World number one shuttler Lee Chong Wei is always on the look-out for quality sparring.

The best place to find it is in China. And now he hopes the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will fulfil his wish by allowing him to compete in the China Badminton League (CBL).

The CBL kicked off last year and will resume after the Thomas Cup Finals in May.

Chong Wei said the league would be an ideal platform for him to get quality matches.

“I was invited to compete in the CBL last month but I did not go because the BAM did not give me the green light. I respect their decision,” said Chong Wei.

“There is another opportunity and I hope this time, the BAM will let me go. I will discuss with them because I think it will benefit me.”

Chong Wei said that he had no complaints on the current sparring session at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara.

He gets to train with most of the back-up shuttlers although his standard is way above the second stringers.

Most of the times national coach Misbun Sidek would put him through training sessions against two or three players.

“The CBL will just be an additional avenue for me to improve my game. It is never easy to play against a player from China and it could be a good practice for me,” said Chong Wei.

“The BAM are worried that it would be too hectic for me – especially as we have so many major tournaments this year. But it will not be time consuming as the league only runs once a month,” said Chong Wei.

“I will try my luck with the BAM again. Hopefully, this time, the answer will be favourable for me,” he added.

Eight teams participate in the CBL on a home and away format and it is learnt that foreign players are attracted by the lucrative deals on offer.