Badminton Tournament - Macau Open

all hear the roar of the Harimau... Malaysia claims top spot in Men's Doubles ahead of the finals!

With the surprising but not unexpected annihilation of top seed Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng, Choong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah join teammates Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong in the finals of the Macau Open. This is obviously a very encouraging result for Malaysian badminton, as it is not often we see the Men's Doubles disciplines being dominated to such an extent by one country. Indeed, the only other Men's Doubles tournament this year that had it's finals being contested by competitors of the same country was the Korean Open, and the standard of this GP GOLD event far outweighs the prestige of other more highly regarded tournaments; as all top players, (with the notable exception of Tony Gunawan and Candra Wijaya) competed, and had all the reason to do well; this tournament not only provides valuable ranking points for the Olympics, but it also might very well determine who is the new world number 1.

An added bonus to such encouraging results is the fact that Rexy Mainaky, the highly regarded and respected coach of the Malaysian Men's Doubles, was not present to give valuable tips and advice. This only proves one thing - that Malaysian badminton is becoming more independent. Even with the absence of Rexy Mainaky, the finals of a top grade tournament is still dominated by Malaysia - testimonial to the strength of Malaysian badminton. With the presence of coach Rexy, one does fantasize what higher heights Malaysian Doubles can achieve.

It would be unfair to not mention the success of other pairs in this still ongoing tournament. Special credit to Gan Teik Chai and Lin Woon Fui, who came agonizingly close to defeat the reigning world number 1 and world champions, and the Malaysian juniors Khoo and Latif, who got beaten in the Quarter Finals by big brothers Choong and Lee. All these reflects the immense depth Malaysian badminton has, and clearly shows that Malaysia has a bright future in badminton.

In addition to this, it has to be mentioned that without the help of Rexy, these doubles shuttlers have managed to dig their way out of many troubled waters; Choong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah managed to save a match point and go into deuce, eventually winning the first set against Fu and Cai. This will silence many critics who theorize and accuse Malaysian shuttlers of having low mental strength.

Finally, this post would not be complete without the mention of Wong Choong Hann, who fought gallantly through his injury only to succumb to the fresh Chen Jin. He fought through his injury, refusing to give up even when the odds were stacked against him. This, together with the successes of the Malaysian Doubles, will be the Roar of the Harimau in next year's Thomas Cup and Olympic Games.

It now remains to be seen if Malaysian badminton has consistency: can Malaysia retain this scintillating form into the next few tournaments, and show the world that Malaysian, is indeed a powerhouse in badminton?

As always,
Malaysia Boleh!