CHONG WEI BREAKS SILENCE

"* I play for myself and the country. So I take defeats seriously no matter what the critics may say."

That was what Dato Lee Chong Wei said in what was his first public appearance after his qualifying round exit at the Korean Open two weeks ago.

The former world number one was present to sign up for Petsling Jaya Badminton Club for the forthcoming season of the Malaysian Purple League on November 4.

" No one wants to lose and it's no different for me. At times things ( surprise defeats) happen and there can be no way to explain, " said Chong Wei who sat out of last seasons MPL as he was undergoing a doping suspension.

" My coaches, Hendrawan and Tey Seu Bock have been putting me through drills to sharpen my play and iron out chinks in my armour.

" I have a tight schedule over the next two months and need to redouble my efforts".

When asked about his frosty relationship with BAM Technical Director Mortern Frost, Chong Wei said he would rather not comment.

" I am happy to represent Petaling Jaya BC as Yogendran and I go back a long way as friends," added Chong Wei.

Petsling Jaya BC were given a pleasant surprise when KLRC Chairman stepped up to provide them with a RM1 million sponsorship.

" I feel that PJBC have a good set-up and will do well, " said KLRC Chairman Dato Sri Andrew Kam.

TOUGH TIMES

The 24th edition of the Azlan Shah Cup gets underway in Ipoh from April 5-12.

But rather then provide information, the organisers have opted for a cold shoulder treatment to this website which has provided comprehensivecoverage over the past four years.

Request for information such as team lists and other tournament info has been ignored making it tough to get in touch with coaches to get their views on team chances.

Rather then fret over what is largely an incompetent organisation that runs plagiarised stories on their website, we will strive to do our best to provide coverage for the thousands of fans out there.

National associations and hockey writers can lift our stories but please credit accordingly so that those paid mega bucks will not lay claim that it was their effort.

So follow us at the website and Twitter to get the best coverage of the event.