Chong Wei Still 'Missing' Coach Misbun's Touch

SHAH ALAM (Selangor, Malaysia), Dec 21 (Bernama) -- World number one Lee Chong Wei admitted on Wednesday that he still missed the guidance of his former coach Misbun Sidek, more so in the run up to the 2012 London Olympics. "Even if I wanted, I cannot make a decision because I am under BAM (Badminton Association of Malaysia). BAM has a manager, an officer who makes the decisions. I just follow," he said when met after being appointed as the brand ambassador for 'Cafe 99 Ipoh White Coffee' here Wednesday. Misbun had tendered his resignation as national coach late last year after having served BAM for eight years and Chong Wei is now under the tutelage of coach Tey Siu Bock and assisted by Rashid Sidek and Hendrawan. Despite numerous efforts, including Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Misbun refused to reconsider his quit decision. The Penang-born said since the eight months of preparations ahead of the London Olympics was crucial and important, he would welcome any kind of support from anybody. "But whatever it is I know that what is important is for me to be focused and prepared to face the challenges," said Chong Wei who also admitted to mounting pressure due to the high expectations from the whole nation. He added that unlike his main rival from China, Lin Dan, who has the support of his fellow countrymen Chen Long and Chen Jin, he (Chong Wei) would have to shoulder the quest to win the country's first ever Olympic gold medal, all by himself. "But I guess it is OK. This is my last Olympics and I am not too concerned about the pressure. I take this pressure and I hope the media and everyone else will support me," he said. Chong Wei said one of his most disappointing moments of his illustrious career was losing the World Championships title in London last August. "The World Championships loss was the most painful and it still hurts. I still feel 'down' until now. But with the new year coming, I want to forget everything and start afresh," said Chong Wei who will be competing in the Korean Open early next year and the Malaysian Open from Jan 10-15. -- BERNAMA Malaysia