'Lee Chong Wei can continue for 2 more years'

Malaysian badminton legend Razif Sidek feels that compatriot and World No.1 Lee Chong Wei can continue for two more years.

After winning his 10th Malaysia Open Sunday, the 31-year-old Lee hinted that he might hang his boots after the Incheon Asian Games in September-October, saying that he wants to spend more time with his family.

"I don't know what Lee's motive is and why he wants to retire this year after the Asian Games. I believe he can still play for two more years but probably he wants to retire on a high," the 1992 Barcelona Olympics men's doubles bronze medallist Sidek told IANS.

"I understand that there is a lot of pressure. He is still the World No.1 and everybody wants to beat him. Everyone is trying their best to emulate his style of game," added the 51-year-old Sidek, who also won silver at the 1987 Beijing and 1989 Jakarta World Championships.

The 1992 Thomas Cup winner said he was very sad when Lee lost the 2013 World Championship final in Guangzhou to old foe Lin Dan of China.

"I was very sad when Lee lost the final to Lin Dan despite trying very hard. Malaysian shuttlers have so many titles, we have won almost whatever there is to win in this sport except two things - an Olympic and a World Championship gold. It is sad because he could have won both."

Lee Chong Wei is a two-time silver medallist in Olympics and also has two silvers and a bronze in World Championships. Ironically, the Malaysian ace lost all four finals to Lin Dan.