MALAYSIA OPEN 2008 – Withdrawals, Yet Enthusiasm for Kick-off

This year’s Malaysia Open has been hampered by the withdrawal of top players like Lin Dan, Xie XingFang, Boonsak Ponsana and Peter Gade. However, to most of Malaysian fans, it means an extra chance for local players like Lee Chong Wei and Wong Mew Choo to do well.
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“It is good to know that Lin Dan withdrew, however I will not take it for granted as I would only have met him in the finals even if he had played in this tournament. His withdrawal will only make it easier for players in the top half of the draw. It really doesn’t concern me anyway at this early stage. This tournament will still be a challenge for me as I’m expected to do well on home ground. Talk about pressure! But I will try my best to play and to satisfy the fans,” said Chong Wei.

Lin Dan wasn’t expected to play in Malaysia Open as he had announced quite early that he would skip the first Super Series of the year to focus on the Korea Open next week. However, other big names were missing from the line up sheet after the managers' meeting. Peter Gade had to stay home due to personal reasons, while Xie Xingfang, top seed in the women’s singles event, chose not to come, citing injury.