Watch this space for updates on the tie that starts at 7pm Malaysian time, 6pm Jakarta time.
LIVE COMMENTARY (Most Recent First)
(Current game: 3rd game of 4th tie)
CHINA WIN THE THOMAS CUP
21-12
20-11.
16-10.
15-9 to China
14-7.
China lead 11-5 as we go to the last game interval.
China lead 10-4.
8-3 China lead.
7-3 China lead.
China lead 5-2
China leads 3-2 after a long rally.
2-1 to Korea.
1-0 to Korea.
The air was thick with tension when the last few points of that game was played.
21-19. Koreans drag it to rubber.
20-19 to Korea.
19-18 to Korea.
18 all.
Xie serves into the net. 18-17.
17 all.
17-16 Koreans lead.
16 all.
15-14. Koreans lead
Thats better from Koreans. 14-12 they lead.
Another error. 13-12.
Too many errors. 13-11.
13-9.
12-9 Koreans lead.
What I can see is a lot of rustiness from Koreans. They go to the interval with a 11-8 lead.
Nice angle from Jae Jin. Will restore much confidence. 10-7 Korea.
8-6 Korea.
7-6. Slim lead to Korea.
6-5 to Korea.
2 consecutive unforced errors. 5-4 to China.
4-3. Korea leads.
Fault receiver. 3 all.
2-1. Koreans have to win this to stay in the tie.
1-0 to China.
China wins 21-12
20-12.
19-12.
18-11. Nice smash.
18-10.
18-9.
China have all the luck. 17-8 to Chinese.
16-8.
14-7.
Weak defense from Korea, which is usually one of their strong points. 14-5.
12-5.
11-4. Maybe the Koreans are rusty as they have not played any games?
9-4. Thats more like it.
Miscommunication. 9-2.
8-2.
6-2. Good angled smash.
Long rally to China. 6-1.
Sloppy from Ji Man 4-1 to China.
2-1. Good rally.
1-0 good lift from China.
Bao wins 28-26 21-11
19-10. Hyun Il is not trying anymore. Oops. 20-10.
17-10.
16-8.
15-7. Too little too late?
15-6.
14-5. Bao's going to win this.
12-5 to Bao.
Hyun Il is uncomfortable. 11-4.
10-4 to Bao.
7-4 to Bao after mistake by Lee.
5-3 to Bao.
3-3.
3-1 to China
Bao wins 28-26.
27-26 Bao leads.
26 all!
26-25 to Hyun Il.
25all.
25-24 to Hyun Il.
24 all.
24-23 to Bao.
Crowd chants KO RE A!
23 all.
23-22 to Bao.
22 all
21-21 to Hyun Il. Silly error from Bao
21 all.
21-20 Hyun Il leads.
20 all.
Lucky net for Hyun Il. 20-19
Bao serves into the net. 20-18.
3 match points to Bao. 20-17.
19-17 to Bao.
18-16.
17-15 Bao leads.
Bao leads 16-14.
Scores are leveled. 14 all.
Drift takes Hyun Il's shot out. 14-12 he leads.
14-11.
13-10 Korea.
12-10 to Korea. Good smash from Bao.
12-8 to Korea.
11-6. Interval.
10-6 to Korea. Nice and lucky netplay.
9-5.
8-5. Bao nets. Patient game from Hyun Il.
7-5. Bao's shot out.
6-4 to Hyun Il.
5-4 to Hyun Il. Nice net exchange.
4-4.
3-3.
2-1 to China.
2-0 after some great defense from Bao.
1-0 to China.
Nope. Korea wins 25-23 21-16.
20-16. China saves two. Needs 4 more.
Fu nets a smash. Again. 20-14.
19-14.
Chinese service fault. 19-13.
18-12.
17-11. Koreans leading and should win.
14-10. Good offense from Korea.
Incredible from Koreans. 13-9.
12-9 Koreans leading.
11-9. Second game interval.
10-7 to Koreans.
Nice net shot from Koreans. 9-6.
8-6 to Korea.
7-4. Cai Yun's shot out.
6-4 to Korea.
Cai Yun puts pressure on Koreans. They falter. 5-3.
Cai Yun finds a gap in Koreans. 5-2.
Haifeng nets a smash. 5-1.
Nice smash from Jung. 4-1.
3-1 to Korea.
3-0. Haifeng failed to return a smash.
Bad error in the net by Cai. 2-0 to Korea.
1-0 to Korea.
Koreans only need one. 25-23 to Koreans.
24-23. Koreans have game point for the first time.
23 all.
23-22 to China.
22 all.
22-21 to China.
21 all.
21-20 to Chinese.
20 all.
Long from Koreans. 20-19.
19 all.
Chinese lead at crucial stage. 19-18.
Another successful attack. 18 all.
Attack from China successful. 18-17 to Korea.
18-16 to Korea after a shot by the Koreans go long.
17-15 to Korea.
Nice from Cai Yun. The net master. 16-15.
