Chan Chong Ming

On the 16^th of February 1980, a Selangor-born baby was brought down to earth, destined to become one of the world’s greatest badminton players.

At only 12, he had already won a national award, 1992 MILO-OCM-MSSM JUNIOR OLYMPION AWARD. Then, he made a big impact on badminton at his junior career by winning the 1996 JVC Asian Junior Championship with Teo Kok Seng in the men’s doubles. He went on to capture the World Junior Championship (WJC) title, this time merging with Jeremy Gan. Two years later at the WJC, he was a double gold medalist. He dominated the men’s doubles with Teo Kok Seng and the mixed doubles with Joanne Quay. However, Chong Ming is the only remaining in the national squad because his previous partners had already given up in playing.

At the year 2000, the well-tanned lad was paired up with Penangite Chew Choon Eng by former Korean coach, Park Joo Bong. This partnership has indeed brought them a lot of success. Finally, the duo won their first major title, 2002 Japan Open. Furthermore, they were the bronze medalists for the 2002 World Championship and the Busan Asian Games. They also finished runners-up at the Danish Open and China Open. Despite being one of the shortest in the team, Chong Ming was a superb back-court player with his powerful jumping smashes, whereas Choon Eng was skillful at the front. However, both of them often make unforced errors which are their disadvantages at times.

Chong Ming suffered from shoulder injury at the end of the year 2003 and his form has dropped drastically since then. His smashing power were not as efficient as before and often lost in the early rounds at the year 2004. They even struggled and fought for every point to improve their world ranking in order to qualify for the Athen Olympic Games. Finally, they succeeded. When interviewed by The Star, Chong Ming repeated for umpteen times that he himself could not believe that he and Choon Eng's hardwork has finally paid off. Unfortunately, this pair did not make it far there, by losing to China's Sang Yang - Zheng Bo in one of the early rounds. I witnessed the match, so you can read on what I wrote in the "Highlight" section.

After the Olympics, coach Yap Kim Hock felt that Choon Eng - Chong Ming's partnership will not bring them any more success, so he decided to split their partnership. Chong Ming was paired up with the up and coming "Da Man of Malaysia's Doubles" - KOO Kien Keat. Their first parnership was tested at local tournaments, Malacca Open and Selangor Open which they successfully won it. Then, as for their international achievements, they reached the Quarterfinals of the China Open and the Semifinal stage at the Singapore Open, both losing to the same Danish pair of Martin Lundgaard Hansen - Jens Eriksen.

Being a superstitious man, he has already changed his name (Chinese Character) twice already. This was done so because he believes that the two previous names could not bring him luck in his career. I definitely hope that he is right because teaming up with Koo Kien Keat who has so much hunger of triumph at international stage, they are going to carry the burden of living up Malaysia's dream of glory in badminton. (Note: this is written as of the date of 03 December 2004)

His sporting motto of "Never say no" perhaps should be one of the factor he is still able to make an impact on his career. He started playing badminton at nine as his hobby and gradually became good at it, I guess and his father is his most influential person in badminton. He does have his badminton hero too. This lucky person is none other than the Indonesian doubles ace, Ricky Subagja.

Lastly, he has been a scholarship holder with the Olympic Solidarity program since November 2002 and may he fulfill his dream as an Olympic champion, perhaps at the 2008 Olympic Games at Beijing, China.

Below is an interview on Chong Ming’s view on cars and roads. It is taken from a petrol station, Caltex’s website which I visited:

Believe it or not, badminton is considered the fastest of racquet sports, and in this fast paced world the men's doubles player is undoubtedly the Ferrari of the field. Malaysia's Chan Choong Ming is one such player and his undoubted talent will ensure our standing in world badminton. Calm, cool and relaxed, he is the epitome of a sportsman on his way to the top.

Ever since he burst onto the scene from the fertile fields of Malaysia's National Badminton Academy, his partnership with Jeremy Gan has always held the promise of bigger things. Although, now without Jeremy, Choong Ming's ability to form a formidable partnership with almost anyone has marked him as an invaluable member of Malaysia's national squad.

We caught up with this "man on the move" at a Caltex station in Bandar Utama and he has a few tales to tell of his life on the courts and off it.

Q: What car do you drive? And what car would you like to be driving?

A: A KIA Sephia, deep blue in color. It's my first car and I bought it about 1 year ago. It's my baby and I love it (he calls it Ultraman, by the way).

Q: What’s your dream car?

A: One day I hope to be driving a Ferrari (that's the speed merchant talking!). However, like everything else, I hope to make the evolution gradual. Cut my teeth on Ultraman, move up to a Perdana V6 then, oh…maybe a Beemer, and then my Ferrari.

Q: Who would you like to be seen driving with?

A: My family, of course, but if I can chose someone to do the driving for me, it

would definitely have to be Michael Schumacher. Maybe, he'll take me on a test

drive around a Formula One circuit, and apart from the severe whiplash his

driving will give me I think I will survive.

Q: What is the worst thing you have done on the road?

A: Had an accident once in Desa Pandan. It was just a fender-bender…that's not the worst thing of course. The worst thing about it was that it wasn't my car, it was a friend's! I didn't have my car yet then. My friend was furious. After that incident, I decided to get my own car. At least, I'm a lot more confident on the road now.

Q: What is your biggest fear while on the road?

A: Accidents, I guess. That last incident left quite an impression on me. Oh, and road bullies.
(I think Chong Ming will not have any problems handling a road bully).

Q: I understand you are a Caltex user. Why Caltex?

A: I've been using Caltex Vortex since the day I drove this car out of the dealer's. Although I've used other fuels when in an emergency, I've always returned to Vortex because of the power that it gives me, and mechanics assure me that it's good for my engine.

Q: Are you mechanically inclined? Can you perform minor repairs and service for your car?

A: No, though I've changed the tires. That doesn't count, does it? The way I see it, there's always the AAM.

Q: Do you think men should occasionally stop to ask directions?

A: No. Not because of any chauvinistic reason, but I've found if I'm lost and just

keep driving around eventually I'll reach my destination and I'll become very

familiar with the area. That said, it is also dependent on the urgency of the

appointment and the availability of a Caltex fuel station.

Q: Do you carry anything in your car that can be considered a lucky charm?

A: An Ultraman, and my AAM registration card…Never leave home without them.

Q: Would you consider petrol stations to be convenience stores as well?

A: Yes. I usually drive long distances for tournaments and a Star Mart in a Caltex

station is a real boon.

Q: Do you think there is any truth in the male contention that women make bad drivers?

A: No. On the contrary, I find women drivers more careful on the road. Most male drivers, me included,are

just very impatient.

Q: Do you think of driving as a fun activity?

A: Yes. I love to drive now that I have my own car. Being mobile gives me a real sense of independence,

but I'm not changing my mind about taking a spin with Schumacher.

Q: If you were about to embark on a long journey, what would you consider a "one stop worth making"?

A: Fill up at a Caltex station, stock up on titbits for snacks whilst on the journey at the Star Mart and get a

friendly attendant to give my car a checkup. Great that I can do all that at one stop.