Happy 2008!!!

The Badminton Blog wishes to wish its readers a Happy New Year. 2008 holds many exciting events for badminton fanatics like myself, and I hope to be able to witness a new Olympic and Thomas Cup Champion together with you!

Do continue reading The Badminton Blog for the latest updates!

The Badminton Blog

Lin Dan Out!

The release of the seedings 2 days ago confirmed the lingering rumor that Lin Dan has pulled out of the Malaysian Open. With the withdrawal of the world number one, Lee Chong Wei will appear to be the favorite to claim his 4th Malaysian Open title. The question now is will Lee crack under pressure?

Oh dear, the Malaysian Open title does elude Lin Dan!

Malaysian Open 2006 - Video of Full Match!

Since The Badminton Blog's readers voted Malaysian Open 2006 MS Finals Lee Chong Wei vs. Lin Dan as the best match of the 21st century, here's the video of the full match, courtesy of cutelyenigmatik from youtube. Enjoy!

Part 1


Part 2


Part 3


Part 4


Part 5


Part 6


Part 7

Why China never does well in South East Asia?

Why is South East Asia China's blind spot?
An examination and analysis in consultation with several retired national players.

No doubt China has been always been a strong badminton force ever since the turn of the century. However, if there is one place where China claims the least titles, it is the South East Asian region. Indonesia has long held the honor of denying China many titles, being an Indonesian stronghold, while Malaysia holds many bad memories for Chinese players. Singapore on the other hand, yields better performances from the Chinese team, but in comparison to other tournaments, is still significantly lower. Why is it that China cannot perform in South East Asia?

When this question was posed to an retired National player, he jokingly remarked that it was the food. Oh, he adds, and the water too. Although all this was said in jest, this might hold a bit of sense. Perhaps its the food and the water that Chinese players are not used to. One Chinese player even brought bottled water and Chinese local food to Malaysia when participating in Malaysian tournaments. However, after asking several other retired players, some of them that used to play for China, this theory was dismissed by all of them. Oh well... It was a nice try.

"Perhaps it is the crowd support?" - suggested someone. Yes. That must be it. Indonesian crowds, with their chants of "Ganyang Malaysia" and other furious chants, have always instilled fears in the heart of players and foreign supporters alike. On the other hand, the Malaysian supporters, not to be outdone, are equally boisterous and rowdy. In fact, the noisiest badminton encounters are usually the Thomas Cup finals encounters between Indonesia and Malaysia. The banging of the kompangs and the drums could very well be the reason why Chinese players get intimidated. It is often said that foreign players are not only against the other player facing them at the other side of the court, but are also against the crowd that would boo, cheer and chant their hearts out.. Perhaps?

Another theory is because Malaysian and Indonesian players perform better in their home ground. This must surely be true for Malaysia - this is where the phrase Jaguh Kampung comes from. Indonesian players are equally guilty of this: they seem to be able to sweep all 5 titles in their home ground, while not being able to do so outside Indonesia. Surely, this must be a contributing factor.

I believe it is a combination of these factors that result in South East Asia being the blind spot for China. What do you think?

Malaysian Open 2008 Early Analysis

MALAYSIAN OPEN 2008 - PERFECT START TO AN EXCITING YEAR!


The first leg of the Super Series tournament would see all top players attempting to establish dominance for one of the more eventful years ahead. With the Thomas Cup and the Olympics just peeking around the corner, a good start in Kuala Lumpur is just what all players desire and need. Furthermore, being one of the last Super Series tournaments offering generous ranking points before the all important Olympics, a good showing here could be the perfect confidence boost to propel one to Olympic representation and a shot at glory.

Men's Singles
Defending champion Peter Gade Christiansen will be hard pressed to defend his title which he won taking advantage of the early exit of the 2 top seeds Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei last year. Meanwhile, Lin Dan will be thirsting to claim his first Malaysian Open title, one of the only titles that have eluded him. Eager to shake off his painful defeat by Lee Chong Wei in Kuching 2 years ago, where he held 8 match points in the deciding set only to lose by the thinnest of margins, Lin will also be out to prove to Malaysians that he is THE best. Meanwhile, Lee Chong Wei who won here in 2004, 2005 and 2006, will want to please all his loyal Malaysian fans that have stuck with him through his slump. On the other hand, Bao Chunlai will also be a commendable force, after winning the China Open title, albeit under dubious circumstances. Overall, the Men's Singles disciplince is one of the more interesting contests of the tournament. Lee Chong Wei to defeat Lin Dan in a thrilling 3 set finals.

