Chonge Wei - Tuan Allah misti tolong!

LEE Chong Wei - with or without the Olympic Gold medal, he's a winner for me! Bringing back the gold medal would see the 26-year old sportsman being elevated to that of a true superstar. A deserving one at that.

I saw Chong Wei's match against South Korea's Lee Hyun il at the Pagoh rest area along the North-South Highway on the way to Johor Baru. He played with determination, skill and style.

The game was a rallying point for everyone at the rest area. Travellers crowded around every available television set and cheered each time Chong Wei scored a point. It was a thrilling match, and the cheering crowd gave me a warm and glowing feeling all over.

I was watching inside Gerai 8 (Pagoh Kopitiam) operated by one Tai Hing Sing. We became friends for a while, glued to the TV set. "Tuan Allah misti tolong punya. Kita misti menang," Tai said grinning excitedly.

You must have heard such utterance before. I glanced at Tai and agreed with him. A couple of minutes later Chong Wei was rushing out of the court to hug his coach Misbun Sidek. Victory was his and the elusive Olympic gold was within his grasp.

The Badminton Association of Malaysia must be pleased, to say the least. And the good thing is that there won't be a politician claiming credit for the young man's sweet win. Good Luck my champion!