Day 9 Predictions (17/8/08)

This is the final day of the badminton section of the Olympics!

Nova Widianto/Lilyana Natsir vs. Lee Yong Dae/Lee Hyo Jung
Both pairs were stretched to 3 sets yesterday night. The Indonesians managed to knock out the Chinese while the Koreans managed to beat the other Indonesian pair. Both had impressive performances yesterday, but I was more impressed with the Koreans. I'd say the Koreans would win in 3 sets, with the 3rd set going the distance, the Koreans claiming their first badminton gold of the 2008 Olympics.

Flandy Limpele/Vita Marrissa vs. He Hanbin/Yu Yang
Both pairs were beaten in two closely fought semifinals. I believe the bronze medal will go to the Chinese, as their power and explosiveness will pull them through. Nevertheless, expect a close match; this definitely would be a 3 setter

Lin Dan vs. Lee Chong Wei
Both entire nations will be watching as the two Goliaths of the badminton world descend to the court to claim the ultimate glory: the Men's Singles Gold Medal. A dream final, an organisers dream. Both players have been extremely impressive in this tournament, and the winner of this match not only determines who would be carved into the stone of badminton immortality, but who would be the world number 1. There is everything to gain and every to lose from this match, and expect the whole nation to be glued to this match. Very hard to predict who would actually win this match, and I wouldn't endevour to do so. 50-50 in all ways.