16-14 to Korea.
Woeful mistake from Cai. 15-14. Korean in front
14 all.
Mistake from China. 14-13.
13-11. Coordinated attack from Koreans.
13-10.
Nice attack by Koreans. 12-10.
12-9.
11-9. NOW, we go to the interval.
Correction, 10-8 to China.
11-8 to China as we go to the first game interval.
10-8 to China.
Scores leveled by Yong Dae. 8-8.
8-7 to China.
Change of pace from Fu. 6-5 to China.
Error from Cai makes it 5all.
Good defense and offence from Koreans. 5-4.
Good rally. Yong Dae finishes it off easily. 5-3.
Yong Dae nets it. 5-1.
4-1 to China. Good smashes.
3-1 to China.
1-0 to China.
Now is: Jung Jae Sung and Lee Yong Dae vs. Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng.
Lin Dan wins the tie 10-21 21-18 21-8
19-8.
16-9.
15-9.
Net kill from Lin. 15-8.
Too hard from Park. 14-8.
13-8.
Nice slice from Lin. 13-7.
Long from Lin. 12-7.
Lucky shot catches the net. Lin leads 12-6.
The mysterious towel reappears. Every Chinese player seems to get it at the break.
Park nets a drop. 11-6.
Good defense by Park. 10-6.
Smash by Lin goes out. 10-5.
10-4 to Lin. Bad error from Park.
9-4 to Lin.
Good smash from Lin. 8-4.
Good change of pace from Lin. 7-4.
Good interception. 6-4 to Lin.
Lin Dan nets it. 5-4.
Lin Dan nets a drop. 5-3.
Park shocked by long serve. 5-2.
Lucky net shot. 4-2 to Lin.
Another bad net shot from Park. 3-2 to Lin.
Park kills it to level it at 2all
Out from Park. 2-1 to Lin.
Smash from Lin. 1all.
1-0 Park.
Lin Dan kills a loose net shot. 21-18. Off to a rubber.
Nice deception from Park. 20-18.
Half drive from Lin Dan gives him 3 game points. 20-17.
Jumping smash from Park finds the line. 19-17.
Nice defense from Park but he nets it. 19-16.
Park kills a loose shot. 18-16.
Failed net shot from Lin. 18-15.
18-14 to Lin.
Half court smash from Park. 17-14.
Long from Park. 17-13.
Lin scores a point by with a half smash half push. 16-13.
Nice twisted body deception from Park. 15-13.
Another failed net shot from Park. 15-12.
Out from Park. 14-12 to Lin.
Park puts it out to let Lin lead by 1. 13-12.
Nice crosscourt smash from Park to level it 12all.
Lin puts it out. 12-11.
Shuttle stays on top of net, then decides to drop into Park's court. 12-10 Lin.
Misjudgement from Lin Dan. 11-10.
Jumping smash by Park is weakly returned by Lin, which is put away promptly. 11-9 to Lin but momentum with Park.
Lift by the Chinese fails. 11-8.
Lin Dan takes an out shot and was punished with a net kill. 11-7.
Nice flat exchanges. But Lin's power prevails. 11-6 he leads at the interval.
Park nets a smash. 10-6.
Equally impressive smash from Park. 9-6.
Good smash from Lin. 9-5.
Nice deception from Park but it goes out. 8-5.
Nice net play from Lin. Or was it just lucky? 7-5.
Drop by Lin doesn't clear the net. 6-5.
Nice defense by Lin. Finishes off with a smash. 6-4 to him.
Lin's shot just out. 5-4.
Park nets a cross court drop. 5-3 to Chinese.
Drift brings Park's smash out. 4-3.
Half court lift from Lin gets put away from Park. 3all.
Same error from Lin. 3-2.
Nice cross court jumping smash from Lin. 3-1.
Lin's lift fails to clear the net. 2-1 to Lin.
Park nets a push. 2-0.
Nice smash from Lin. 1-0 to Lin.
First game to Park. 21-10.
Drift brings Lin's shot out. 20-10. Park has matchpoint.
Incredible defense from Park. 19-10 to Park.
Lin nets a net shot. 18-10.
Wrong choice of shot from Park. 17-10.
Nice cross court drop. 17-9.
Park wins another point but the scoreboard says my scores for Lin are wrong. 16-9.
Incredible from Park. 15-10.
Nice smash from Lin. 14-10. Park being chased.
Too impatient from Park. 14-9, his momentum slightly broken.
Lin replies with an equally lucky net shot. 14-8.
Net shot from Park clips the net. Park leads 14-7. All him now.
Out from Lin. 13-7. Chinese under pressure.
Another deceptive push. 12-7.
Another deceptive push from Park. 11-7 interval.
Patient game and good deception from Park but he nets it. 10-6.
Lin shows his firepower. 10-5.
Nice push deception from Park. 10-4.
Lin sends it wide. 9-4 to Koreans.
Park sends it long. 8-4.
