Chan Peng Soon is relishing the chance of playing alongside Lee Chong Wei after confirming his participation at the Grand Match on Saturday despite suffering from a facial paralysis two weeks ago.
It was at the BWF World Tour Finals in Guangzhou, China where the mixed doubles ace felt stiffness to the left side of his face and left him not being able to shut his left eye.
He was feared to have been diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, a condition which causes the muscles on one side of the face to become weak or paralyzed.
But Chan said his condition has improved, paving the opportunity to play alongside his former national team-mate.
"Like all the fans, I'm just as excited about seeing my old friend Chong Wei back in action again. I can't wait to play alongside him. It's been awhile.
"I would say I'm 50% recovered. I have no problem resuming my training and I'm all pumped up for the Grand Match," Chan told The Star.
The exhibition match, taking place at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands, will also feature world number six Jonatan Christie of Indonesia, Chan's partner Goh Liu Ying and former national shuttlers Iskandar Zulkarnain and Woon Khe Wei.
Lee would be returning to court for the first time since being diagnosed with early stage nose cancer last year.
Despite making a successful recovery, the former world number one was advised to hang up his racquet and announced his retirement in June.
As for Chan, the exhibition match will serve as a warm-up for him and Goh for the 2020 season.
They will kick-start their year in front of their home fans at the Malaysia Masters in January.
Nicolas Anil
Fri Dec 27 2019
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