to deliver the medal all Malaysians have been craving for? Is Lee really mentally and physically strong enough to deliver the result Malaysians wanted all these times? Or is it our National chief coach will again put too much pessure on him to deliver that will eventually make him break when it really matter?

From my personal point of view, the last possibilty looks more likely as has happened so many times over the years. During the build up to important tournaments, Lee can reallyperformed like he's the hot favourite to win the gold medals, unfortunately, our nations put too much pressure on him to win these medals, that eventually put him under unnecessary pressure to deliver. That's what is exactly happened these days, as our ministers all will read everything leading up to the important tournaments.

Be frank, these tournaments are for players to keep up their physical and mental condition leading up to the tournaments. What most important is still during the tournament itself. You can beat anyone, with however good result or how destroying you are towards your opponents, still if you can't deliver the important result, it is of no use at all, just like what happened in the World Championship. For what I believe, a coach will pass on his experience to his/her trainees and as for Misbun, he's more or less the same during his playing career, so believe me, do not put too much faith into Lee Chong Wei as his past record suggested he can deliver in normal tournament, but when it comes to big stage, he will fail, just like he did over the years.

The same will goes to other Malaysian players, be it singles, doubles, men or women. As for doubles, at least Tan Boon Heong - Koo Kian Keat delivered one of the most craved medal - All England Men's Double gold medal. But look at their performance after that, just maintained if not drop, and this is because their strength has been well studied, encountered and be prepared by their opponents. We should be glad that Rexy is staying put and I trust he has the ability to bring up their confidence again and deliver at the big stage. China's Cai Yun - Fu Hai Feng experienced the same as well, as they have been playing throughout the year and humans are still humans, they will feel tiredness one day.

Another example is our once golden boy, En Mohd Hafiz Hashim. The only thing he can deliver is the 2003 gold medal at All England, and that's it. I say no more than that because result speaks louder than thousands of word. So I urge all Malaysian not to expect miracle in the foreseeble future, so our shuttlers would not feel the pressure when they put up the national shirt.