Consistency sets Lee apart: Pullela Gopichand

Former world no. one Lee Chong Wei’s impressive comeback from an eight-month doping ban was one of the highlights of 2015 and India’s national coach Pullela Gopichand felt that “a fully fit and focused Lee” would be difficult to overcome in major tournaments.

Lee won three back-to-back tournaments — the French, China and Hong Kong Opens — to announce his return in style. He also bagged the Canada Open and the US Open titles, and the World Championships silver.

Gopichand said Lee’s consistency set him apart from the rest.

“I think a fully fit and focused Lee is a handful for everybody. It is not going to be easy unless you are prepared to beat him. If one has to beat him, he needs to break Lee’s consistency,” said the former All England champion on the sidelines of Hyderabad Hunter’s PBL tie against Delhi Acers on Thursday.

“He (Lee) has been an amazing sportsperson. He has the highest quality fitness, concentration and is a great ambassador of the sport. It’s unfortunate whatever happened to him but that had opened a window where a few players can benefit.

“He has always been strong. He had his problems against a few top players in the world (from China) but other than that he has ruled world badminton in the last few years.”

With the Rio Olympics looming, Gopichand said Lee would be one of the toughest contenders though he didn’t rule out China’s world no. 1 Cheng Long chances of a podium finish. Despite being rated as one of the finest players in badminton history, Lee has failed to win an Olympic or World Championships title.