Cancer-hit Lee eyes badminton return, Olympic qualifying

Malaysia's former world number one Lee Chong Wei could return to the badminton training court within a fortnight after fighting back from nose cancer, an official told AFP on Thursday.

The three-time Olympic silver medallist, who has spent nearly five months on the sidelines, is already doing light fitness work after receiving a clean bill of health from doctors, Malaysia's badminton chief said.

"He sounded cheerful," said Norza Zakaria, president of the Badminton Association of Malaysia, after speaking to Lee on the phone.

"Yes I think so," he added, when asked to confirm reports that Lee would resume playing in training in two weeks.

Norza also told the Star Online: "I'm sure he will be ready by the time the Olympic qualifying period commences on May 1."

Lee, now down at 15th in the Badminton World Federation rankings, last played competitively at the Indonesian Open in July.

After losing to world champion Kento Momota of Japan in the semi-finals, he flew to Taiwan for specialist ...