BEING partially blind did not stop him from taking a surprise men's singles silver in the 2004 Athens Olympics but South Korean Shon Seung Mo has given up hope of a repeat performance in Beijing in August.

In fact, the semi-retired shuttler, 27, doesn't even harbour any hopes of qualifying for Beijing.

"I'm not fit enough to take the challenge. Although my physical condition is improving, I think it will be too tough for me to make the cut," said Seung Mo, the World No 90, at Putra Stadium yesterday.

He had initially decided to quit the sport after the Korea Open in January, last year, but was coaxed back for the Surdirman Cup, a few months later, where he helped South Korea reach the semi-finals.

After the Sudirman Cup, he went on to capture the Korea International Challenge in December.

Based on the latest men's world ranking, Seung Mo at 90th, is the fourth highest ranked player in South Korea after Park Shun Hwan (13th), Lee Hyun Il (28th) and Lee Cheo Ho (73rd).

Seung Mo lost partial sight in his right eye when he was 15-years old.

"I was 15 then and training with other youngsters. But a shuttle hit my eye and I had to go for surgery. My right eye has not completely recovered."

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