Women's Singles
The rise of several non Chinese players have certainly made the Women's Singles contest more interesting. Apart from the obvious top 2 seeds Zhang Ning and Xie Xingfang, complemented by the commendable Zhu Lin, reigning world champion, and Denmark Open Champion Lu Lan, Malaysians are certainly looking forward to homegirl Wong Mew Choo, who scalped 5 consecutive Chinese or ex-Chinese players enroute to her triumph in Guangzhou a few months ago. Wong reached the finals but lost to Zhu Lin in Cheras last year. Can she prove to Malaysians that she is a true champion, and actually take it one step further to claim the Malaysian Open title, and be, if my memory does not fail me, the first Malaysian woman to win the Malaysian Open title. Ex Chinese players Pi Hongyan and Xu Huaiwen have proven that they are a spent force with their unimpressive showing in 2007. Perhaps it is time for them to retire. On the other hand, Japan Open champion Tine Rasmussen, after her triumph in Tokyo, failed to produce any more impressive results in any of the Super Series tournaments. One thing is for sure, the rise of non Chinese playerrs have spiced up the competition in Women's Singles. The Women's Singles position in China has never been more threatened since the rise of Indonesian greats Susi Susanti and Mia Audina.

Men's Doubles
Defending champions Koo Kien Keat will be the top seeds here, and will be eager to please their fans. It has certainly been a tiring year for Koo and Tan, and with the much needed rest, Koo and Tan look like the overwhelming favorites to claim this title. Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan, continuing their near flawless record in the upper Asian region, after winning the last 2 Super Series titles on offer (Hong Kong Open and China Open), will want to in their first Malaysian Open title. On the other hand, Cai and Fu have had bad memories of Malaysia last year, with their early exits in the Malaysian Open and World Championships, both held in Kuala Lumpur, and both in the hands of Malaysians. American-Indonesians pairing of Tony Gunawan and Candra Wijaya will also be a commendable force, together with fellow veterans Choong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah. This is the most open field, and it looks like any player could claim the title here.

Women's Doubles
Chin Eei Hui and Wong Pei Tty will obviously be the Malaysian hopes in this category, who hopefully have recovered from the injuries that have plagued this partnership for so long. On the other hand, Li Yongbo's girls, Zhang Jiewen/Yang Wei and Wei Yili/Zhang Yawen, the world number 2 and number 1 respectively, will be the hot favorites to claim this title Together with Gao Ling/Zhao Ting Ting and many other Chinese pairs, this title seems to be China's. The Koreans have also a commendable force, and might upset the Chinese party. Apart from that, its China China China all the way.

Mixed Doubles
Gao Ling and Zheng Bo will be the favorites to win this title. However, with the recent triumph of Lilyana Natsir and Nova Widianto in Hong Kong, the Mixed Doubles title is open as ever. Dark horses are Vita Marrisa/Fland Limpele and Xie Zhongbo/Zhang Yawen. However, I think they wouldn't be able to make a huge impact. Finals will be contested by Gao Ling and Zheng Bo and Lilyana Natsir and Nova Widianto. As to who will come out on top, it is hard to tell.

Stay tuned for continued updates winding up to the much anticipated Malaysian Open!

2008!

The Badminton Blog will becovering all major international tournaments in the form of commentaries and providing latest results in 2008.

First on our calendar is the 2008 Malaysian Open, due to be held from 15-20 January 2008 in the Putra Stadium near Bukit Jalil. Exclusive on the spot commentary, statistics, analysis and results will be provided.

We will then move to the Korean Open, due to be held one week after the Malaysian Open, from 22-27 January 2008. The same intense coverage will be given.

With no date announced yet for the prestigious All England Championships, the next tournament would be the Swiss Open, to be held from 12-16 Match 2008.

Of course, the highlight of the year will be the Thomas Cup and Olympics, the two milestones for every badminton player.

Stay tuned to the new The Badminton Blog for an exciting year ahead!

China vs. Rest of the World (Thomas Cup Style)

Previously, I have published an article comparing China vs. Rest of the World Sudirman Cup style. Now, I will examine China vs. Rest of the World Thomas Cup style.

Men's Singles 1
Lin Dan vs. Lee Chong Wei
It will be a close fight, with world number 1 vs. world number 2. Lin Dan obviously holds the upper hand, and with his recent triumph in Hong Kong Open (although admittedly, under dubious circumstances), and would be the favorite to win this meeting. However, with Lee's underdog status, he might just spring us a suprise and beat Lin Dan in 3 tight sets. However, presently, Lin Dan would prevail in 3 sets.

China 1 World 0

Men's Doubles 1
Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong vs. Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng
Although Koo and Tan have been anything but impressive lately, Cai and Fu have also been going through a slump. I believe Koo and Tan will prevail in this match in 2 sets.

