WORLDS 2010 – Hopp: “I will quit after the worlds”

Malaysia’s seeded pair of ‘uncles’, Choong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah, played their last match in a major tournament, after an unexpected loss against Germany’s Kristof Hopp and Johannes Schöttler in the very first round: an early exit reminiscent of their last Worlds together.

By Tarek Hafi. Photo: Badmintonphoto

Choong Tan Fook had already expressed his intention to retire after the Vietnam Open this year and to expatriate to Hong Kong where he is joining his wife, former Olympic champion, Zhang Jiewen.   Orphaned of a partner will be Lee Wan Wah, who is currently still looking for his future mate, after fifteen incredible years filled with ups and downs from the Malaysian pair.

Kristof Hopp, for his part, also announced that he would be retiring after the World Championships, where he is hoping to get his best result ever.

“I know they were the favourites, but we kept fighting and finally it paid off.  Now that we have defeated a seeded pair, hopefully the next round will be easier,” said Hopp, adding, about his retirement: “I am now 32.  This will be my last World Championships.  This is maybe my sixth or seventh World Championships.  I guess it’s time to leave.”

To get the latest results, CLICK HERE

For on-the-scene video reporting from the World Championships, take a look at the Badzine TV magazine, HERE