Kunlavut & Antonsen: Chong Wei has the most powerful smash, best defence

Lee Chong Wei may have professionally hung up his racquet more than five years ago, but the Malaysian legend is still ranked as possessing the most powerful smash and best defence by Kunlavut Vitidsarn and Anders Antonsen.

In a light-hearted interview with China’s sports network CGTN, Vitidsarn and Kunlavut were asked a series of questions about the most formidable opponents they have faced in their respective careers.

Unsurprisingly, Lee’s name was mentioned for two different skill sets.

When asked about his best defensive player choice, Antonsen went with the three-time Olympic silver medalist.

For the record, Lee and Antonsen have only faced each other once at the 2018 Indonesia Open which was the Malaysian’s final tournament before retirement.

Lee went on to receive the most powerful smash 'award' from Kunlavut, a weapon every one of his opponents feared during his playing days.

Kunlavut and Lee had never played each other before, but the Paris Olympics silver medalist holds the 42-year-old in high regard and even hails Lee as his “biggest idol”.

It is no surprise why Kunlavut rated him so highly - Lee smashed 417km/h at the 2017 Japan Open final to record the fastest smash in the men's singles at that time.

Another Lee – Zii Jia, also got a mention from Antonsen and Kunlavut.

When asked about the player with the most powerful smash, the Dane answered “Either Lee Zii Jia or Viktor Axelsen”, while the Thai ace referred to him as the shuttler who has the best backhand.