Asian Badminton Championships - Semifinals Predictions

After the near-total annihilation yesterday, the only Malaysian survivors Koo and Tan hope to keep our flag flying.

Wang Chen vs. Jiang Yanjiao
Jiang is a recovering player slowly making back lost ground while Wang Chen has always been 'up there'. Both of them disposed of lesser known Japanese opponents yesterday, and have not really been tested this whole tournament. I believe Jiang will eventually prevail in a very very tight match, that would probably go to 3 games.

Chen Jin vs. Lin Dan
Chen Jin will win in two sets. You would be stupid to bet against that. Why? Ask Li Yongbo.

Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong vs. Jung Jae Sung/Lee Yong Dae
The former All England Champions take on the reigning All England Champions. Koo and Tan finally got their revenge against Fairuz and Zakry yesterday, while Jung and Lee come in as the second seeds and favorites after the defeat of Choong and Lee yesterday. I believe Koo and Tan are a rejuvenated and reformed team, and will beat the World Championship silver medallist in 2 games, and eventually go on and take the title. And this is not only my patriotism speaking - Koo and Tan appear to have come around the bend.

Sony Dwi Kuncoro vs. Park Sung Hwan
A possible Thomas Cup matchup. The PBSI and the Korean Badminton Association will be watching this match closely to see who and whether to field these players against each other. I believe that Park will win today, as I am extremely impressed with the way he beat Thai ace Boonsak Ponsana.

Candra Wijaya/Nova Widianto vs. Lee Jae Jin/Hwang Ji Man
On one hand I am extremely excited about the new pairing and how far they've come. On the other hand, I am also impressed by how Lee and Hwang beat defending champions Choong and Lee yesterday, especially in the third game. Lee and Hwang have excellent stamina, while Candra and Nova's stamina, while it is not bad, is not superb either. On top of that, Nova is playing in Mixed Doubles first. Lee and Hwang to take it in 3 sets.