My path in Malaysian Open is still difficult-Chong Wei

World's number one player Datuk Lee Chong Wei maintains that his path towards supremacy in the 2013 Malaysian Open Championship is still tough despite the withdrawals of several leading players.

He said the withdrawal of Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand, who was supposed to be his opponent in the second round on Thursday was not a ticket to guarantee for him to win the championship for the ninth time.

On record, Chong Wei had won the Malaysian Open eight times, in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 dan 2012.

"Although Boonzak withdrew, my opponent (in the quarter-final round tomorrow), Hu Yun (from Hong Kong) is not easy to beat because we have clashed in the Korean Open (which ended recently).

"I do not expect many leading players to withdraw but I stay focused to face my matches one at a time in the current championship," he told a media conference in Bukit Jalil, here, Thursday. Ex-world champion and gold medal winner at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Taufik Hidayat yesterday made a drastic decision to withdraw after an injury.

The nation's main men's doubles pair of Koo Kien Kiat dan Tan Boon Heong also withdrew after Tan was suspected of having dengue.

Chong Wei said he would use the time available today to make careful preparation against Hun Yun.

At the same time, he also urged the national second singles player Liew Daren to use Taufik's absence to advance further in the championship.

Liew was scheduled to meet Taufik in the second round today.

"I hope he (Daren) is capable of doing his best at the championship this time in Taufik's absence," he added.