Chong Wei a step closer to clinch All-England hattrick

World number one men's shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei is just a step away from securing his hattrick in the prestigious All-England Badminton Championships after he cruised into the final of the tournament at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, United Kingdom, Saturday.

The 2012 London silver medallist however was given a tough fight by Thailand's young shuttler, Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk before registering a 22-20 and 21-8 win in the semifinal.

Awaiting the 31-year-old Penangite in the final is either second seed, Chen Long of China or Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark, who will square-off in the other semifinal match later today.

This will be Chong Wei's fifth consecutive final since 2009. He won the title in 2010 and 2011.

In 2010, he defeated Japanese top men's singles, Kenichi Tago 21-19 and 21-19 before defending the title a year later by defeating his arch nemesis, Lin Dan of China in 21-17 and 21-17.

Chong Wei's attempt to lifted the title for the third time in 2012 was dashed after he pulled out in the final against Lin Dan due to a back injury thus handing the left-handed opponent his fifth All-England title.

Lin Dan had prior to that won the All-England in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2009.