Hi, Mr. Park.
You are learning fast. Work harder.
Lee Yong-dae, 18, of Hwasun Technical High School, is called the second Park Ju-bong for his promising career as a badminton player. There are several similarities between him and Park Ju-bong, 42, who used to be a top shuttlecock player and is currently coaching Japans national badminton team. First of all, they were born under the same zodiac sign, dragon, with 24 year age difference.
Lee has played badminton for ten years since he first grabbed a racket when he was a 2nd grader in 1996. Park became a player in his 4th grade year. They both received early educations.
Lee won the national championship five times when he was a 5th grader and joined the national team in his 9th grade year. Park was a 10th grader when he was selected to play for the national team.
Lee won the German Open this January to become the second high school student champion after Park, and became a champion in the Thai Open for the second time last month.
Park has special affection for Lee who is tracing the same career path like his shadow. With his Japanese team playing in the Korean Open, which started on August 21 at Jangchung Stadium in Seoul, he did not hesitate to lavish his advice on Lee.
Park spoke highly of him, saying, Yong-dae is smart, and his play is now on the highest level. Compared to last year, he has more power and will get stronger. I have high expectations.
He also added his advice, Do not hurry up for the final smash. Nice play is OK, but it is important to make points without a mistake.
His advice is that too aggressive play can increase physical pressure and put one in danger when his shot is blocked.
Park won the world championship seven times and a gold medal in the Olympics.
Lee, whose name means big dragon, dreams of surpassing the towering career of Park. He appreciates Parks advice.