Day 4 Predictions 12/8/08

After the excitement of yesterday, the upsets, the triumphs and the heartbreaks, what would day 4 bring us?

Lee Chong Wei vs. Nacvikas Kestutis
After yesterday's first round test against Ronald Susilo of Singapore, this matchup looks dull in comparison. Lee would definitely take this, unless some act of god prevents him from doing so. Lee in 2 easy sets.

Jens Eriksen/Martin Luungard Hansen vs. Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng
This is one of the most anticipated matches of the day. Jens and Martin were the ones that ended Cai and Fu's hopes of Olympic glory four years ago in Athens. What better way to claim revenge than to deny them in the first round in what could most likely be their last Olympics? Jens and Eriksen have continued to slump and slide, and I think their time is almost over. They are quite old already....I also think Cai and Fu have matured compared to 4 years ago, where they squandered a very handsome lead, and they should be able to win this match in 2 sets. 3 if Jens and Martin are able to recover some of their lost form.

Jung Jae Sung/Lee Yong Dae vs. Lar Paaske/Jonas Rasmussen
I have tipped Jung and Lee to be one of the hot favorites of this year's Olympics, but they face a formidable and experienced first round opponent. Lars and Jonas, ex world champions, ex world number 1s, have consistantly beaten the pair earlier in the year. But judging from the last few tournaments, I think Jung and Lee will snatch this exciting and sure to be explosive match in 3 tight sets.

Gao Ling/Zheng Bo vs. Gail Emms/Nathan Robertson
Very unfortunate that this pair have to meet each other so early on. Gao and Zheng are indeed very experienced, but so is ex world champion Emms and Robertson. I expect this match to go the distance, but as Gao is defending her title here, coupled with the home ground support, the Chinese should be able to pull through. However, I will not view this as an upset if Gail and Nathan won, because the English pair have always fared better against the Chinese compared to their other matches.

Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong vs. Shuichi Sakamoto/Shintaro Ikeda
The 2nd ranked Malaysian pair appear to be going through a slump recently. While the Japanese pair on paper don't look too threatening, they are after all, under the guidance of Park Joo Bong, a super coach. Koo and Tan on the other hand, have always had a weakness for Japanese players, evident from their loss in Kuala Lumpur last year. What better way to redeem lost pride by beating the very pair that ended your hopes and turned them into tears? Koo and Tan to win in 3 sets.

Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan vs. Guo Zhengdong/Xie Zhongbo
The Chinese 2nd ranked pair will be anxious to knock out one of the big favorites of this tournament. The Chinese crowd will definitely be behind them. However, to knock out the reigning world champions and world number 1s will be very difficult. Markis and Kido have been superb lately, and I expect that they will win this very hotly contested match in 2 sets. Markis' power and Hendra's netplay to shine through.

Lin Dan vs. Park Sung Hwan
This opens another chapter of the illutrious history between Lin and Park. While Lin is China's golden boy, Park was systematically precise in his demolition of a Ugandan player yesterday. While that may not qualify as an achievement, I think that that indicates that Park is firing on all cylinders, and should be able to put up a good fight. Lin to come through in 3 sets or Park in 2.

Wong Choong Hann vs. Hsieh Yu Hsin
After yesterday's stunning victory over Taufik Hidayat, Wong appears set to march into the Quarterfinals of his last Olympics, where he will most likely meet Chen Jin. Hsieh has been impressive, defeating Nguyen of Vietnam, but I don't think he is any match for the Malaysian super veteran Wong. Wong in 2 sets.

Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah vs. Hwang Ji Man/Lee Jae Jin
When the Malaysian last met the Koreans, they were beaten tamely in the 3rd set. Now they meet again. On paper Choong and Lee is the favorite to win this one, but Hwang and Lee are anything but a pushover. However, I do think Choong and Lee have learnt from their past mistakes, and should be able to win this in 2 sets, 3 if neccesary. However, if it were to go to 3 sets, Hwang and Lee would hopd the fitness upperhand.

Stay tuned for more updates!