Badminton Predictions - Denmark Open

Day 5 - The Semifinals of the Danish Open Badminton Championships

Zhang Ning vs. Wang Chen
Wang Chen has been in punishing form throughout this tournament, finishing all her matches in 2 sets and under 40 minutes. In stark contrast, all Zhang's matches have been three setters, even when faced with weaker opponents. Although if both players were in top form, Zhang would certainly win this match, as her status as badminton queen is undeniable, but Zhang's injury, together with Wang's performance, encourages me to predict that Wang will win this match by 2 relatively tight sets. Zhang should think of retiring from badminton already, as I suspect her age is giving her all sorts of injuries.

Bao Chunlai vs. Lee Chong Wei
Both players have been in superb form in this tournament, and I expect a stunning display of badminton. Bao beat Taufik and Chen Jin, the two finalist in the last two rounds, while Lee beat Sony Dwi Kuncoro easily in two sets yesterday. Bao will be out to avenge his defeat by Lee in the finals of the Indonesian Open Badminton Championships, but Lee is not one to forget his crushing exit in the hands of Bao in the 2006 edition of the Badminton World Championships. Overall, I think Lee will take this game in 3 sets.

Zhang/Yang vs. Kellog/Emms
With the scintillating form shown by Zhang and Yang in recent matches, I still stick by my earliest prediction that Zhang and Yang will cruise into the finals and win the Danish Open Badminton title. This match will be no different, and I predict Zhang/Yang will win in 2 sets. Zhang and Yang set to be the world number 1 in Womens Doubles discipline of badminton.

Kido/Hendra vs. Koo/Tan
This is part 4 of the interesting, albeit one sided rivalry between these two top pairs. Reigning world champions vs. reigning world number 1. Who will prevail? To win, Kido and Hendra have to forget their past painful losses in the hands of these Malaysian badminton aces. I believe Kido and Hendra will put up a stiff resistance, but eventually Koo and Tan will prevail in 2 sets.

Jens/Martin vs. Fu/Cai
Both are extremely experienced in the game of Men's Doubles Badminton. Both are ex world number 1s. But ultimately, I think Fu and Cai will win. Their consistency and punishing pace will certainly outpace and outplay their veteran opponents. Jens and Martin are ancient in terms of badminton age, and will unfortunately lose even with the boisterous home ground support of the Danes in 2 sets.

Saralee/Sudket vs. Emms/Robertson
I think Saralee and Sudket have improved significantly, and they are, in my eyes, one of the top 5 mixed doubles badminton pairs. However, Emms and Robertson are ex badminton world champions and ex world number 1s themselves, and will not succumb so easily to this upcoming Thai badminton pair. However, after watching Saralee and Sudket demolish their opponents, I am inclined to think that they have the mental and physical capacity to win this set. Thai badminton pair to win in 3 sets.

As, always, good luck to all badminton players, and may the best badminton player win!

VIVA BADMINTON BADMINTON BADMINTON!!!