Chong Wei to partner arch-rival Lin Dan in exhibition doubles match

Arch rivals on court, Datuk Lee Chong Wei, the world number one and world champion Lin Dan from China, will play as partners in an exhibition doubles match held in conjunction with the opening of a new full-fledged badminton training centre in Lingshui, China, on Sunday.

Chong Wei said he welcomed the China Badminton Association's initiative to open a badminton training centre that can assist other countries to elevate their status in the sport.

"I received an invitation from China's head coach for badminton, Li Yongbo to play in the exhibition match. I will partner Lin Dan and face China's most successful pair Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng.

"The match will also be a showcase for badminton fans in China," he told reporters at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara, here Monday.

Chong Wei said Malaysia too need to set up full-fledged training centres in every state to provide a centre to unearth talented players.

"China has training centres in every province and the players at such centres are as good as their national players. I feel we too need to think along the line to ensure the development of badminton," he said.

Chong Wei said he would also be attending the 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards which would be held in Kuala Lumpur for the first time on March 26.

"I received an invitation and I am all excited since I will be able to meet all the top sports personalities in the world like Formula 1, tennis and other champions," he said.

Among sports personalities who have won the Laureus World Sports Award that was introduced 15 years ago, include Usain Bolt, Sebastian Coe, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Alex Ferguson, Lewis Hamilton, Kelly Holmes, Rafael Nadal, Pele, Steve Redgrave, Ronaldo, Michael Schumacher, Kelly Slater, Shaun White, Serena Williams and Zinedine Zidane.