Tournament Prediction - French Open

Predictions for the finals of the inaugural French Super Series:

Lee Chong Wei vs. Bao Chunlai
Viewers were deprived of a Lee Chong Wei vs. Lin Dan match up when Bao edged Lin Dan in three thrilling sets yesterday, defying his horrendous record against the Chinese southpaw. Lee easily swept past an exhausted Chen Jin, and would be out to avenge his shock defeat in the hands of the Chinese last week in the semifinals of the Danish Open in Odsense. Bao aka. Mr Runner Up unfortunately, or fortunately for Malaysians, will achieve another runner up position, making it his FOURTH runner up in a Super Series event (Malaysian Open, Indonesian Open, Denmark Open). I predict Lee in 2 relatively tight sets.

Choong/Lee vs. Cai/Fu
Another exciting encounter, with the Chinese wanting to make up for their consecutive loses in Macau and Kuala Lumpur. Choong and Lee swept past the Japanese killers who took out reigning world number 1 Koo and Tan. Encounters between these two pairs have always been of the highest standard, and I believe this will be no different. As to who would actually win this match, it all depends whether Choong and Lee can maintain their attack and focus. Cai and Fu's strategy will be to tire out and seep the stamina of Choong and Lee. However, the veterans know better than to allow that. Choong and Lee in 3 sets.

Pi Hongyan vs. Xie Xingfang
With the French crowd behind Pi, the three time French Open RUNNER UP will be out to gain victory for the first time. Reining world number 1 Xie will be out to consolidate her position, but will find it difficult to battle Pi and the boisterous French crowd who's enthusiasm in the form of Mexican Waves and standing ovations can easily match the Danish and the Asians. Pi in three sets.

Xie/Zhang vs. Marrisa/Limpele
Both are world championship bronze medalists, and both will be out to gain supremacy after the exit of top seed Gao/Zheng and second seeds Natsir/Widianto. Tough match to call, but I believe Xie Zhongbo's power will prevail eventually. Three very tight sets in favor of the Chinese.