Malaysian Open Day 1 Predictions

The start of the first Super Series in 2008 has some pretty interesting encounters

Zhu Lin vs. Yip Pui Yin
The reigning world champion Zhu Lin takes on big smasher Yip Pui Yin. While Zhu Lin has failed to reproduce the form that got her her crown in Kuala Lumpur, Yip Pui Yin has also failed to live up to her reputation. She easily lost the first round match in Hong Kong last year to the little known Canadian Anna Rice. However, all the statistics I have to work with are woefully out of date, and both Zhu and Yip might be on opposite sides of the spectrum. Its hard to write predictions for the first round match of the first tournament of the year, and we'll see what happens tomorrow. However, Zhu Lin should be able to continue defending her title. and defeat Yip in a 2 set match, and Yip would do well to stretch the Chinese to a third.

Taufik Hidayat vs. Park Sung Hwan
Taufik Hidayat today commented that the Malaysian Open title is not something he is eying for this year. However, one would be foolish to dismiss Taufik. While Park, Korea's top rated Men's Singles player hs been quite impressive lately, Hidayat would most probably claim this match in 2 tight sets.

Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong vs. Joko Riyadi/Hendra Gunawan
A tough opening match for Malaysian hotshots Koo and Tan. The first seed and the world number 1 Malaysians are out to please their loyal fans, and Koo and Tan should easily sweep past the Indonesians in 2 sets. I predict that Koo and Tan will face no difficulties (hopefully, I won't jinx them) until the meet Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng in the semifinals.

Xu Huaiwen vs. Tine Rasmussen
While the Japan Open champion produced a stunning performance in Tokyo to claim the title, Tine has failed to live up to her expectations after her triumph in the Tokyo Metropolitan stadium. Xu has been impressive lately, claiming the Copenhagen Masters title, beating Tine on the way. I believe Xu is in better position to win this encounter. Xu in 3 tight sets.

Gan Teik Chai/Lin Woon Fui vs. Jung Jae Sung/Lee Yong Dae
Gan and Lin, after their split from their previous partnerships, have failed to produce any credible results. However, Koreans Jung and Lee have not been in top form too; after their Silver Medal in the World Championships, they have failed to produce any impressive results. However, I still think that they have enough to beat Gan and Lin in 3 sets.

Stay tuned for more updates on The Badminton Blog.

PS: For results go to: Badminton Loonsport