Shuttler Chen: Be happy is to play
World No.5 shuttler Chen Hong of China said he has no idea of Olympic qualifying points as he walked out from last week's Badminton Asian Championship as a runner-up and full of injury.
Indonesia's Taufik Hidayat (R) is congratulated by China's Chen Hong after winning the men's single final at the Asian Badminton Championship in Malaysia's southern state of Johor April 15, 2007.[Reuters]
"I think Hidayat Taufik was at his best", Chen said of this three-time Asian champion, "While the injured leg that affected my play prevents me from the title. "
Chen returned to action as a free player or '"individual entrepreneur" since he quit the national team two months ago. He has not only to play and organize himself all the tournaments, but taken care of himself, meanwhile, fighting for the Olympic points.
Concerning whether the bustling training conditions would confine his improving or not, Chen said, "I don't care much about it for as 20-year player in badminton; I believe the system I am now working in will be to the good for my coaching job at a day."
The veteran resumes training at Fujian provincial team shortly after the championships while Singapore Open (May 1-6), or the Beijing Olympics qualifier's draw results says Chen, as the 5th top seed, is grouped with compatriots Lin Dan, Chen Jin, and South Korean Li Zongwei in one section.
And Chen is more likely to run into his foe Hashim Hafiz from Indonesia, who ousts him in last year's Korea Open and fused his retirement.
"I don't much care about the draw," Chen said," No matter win or lose, pursuing happiness is what I am concern most in playing, "
But he admitted that he hasn't figure out Olympic qualifiers rules and for the moment he made decision of how many matches would join in