Lee out to make world badminton history

Lee Chong Wei said Monday he still believes he can become the first Malaysian to win the world badminton title despite an indifferent first round performance at the Wembley arena. Lee trailed 8-11 in the second game against the sharp left-handed attacking of Tanoongsak Saensomboonsuk, and was still in a dogfight at 18-17 before getting through 21-15, 21-17. Despite this, Lee's famously quick movement and vastly improved mental strength were in evidence against the world number 31 from Thailand, and his words were confident too. "I didn't play very well, but sometimes that happens in the first round," he said. "I believe I will play better in the second, and it's my aim to still be here on Sunday. "I've won five titles in six tournaments this year, and this is my sixth world championship, and perhaps that will be my lucky number." If it is, Lee will prevent China from retaining all five titles, which they won in Paris last year. His main rival may be Lin Dan, the three times former champion who is seeded second and is in the other half. Chen Long was China's first major casualty on Monday, the up and coming fifth seed being stunned by Guatemala's Kevin Cordon 21-19, 8-21, 27-25. There were certainly signs that Lee's form, arguably better this year than it has ever been, will soon display its highest level. He glided around the court effortlessly, despite gossip about a troublesome back, and appeared to change defence into attack with no difficulty. He produced several ambushing smashes in the first game, and two brilliant block winners switched across court in the second. But the most eye-catching aspects of Lee's game were its variety and resilience. Earlier Taufik Hidayat, the former world champion from Indonesia, made a languorously brilliant start in a 21-10, 21-14 win over Rodrigo Pacheco Carrillo, a hard-working world number 61 from Peru. Hidayat admitted to not having the best preparation for his attempt, as fourth seed, to win the title back. There was though no doubting his enduring talent as he projected a wide stream of winning shots, sometimes at a stroll. After an early deficit during the first eleven points, Hidayat went on a five-point winning streak, and then an eight-point streak, establishing that, barring an earthquake or an injury, he would be the winner. This cushion enabled him to go through the repertoire, not only of his favourite net shots, but some disguised fast drops, tenacious defence, overhead attacks, and one stunning backhand half-smash winner. "I was just warming up today," he said. "Maybe I will play better than in the last tournaments. And yes, I like the arena," Hidayat added, claiming not to know that this would be the Olympic arena next year. Hidayat was also forthright about the investigation which the Badminton World Federation has been conducting into withdrawals from tournaments which might contravene player commitment regulations. Asked if it might be a good idea if there were bans for such transgressions, he replied: "Yes, I think so."