After Day 1 pretty much went to plan, players now brace themselves to a tough round tomorrow.
Wang Chen vs. Kaori Mori
Mori put on an impressive display of badminton today, beating the more fancied Eriko Hirose in 3 tight sets. Wang Chen on the other hand, showed an unconvincing game to beat a little known Korean player ranked way below her. If Wang Chen can recover her form to put on her usual deceptive badminton game, Wang will surely beat Kaori, but I fear that Wang will once again make an early exit if she continues her performance on from today.
Sony Dwi Kuncoro vs. Shon Seung Mo
The resurgent Korean will be determined to advance far into this tournament. However, standing in his way is reigning Badminton World Championship Silver Medallist Sony Dwi Kuncoro. Shon had to slog today to beat giant killer Kendrick Lee in 3 sets, while Sony brushed off the yoyo Hafiz Hashim. This will be a tight match, but I think Sony will continue his deceptive badminton game to sweep past opponents.
Bao Chunlai vs. Wong Choong Hann
Another grudge match. Bao beat Wong in exactly the same position (2nd round) last week, after losing to Wong in Macau Badminton Open. Wong had to play an hour long three setter against fellow Malaysian veteran Lee Tsuen Seng. Bao will be eager to make up for the disappointment of losing to Kenneth Jonassen in the Malaysian Open last week, and will be eager to show the badminton world that he is in the same league of Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei. It will be another explosive encounter, and I think Wong would have learned from his earlier mistakes and would beat Bao in a thrilling 3 setter.
Hadiyanto/Yulianto vs. Mohd. Zakry/Mohd Fairuzizuan
Hadiyanto and Yulianto managed to beat long time rival Guo Zhengdong and Xie Zhongbo yesterday for the first time. They now face the gritty Malaysians hoping to make it through to the Olympics. Both pairs will go all out, especially in anticipation of the Thomas Cup. I expect an explosive badminton encounter, with the Indonesians coming out barely on top.
Jung Jae Sung/Lee Yong Dae vs. Chan Chong Ming/Chew Choon Eng
This pair of Malaysian veterans Chan and Chew have exploded back into the badminton world by reaching the quarterfinals in the first badminton tournament they have participated in. The Korean aces on the other hand, are defending their only Super Series title so far. I believe there is enough firepower left in Chan and Chew to just pull this on off again, and that they well defy all odds, including the Korean home crowd, who are unusually quite for an Asian audience, to please their fans at home. Chan/Chew in 3 sets.
All the best to all players!
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