Malaysian Open 2008 Finals Predictions

Finally the finals! Although not the ideal finals, this round will, in my opinion, prove to be extremely exciting.

He Hanbin/Yu Yang vs. Lee Yong Dae/Lee Hyo Jung
The Korean pair has my full support. After see them beat ex world number 1s and ex world champions Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms, I am convinced that they can repeat their success and beat the Chinese pair. However, the Chinese pair are anything but a pushover, an Lee Hyo Jung, in particular, has to be careful about her performance. The majority of the unforced errors today were committed by this Korean lass, and if she cannot control her play better, they could well end up second best to the Chinese pair.

Zhu Lin vs. Tine Rasmussen
Zhu Lin was impressive today in beating the heavily fancied Wong Mew Choo who beat her en route to her triumph in Guangzhou. Tine Rasmussen, on the other hand, was impressive in today's demolishing of Pi Hongyan. I will support Tine tomorrow, but this is going to a close match, and unless Tine is able to reproduce some of the form that made her achieve the Japan Open crown, she will, in my opinion, lose to Zhu Lin.

Lee Chong Wei vs. Lee Hyun Il
This is going to be the match of the day. Lee Hyun Il is coached by Li Mao, Lee Chong Wei's previous coach. While Lee's style of play has large diversified since Li has unceremoniously dumped him, having Li as your coach certainly has its benefits. Lee surprisingly beat Kenneth Jonassen, whom I expected to make it to the finals after his remarkable victory over second seed Bao Chunlai. As of who will win this match, I think Lee Chong Wei will get his 4th Malaysian Open crown and once again, please the home crowd.

Lars Paaske/Jonas Rasmussen vs. Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan
Another very very interesting battle. Paaske and Rasmussen were impressive in their victory over Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng. On the other hand, Markis and Hendra were equally, if not more convincing in their victory over old hands Tony Gunawan and Candra Wijaya. Ultimately, the pair that is able to control the net will claim this game. I think Markis and Hendra will stop the impressive march of Lars and Jonas, who have claimed many notable scalps. Markis and Hendra in 3 sets.