Chen Long challenge for Chong Wei

IT went according to script as Lee Chong Wei, after a first game struggle, sealed his London Olympics semi-final spot with a 21-19, 21-11 win over P. Kashyap of India on Thursday.

Though the tie - the first game especially - was tougher than expected, Chong Wei was satisfied with his performance.

Lee Chong Wei didn't have it easy against P. Kashyap of India in the quarter-finals. Pix: Khairul Ghazali

"I am improving with every match and this augurs well for the semi-finals," said Chong Wei, who needed 44 minutes to seal a second successive semi-final appearance at the Olympics.

"I am looking forward to the semi-finals despite knowing that Chen Long has improved tremendously."

National singles chief coach Rashid Sidek said Chong Wei will need to be aggressive against Chen Long in Friday's tie.

Chong Wei must control the tempo of the match against Chen Long.

"China players are good at varying their game and Chong Wei must not allow Chen Long to dictate terms. He must shut Chen Long down as quickly as he can at every opportunity," said Rashid.


Chen Long beat Peter Gade of Denmark 21-16, 21-13 in their quarter-final.


Chong Wei's nemesis and reigning champion Lin Dan also struggled in his quarter-final, needing three games to beat Sho Sasaki of Japan 21-12, 16-21, 21-16.


China. already reeling from the match-manipulation scandal, suffered another blow when Lee Hyun Il of South Korea upset Chen Jin 21-15, 21-16 to seal a meeting with Lin Dan on Friday.


Friday's men's singles semi-finals will start at 8.30pm (Malaysian time).