LEE Chong Wei, despite lack of preparation, could still retain the Japan Open title as he is not expected to face a threat from third-seeded Du Pengyu of China in the semi-finals of the super series event on Sept 17-22.
Pengyu is in the bottom half of the draw and is likely to take on compatriot Chen Long, the World No 2, in the last four and the latter should book a place in the final.
Chong Wei is in a relatively easier top half of the draw where he could either meet fourth-seeded Thai Boonsak Ponsana or Nguen Tien Minh of Vietnam in the last four.
Chong Wei opens his campaign against Hsu Jen Hao of Taiwan which will be followed by a possible second round meeting with Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia. The Malaysian could then meet Hu Yun of Hong Kong in the quarter-finals. The BA of Malaysia (BAM) also took a tough stand by omitting Liew Daren and Chong Wei Feng from the men's singles, while Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and two other men's doubles Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah and Tan Wee Kiong-Hoon Thien How were withdrawn following their poor results in the World Championships in Guangzhou last month.
Chong Wei opens his campaign against Hsu Jen Hao of Taiwan which will be followed by a possible second round meeting with Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia. The Malaysian could then meet Hu Yun of Hong Kong in the quarter-finals. The BA of Malaysia (BAM) also took a tough stand by omitting Liew Daren and Chong Wei Feng from the men's singles, while Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and two other men's doubles Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah and Tan Wee Kiong-Hoon Thien How were withdrawn following their poor results in the World Championships in Guangzhou last month.
Chong Wei and mixed doubles Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying got the nod as they are defending their titles in Tokyo.
Peng Soon-Liu Ying also have an easy draw and a semi-final spot is in their reach if they take their chances well.
The fourth-seeded Peng Soon-Liu Ying play Pakkawat Vilailak-Kunchala Voravichitchaikul of Thailand in the first round and could meet China's Liu Cheng-Bao Yixin before a likely quarter-final clash against Indonesia's Markis Kido-Pia Zabedah.
Independent pair Ng Hui Lin-Ng Hui Ern are the only other Malaysian interest in the competition and will play Kim Cho Hee-Park So Young of South Korea in the first round.
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