World number one Lee Chong Wei was again in sparkling form at the Sudirman Cup on Wednesday, while Denmark’s Peter Gade finally emerged victorious after a three-game thriller.
Malaysian Lee came rocketing out of the blocks against Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka of Indonesia, going 6-1 and then 14-3 up in the first game, before romping home 21-8. It was a similar story in the second game, Lee outclassing the Indonesian 21-8 again and throwing his racquet into the crowd in celebration.
He said afterwards that he was pleased with his performance and was gradually getting used to the arena in Qingdao, but admitted it would take something special to beat the hosts and holders China. Lee’s comprehensive victory put Malaysia up 2-1 against Indonesia.
On the next court meanwhile, 34-year-old Gade, the world number five who is immensely popular in China, struggled badly at first. He lost the first game to South Korea’s Lee Hyun-Il 21-15, but recovered to take the second 21-18, to the delight of most the crowd, then just about took the third game 22-20.
“I needed the support in the end as I was under a lot of pressure,” said Gade. “We know each other very well but it’s been a long time since we played each other and I think Lee has nothing to lose in this match.