China 1 World 1

Men's Singles 2
Bao Chunlai vs. Peter Gade
Tough to say. While Gade is certainly past his prime, Bao is known to falter miserably when faced with this sort of pressure. This brings back memories of the 2002 Thomas Cup semifinals against Malaysia, where Bao faltered even though he was the favorite. Therefore, I believe Gade's experience will prevail in the end, with him beating Bao in 3 sets.

China 1 World 2

Men's Doubles 2
Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan vs. Guo Zhengdong/Xie Zhongbo
No doubt, Markis and Hendra obviously hold the upper hand against the lesser known, but sometimes lethal Chinese pair. Markis and Hendra to win in 2 sets.

China 1 World 3

Men's Singles 3
Chen Jin vs. Taufik Hidayat
Again, another match that could go either way. Chen Jin has been quite impressivev lately, but if you are to discount anyone, discount anyone but the great Hidayat. If all were to go to plan, this match would not be played, but if this match were to be played, I believe Taufik will win in 2 sets.

China 1 World 4

Evidently, the world fares better against China in the Men's department than the Women's. This has always been well known, with China's depth in Women's Singles and Women's Doubles legendary.

Looking Back - Thomas Cup '92 (Part 2)

When I last left you, Malaysians all around the world were heartbroken by the lost of their All England Champions Razif and Jalani Sidek. Considered a 'safe point', for some reason, the world's best defensive pair lost tamely in the third set.

Foo Kok Keong then marched out into the court to face Olympic Champion Allan Budi Kusuma, the future husband of Indonesian ace Susi Susanti. Ranked number 10 in the world, Foo has never managed to beat Allan, who was ranked much higher than Foo. With the support of the screaming home crowd, he swept Allan away and clinched the first set easily 15-6. Inspired by Foo's determination and first set win, the crowd shouted, screamed, shreiked, and screeched for Foo while booing loudly at Allan. Even the usually confident Indonesian supporters at Stadium Negara were shocked and scared by the Malaysians. Foo, at 29 years of age, dived and ran and ran, refusing to give up the second set although trailing 11-6 at one point. Allan failed to close up, and Foo proceeded to clinch the game in 2 sets. Foo not only delivered the 'winning point' for Malaysia, he paved the way for the dive return; in the second set, he dived on average once every rally. At this point, no household of Malaysia was asleep, although it was about midnight. Even those who had no interest in badminton were woken up by their neighbours, and proceeded to drag themselves out from bed to watch the deciding game.

Cheah Soon Kit and Soo Beng Kiang, Malaysia's secret weapon, marched out onto court accompanied by the loud cheerings of the Malaysian fans. On the other end of the court was Rexy Manaiky and Ricky Subagja, future Olympic Champions. Cheah and Soo were an excellent pair, but they did not get along with each other. The Malaysians won the first set, while Rexy and Ricky managed to get the second set. The rubber game was neck to neck until the Malaysians managed to pull away. 2 points away from the Thomas Cup, all Malaysians everywhere were on their feet vilifying their fingernails. And then Rexy and Ricky got back the service. However, Cheah and Soo never allowed Rexy and Ricky to fight back, snatching back the service and getting a match point. Cheah Soon Kit held the serve that captivated the nation. 20 million Malaysians from all corner of the world were looking at that one shuttlecock held by Cheah. And boy did he serve it well. The shuttlecock wanted to skim the net, but decided against doing so in the last minute. Caught by suprise, Ricky proceeded to lift the shuttle. The lift was short, and Soo delivered the death blow right into Rexy's body. Checkmate.

The whole stadium erupted with frenzy as the whole Malaysian badminton team flooded the centre court. Cheah and Soo were hugged, and Mrs. Mahathir and the Yang Dipertuan Agong came personally to congratulate them. The celebration took place throughout the 5th match, between Kwan Yoke Meng and Joko Suprianto. Unsuprisingly, Kwan lost tamely, and once again, the Thomas Cup returned to the nation that first won it 90 years ago. That silver cup, after 25 years, finally returned to this Publish Postsmall nation near the equator. Finally, the Thomas Cup is Malaysia's.

Well, hopefully Malaysia can prevail once again next year when they set out to campaign for the Thomas Cup, the Cup that has eluded us for 16 years. Can we do it?

ps: This is out of topic, for those who are concerned about the ISA detentions of the HINDRAF leaders, there is a petition here

Looking Back - Thomas Cup '92 (Part 1)

Malaysia hopes to do well in next year's Thomas Cup competition, and I thought it would be appropriate to have a look at the 1992's Thomas Cup, the last time Malaysia managed to clinch the trophy. The setting for the finals was in Stadium Negara, with a 15,000 strong crowd, the majority of them being Malaysians. The setting was perfect: Malaysia had disposed of China in the semifinals, and now faced arch rivals Indonesia in the finals. Malaysia had managed to beat Indonesia in the last 2 Thomas Cup editions (1990 semifinals, 1988 semifinals), but fell to China in the finals both times. Now with China swept aside (The Great Wall Cracks - The Star Newspaper Headlines), can Malaysia repeat the feat and beat a more credible Indonesian team?


