All England 2008 Round 2 Predictions

After the carnage in round 1, I expect the dust to settle in day 2.

Many people say that it was a big lost for Malaysia yesterday. Admittedly yes, but I would say the only blow in terms of Malaysia's chances at a title was Koo and Tan's defeat. All others were not really true contenders for the title.

Lee Chong Wei vs. Tommy Sugiato
Tricky second round match for the world number 2. Son of former legend Icuk Sugiato, Tommy is an up and rising star from Indonesia. However, I don't expect him to be able to upset the Malaysian number 1. Lee in 2 sets, and progressing to meet either Taufik Hidayat or Ngyuen Tien Minh.

Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah vs. Howard Bach/Khan Bob Malaythong
This American pair upset Tan Bin Shen and Ong Soon Hock yesterday. Now, Choong and Lee want revenge against this pair who previously beat them in round one of the Danish Open. Choong and Lee have been impressive lately, although they haven't been up against credible opposition. Choong and Lee in 2 sets, then progressing to meet either Luluk Hadiyanto/Alvent Yulianto or Danish pair Anders Kristiansen and Simon Mollyhus.

Chin Eei Hui/Wong Pei Tty vs. Zhang Yawen/Wei Yili
The last time this pair met, Chin and Wong managed to pull off a remarkable upset in the first round of the French Open. However, after the highlight of their career, hey seem to have faded into uncertainty, charting only one quarterfinals appearance since then. valuable ranking points are being defended there, as Chin and Wong were semifinalists last year. My head tells me Zhang/Wei, my hear wants Chin/Wong. Not sure which one to believe. The winner gets to meet no seeds until the semifinals.

Wong Mew Choo vs. Jiang Yan Jiao
Wong cruised past Indonesian junior Maria Kristin Yulianti yesterday, and now faces 2005 Chinese Champion in her way. Jiang loves playing in EUrope, and when they last met in 2007, Jiang beat Wong in 2 sets. Wong would want to progress further now that Xie Xingfang unexpectedly and unceremoniously for kicked out by Yip Pui Yin. Wong in 2 tight sets, and progresses all the way to the semifinals where she will want revenge against Zhu Lin.


Stay tuned for more predictions and updates from The Badminton Blog