Badminton Predictions - China Open

after the controversy and explosion in the Quarterfinals, the Semifinals are expected to be a more subdued encounter.

Bao Chunlai vs. Park Sung Hwan
Bao is fresh from yesterday's expected walkover from compatriot Chen Hong. While I will not delve in discussing that action, that walkover will ensure that many badminton fans around the world will be heavily supporting Park. Although in normal circumstances, I would support Bao, in this case, I am afraid that I too, hope that Park will win. In terms of technicalities, Bao is superior both stamina-wise and skill-wise. We just have to hope that Bao will display on of his mentally weak performances and Park would draw his confidence from killing several giants en route to his position today. However, it will be hard with all the

Lee Chong Wei vs. Chen Jin
A rematch of the semifinals of the French Open, but this time, with Chen Jin injury free yesterday. After the explosive words exchanged between him and Peter Gade yesterday, Chen will be eager to make it to the finals of China Open to redeem for the lost of Lin Dan. The hot favorite of this game is obviously Lee, who has been in scintillating form the past week. Ultimately, I think Lee will win this game in 2 sets.

Zhang Ning vs. Wong Mew Choo
Coming from a confidence high, Wong will be eager to break another record, this time, Zhang's unbeaten record against Wong. Zhang will be anything but an easy opponent, and Wong will find this extremely hard to do. Zhang, although relatively quite old, still has enough in her to fend of the attack of Wong. Zhang in 2 tight sets.


Saralee Thungthongkam/Sudket Prapakamol vs. Zhang Yawen/Xie Zhongbo
Again, badminton fans worldwide will be cheering for the Thai pair, as the Chinese pair got a walkover yesterday. Fresh from beating world number 1 Gao Ling and Zheng Bo, Saralee and Sudket will be on a confidence high. Although Zhang and Xie are extremely credible opponents, after their stunning performance yesterday, I have to give this match to the Thai pair.

Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah vs. Guo Zhengdong/Xie Zhongbo
Choong and Lee have shown incredible resilience in progressing so far. They look set to take over as the world number 4, after the controversial lost of Koreans Jung and Lee against this very Chinese pair. Guo and Xie's attacking style mirror Cai and Fu, except less powerful and effective. Choong and Lee are suited to playing these kind of defensive games, and they should prevail. Hopefully, Li Yongbo will not pull strings in the background, like he has the past few days. Barring any unfair line calls and adjudicating, Choong and Lee should take this match in 3 sets.

Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan vs, Fang Chieh Min/Lee Sheng Mu
The World Champions should have no problem in disposing of this Taiwanese pair. Markis and Hendra in 2 easy sets.