Shi Feng aims to smash aside the shadows of Super Dan [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: Li Shi Feng was heralded as China's successor to the legendary Lin Dan following his meteoric rise in 2023 where he won the Asian Games gold and All England crown.
But since then his play hasn't been as super as Super Dan; he only managed to win the Kumamoto Masters in Japan last November.
Now, the world No. 4 is more focused on making himself a complete player than the Lin Dan comparison.
This more pragmatic approach has led to better results this year as Shi Feng reached the semi-finals in four out of seven World Tour events this year, including the ongoing Malaysia Masters.
Shi Feng defeated Hong Kong's world No. 21 Angus Ng 21-13, 21-15 in the quarter-finals at the Axiata Arena today.
Shi Feng said he doesn't want to dwell on his past glories, but continue to become a better player.
"It's normal for athletes to have good or bad results and I had it good in 2023. I won the Asian Games and the National Games. Compared to 2023, my performance in 2024 was not as good, but it's a process.
"In fact, 2024 was a year of growth and I think it is more about evolving myself. I want to focus on becoming a strong player and I don't look back to the past."
Shi Feng's win over Angus was significant as the Hong Konger had come into the match with a 4-0 head-to-head record. "He is an experienced player and although I had lost in all four previous matches, I was well prepared today," added Shi Feng.
Asked if he is ready to win his first title of the year this weekend, Shi Feng said he would give it a try.
"I haven't thought about that (winning the title) but I have to focus on my next match and will do my best," said Shi Feng who will play Japan's world No. 8 Kodai Naraoka — who ousted China's world No. 14 Weng Hong Yang 21-12, 21-19 — in the last four.
Shi Feng has a favourable 5-3 record against Kodai, and had also beaten the Japanese in their last four meetings.
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