Malaysian Open Quarterfinals Predictions

After the shock falling of several seeds yesterday, the competition has certainly spiced up a little as we go into the Quarterfinals.

Wang Chen vs. Zhu Lin
Rematch of the World Championship finals. Zhu Lin was again, unimpressive yesterday as she struggled to beat Zhou Mi. Wang Chen also had to slog for 3 sets to beat Petya Nedelcheva. It will be a close 3 setter, and I will have to give it to Wang Chen, as Zhu Lin has been extremely unconvincing and inconsistent lately.

Wong Mew Choo vs. Eriko Hirose
An easy match for Wong, who has not been challenged so far. Eriko is a good player, but in my opinion, she is still not good enough to unseat Wong. Wong, riding on the support of the home crowd, should be able to defeat Eriko in 2 easy, straightforward sets.

Lee Chong Wei vs. Simon Santoso
Lee has not been impressive this tournament. Simon Santoso on the other hand, managed to pull of a remarkable victory of his compatriot Taufik Hidayat yesterday. Lee was defeated by Simon last year in the Chinese Taipei Open, but has since redeemed himself. If Lee was to mantain his current form, he will most probably lose. Hopefully he can step up to the occasion and march into the Semifinals with a 3 set victory over Simon.

Kenneth Jonassen vs. Bao Chunlai
Another tricky match. Bao was impressive in putting out the fire in Wong Choong Hann's surge yesterday, and now faces Danish number 2 player Kenneth Jonassen. I believe Bao will prevail, and he will outplay Kenneth in terms of firepower and stamina.

Lars Paaske/Jonas Rasmussen vs. Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah
After their impressive victory over top seeds Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong yesterday, Danish number 2 Men's Doubles players now face Malaysia number 2 Men's Doubles players Choong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah. This will be a battle of veterans, and it will be close. Choong and Lee had to slog yesterday to beat Ong Soon Hock and Tan Bin Shen, and might be out of steam. However, I think they should prevail in 3 sets.

Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng vs. Chan Chong Ming/Chew Choon Eng
This will certainly be a match many are looking forward to. Chan and Chew have suprised many in reaching the Quarterfinals of the first tournament they have been together in four years. However, they will find it tough to upset former world champions Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng. Unfortunately, ultimately I think it will be the end of the road for Chan and Chew, and they will lose to Cai and Fu in 2 sets.

Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan vs. Jens Eriksen/Martin Luungard Hansen
Another exciting match. Markis and Hendra, soon to be the new world number 1s, face veterans 'Old Men of Badminton' Jens and Martin. I think Marks and Hendra, who have been consistent all throughout this tournament, will take this game in 2 sets. Jens and Martin should start to think about retiring as they are closing onto their 40s.

All the best to all players!