BWF 2014: Wei Feng fails to deliver

Malaysia's number two men's singles shuttler Chong Wei Feng failed to live up to expectations when he lost to Rajiv Ouseph of England 21-17, 22-24 and 16-21 in the first round of the BWF Badminton World Championship at the Ballerup Super Arena here Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, the left-handed player admitted that he succumbed to pressure when he fell behind Rajiv, who was a semifinallist at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, in the rubber set.

"I did not perform to expectations while I was leading against him in the rubber set and this let him catch up.

"I might have lost focus besides putting pressure on myself...I admit the first match is always the toughest for me in any tournament," said the Kedah-born shuttler.

He added that as a professional, he accepted responsibility for the defeat and was willing to make way for others if his services were no longer required.

National singles chief coach, Rashid Sidek was clearly disappointed with Wei Feng's performance.

"I saw that he was putting pressure on himself despite being in control most of the time. When his opponent overtook him, his tactical game also crumbled," said Rashid.

However, he said Wei Feng's services would still be needed at the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea next month despite the latter's lacklustre performance of late, including at the Glasgow Games.

"We have no other choice...if he does not play at the Asian Games, who else can we rely on. That is a fact that we have to accept," he added.

Malaysia's hopes for the singles title now rests on the shoulders of world number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei who will be up against Dieter Domke of Germany in the second round on Wednesday.