Malaysia had hoped to win 3 points from the 2 doubles and the first singles. The other 2 singles, Foo Kok Keong (2nd singles) and Kwan Yoke Meng (3rd singles) had no hope against Olympic Champion Allan Budi Kusuma and Joko Suprianto respectively. Our 'jaguh kampung' on the other hand, Rashid Sidek had a slim chance against 7 time All England Champion Ardy Wiranata while our 2 doubles pairs have consistently beaten their Indonesian compatriots before. Brothers Razif and Jalani Sidek have beaten Eddy Hartono and Gunawan many times before. In fact, the first doubles was viewed as a 'guaranteed point'. Cheah Soon Kit and Soo Beng Kiang on the other hand, had a fighting chance against future Olympic Champions Rexy Manaiky and Ricky Subagja.

The stage was set. Rashid Sidek entered the stadium with the roars of the stadium, while Ardy was booed by the boisterous Malaysian crowd. Prominent among the audience were Mrs. (now Tun) Mahathir and the Yang Dipertuan Agong. While witnessing such hype surrounding this, we all thought - What if Malaysia lost? Oh the shame!



Rashid began his game methodically, and managed to pull off the first game 15-11. However, in the second game, Ardy showed his patience and managed to regain a set at 10-15. So we go to a rubber. In the third set, Ardy started to make some uncharacteristically simple mistakes, and allowed Rashid to take the third set 15-8. Everyone wanted Rashid to pull it off, but somehow, we were prepared for him to lose. But he won. And the whole nation held its breath while being bombarded by the constant commentaries of Hasbullah Awang on RTM2. 1-0 to Malaysia. And our hopes began to rise.




Then disaster struck. Our All England Champions Razif and Jalani Sidek, the best defensive pair in the world, who have also managed to beat Eddy Hartono and Gunawan countless times before, lost the first set in an unconvincing fashion. Although they managed to pull back the second set, but in the third set, their tactics fell apart. They started attacking more, while their usual style was to defend. Hartono and Gunawan saw the chance, and calmly destroyed Razif and Jalani 3-15. Their hopes were dashed, together with all the hopes of millions of Malaysian glued to their televisions. Malaysia's plan had backfired. Indonesia was in the driving seat now. There was no way Foo Kok Keong or Kwan Yoke Meng could pull off a win to accompany Cheah Soon Kit's and Soong Beng Kiang's.

1-1. Advantage Indonesia. Uh oh.

Stay tuned to The Badminton Blog for part 2 of the Thomas Cup '92 analysis!

Hong Kong Open Predictions

It would seem that The Badminton Blog has had a lack of updates for the past few days. I do apologize to my readers who have stuck with me. I have not forgotten you, I am merely working on another project that will make The Badminton Blog bigger and better, with more writers and opinions.

Anyway, on to this afternoon's predictions:

Mens Singles
Lee Chong Wei vs. Lin Dan
Although Lee defeated gritty Dane Jonassen, his performance was no as impressive as always. Lin Dan, who only needed 22 minutes to win in a half finished game against compatriot Chen Jin, would be obviously fresher and sharper. However, Lin has not played the new Lee before. The new Lee minimizes jump smashes and instead plays a patient game. Its hard to say whether this would work against Lin, and it will be indeed an interesting encounter this afternoon.

Tony Gunawan/Candra Wijaya vs. Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan
Tony and Candra are resurrected legends, who downed first seeds and world number 1 Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong in an impressive fashion. Their defense has become as solid as Choong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah's and they appear to be sharper than ever. Although Markis and Hendra are credible opponents; they are world champions and third seeds, I think the old legends Tony and Candra will win their second Super Series title todaay.

Zheng Bo/Gao Ling vs. Nova Widianto/Lilyana Natsir
A rematch of the world championships and Japan Open finals. First seeds versus second seeds. Zheng and Gao are obviously the favorites going into this match, fresh from their walkover against Xie/Zhang. However, the two time and reigning World Champions Widianto and Natsir are one of the few pairs this year that have beaten Zheng and Gao. However, I remained unconvinced of Widianto and Natsir's performance in this tournament, and a fresher Gao and Zheng should prevail in 3 sets.

Stay tuned for more updates on the opening of the new The Badminton Blog