Jakarta (Antara) - Malaysian badminton star Lee Chong Wei has praised Indonesian Taufik Hidayat as one of the players that has motivated him to be better. He made the statement here on Wednesday in connection with Taufik's plan to retire after playing in the current Djarum Indonesia Open. "I have become more diligent because of him," he said after playing a match at the Indonesia Open. Taufik Hidayat, the 2004 Olympic gold medalist, has been the tough rival of Chong Wei as well as Chinese Lin Dan, the gold medalists in the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 and the London Olympic Games in 2012. Chong Wei said that the rivalry only happened in the court as outside the court Taufik is my close friend. "He is my icon. We indeed fight in the court but outside he is my close friend," the 30-year old shuttler said. "All people in the world know Taufik. He is one of the best players in the world," he added. In the tournament offering US$700,000 in total prizes Chong Wei may meet Taufik if the Indonesian is able to overcome the challenge from Indian player Sai Praneeth B in the match this evening. "This will be Taufik's last participation and I hope it will end it well. But I will also fight him. I will play the best I can," Chong Wei said. He said he was ready to anticipate Taufik's supporters would certainly motivate Taufik to win. Chong Wei meanwhile has also said that he might retire after the Olympic Games in Brazil in 2016. (*)

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