The first ‘ Lin Dan Killer’ Wong Wing Ki Looking Forward to His Best Performance in Hong Kong Open

After 2 years of anxiety and frustration, Hong Kong player Wong Kong Ki finally got out of his low ebb and reached world ranking No. 11. He is looking forward to his best performance this week in YONEX-SUNRISE Hong Kong Open Badminton Championships 2017.

Wong Wing Ki gained his fame by beating the famous Chinese player Li Dan in Denmark Open 2011 and became the first ‘Lin Dan Killer’ of the Hong Kong Team. However, he was always outshined by other teammates such as Ng Ka Long, Wei Nan, Hu Yun in the Hong Kong Men’s Single squad.

The 27-year-old player was wedded recently. He is no longer the kid playing badminton outside of his dad’s Indonesian restaurant as he has been through ups and downs in his career after he turned pro 11 years ago and become one of the main players in Hong Kong team.

Being ‘Lin Dan Killer’ didn’t bring any luck to Wong. ‘I wanted to be famous and concerned too much about my result when I was young.’ he said, ‘We lost the Men’s team event in East Asian Games. 4 years later, we really wanted to regain our fame. I played both Single’s and Double’s event. It’s too much for me and after a couple international tournament 60% of my right shoulder’s tender was tore. I needed to take a 9 months rest.’

Wong’s world ranking rose to 12th after 2012 London Olympics. However, this serious injury knocked him down to 43rd. ‘I was really desperate at that moment. To qualify the Asian Games and fight for a medal is my dream. So I returned to the court only 4 months after. I was on pain killer all the time and of course I didn’t make it. I was very upset. I didn’t feel like to practice and stayed in my room playing video games all day. ‘

With the support from coaches and his wife, former teammate Chan Tsz Ka, Wong finally got back on track and regained his confidence. He said, ‘I will not fight for ranking any more. It’s very frustrating. After defeating some top player, I believe I have the ability to win. I just need to be more stable.’ Although Wong didn’t qualified to 2016 Olympics, it didn’t stop him from improving. His world ranking has promoted to 11th and was top 10 in May this year. He also entered top 8 in the World Championships.

The excellent result in 2017 is only a beginning for Wong. He said, ‘Every competition is a new start. If I lost, it doesn’t mean the end of the world. I want to keep improving and hopefully there will be a significant game of mine.’  YONEX-SUNRISE Hong Kong Open Badminton Championships 2017 is just like the Olympics to Wong. Last year he was in top 8, he said, ‘I hope I can show my best performance to the fans from home. I even want to win the gold. I think it’s my time!’

With the wedding ring on his right hand, Wong has already said goodbye to his boyhood. The young man standing on the court has no more fear of failure. He said, ‘Marriage made me grow up and become more responsible to myself and family. I really want to thank my wife for supporting me and making me become who I am now.’

Tickets of YONEX-SUNRISE Hong Kong Open Badminton Championships 2017 are available for sale at URBTIX. For more information, please visit the tournament website: www.hkopenbadminton.org . Enquiry:  +852 23309838 (15th -26th November)

YONEX-SUNRISE Hong Kong Open Badminton Championships 2017 Event Details:

• Date: 21st to 26th November
• Venue: Hong Kong Coliseum
• Ticket: HK$40 to HK$680 (Free admission on 21st November, 10% discount for students and senior citizens)www.hkopenbadminton.org