Failed net shot by Park breaks his momentum. 8-3.
Good smash by Park. 8-2 to him.
Good serve by Park left by Lin. 7-2.
Good smash from Park. 6-2.
Lin Dan's baseline smash goes out. 5-2.
Net kill by Park. 4-2.
Cross court push by Park not replied by Lin. 3-2 to Park.
Drift brings Lin's shuttle in for 2all.
Park goes out. 2-1 to Park.
Nice drop by Park. 2-0.
Exciting rally to start the game. Park 1-0 after being patient.
And the game starts.
Players on court warming up now.
Interesting to note the 'pockets of Korean resistance' :).
Istora Senayan has been transformed into a Chinese 'area'. Crowd chants: ZHUNG GUO DUI, JIAYOU!
Not a bad crowd, despite Indonesia's exit.
Players have been introduced.
One minute of silence being observed for the victims of the earthquake.
Announcements being made. A special announcement about the Chinese Earthquake being made.
No suprises:
Lin Dan vs. Park Sung Hwan
Bao Chunlai vs. Lee Hyun Il
Chen Yu vs. Shon Seung Mo
Cai Fu vs. Jung Lee
Guo Xie vs. Hwang Lee
Welcome and thank you for joining us for the live commentary. The matchups will be posted shortly.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Live Commentary THOMAS CUP GRAND FINAL
THOMS CUP FINALS PREDICTIONS
Lin Dan vs. Park Sung Hwan - Park to win. I've seen him and Lin play in the semifinals. Park much more convincing. Plus Lin Dan's air of invincibility has been shattered, in his straight set lost to Lee Chong Wei. And hes on a confidence low. Park is coming in after a title and an unbeaten streak. And the head to head record favors Park. Need I say more?
Cai/Fu vs. Jung/Lee - Jung and Lee to win. Seen them both play. Jung/Lee won their game by beating the World Champs and World Number 1. Cai/Fu won their game by Koo and Tan losing it. The extraordinary Lee Yong Dae is another major factor here. Watch out for Jung and Lee, if you haven't already. I think they are set to dominate the MD stage. Or at least Lee Yong Dae will, no matter who hes playing with, whether it is in the MD or XD.
Bao Chunlai vs. Lee Hyun Il - Seen them both play. Both impressive. But Hyun Il's win against Taufik was spectacular. Bao's win against Wong, was, well, a win. Nothing spectacular, good basics - groundstrokes, footwork, but cannot be compared with the, to quote Gillian Clark 'authoritative' performance by Hyun Il. Hyun Il was literally bossing the reigning Olympic Champion round the court, and there was little Istora Senayan could do about it.
Guo/Xie vs. Hwang/Lee - Guo and Xie were unconvincing on Friday. Clearly rattled, clearly not comfortable and crumbling under pressure. Have not seen Hwang and Lee play, but judging by past performances, Guo and Xie will be swept under the rug in this game, if it comes that far, which I doubt.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Uber Cup FINALS Predictions
CHINA VS. INDONESIA
China obviously holds the upper hand in this match. In every department and match up, I cannot see how Indonesia can even win a point. However, I have detected that the aura of invincibility surrounding China has been dispelled, somewhat, after its scare against Netherlands and its lost to the Korean WD1. Indonesia might be able to snatch one point off China, but the chances of it taking another 2 more are very slim. I am almost sure that China will retain its Uber Cup title, but with less conviction that the last time.
Friday, May 16, 2008
LIVE COMMENTARY KOREA vs. INDONESIA
Hyun Il wins. Korea win the tie 3-0.
19-13.
17-11.
15-10. I'm calling this for Korea.
13-9.
Incredible rally. 11-7 to Hyun Il.
10-7 Korea leads.
9-7 to Hyun Il
8-7 to Hyun Il
Outrageous shot from Taufik. However, Hyun Il still leads 7-5.
6-4 to Korea.
5-3 to Korea
3-2 to Hyun Il
1-1.
Hyun Il wins 21-13.
18-13.
17-12 to Hyun Il
14-12 to Korea. Taufik finally woken up?
13-10.
13-9
13-8.
11-7. Taufik still in starting warm up mode.
11-6 interval.
10-6.
8-4 to Korea.
7-3.
Good smash from Taufik. 6-3 to Korean.
Good defense from Hyun Il. 3-2 to him
2-1 to Taufik
1-0 to Taufik
Koreans go 2-0 up. Next up: Lee Hyun Il vs. Taufik Hidayat.
21-10.
20-10.
19-10. Amazing rally.
18-10.
17-8.
16-8.
14-5.
12-4.
11-4. Indonesians in trouble.
8-4. Indonesians in trouble.
6-4 to Koreans but Indonesians are chasing hard.
5-2.
4-2
4-1
3-0 to Korea.
21-18 won.
20-18! 3 gamepoints saved!
20-15. Game point to Indonesia.
19-14. Crowd chants DUA LAGI!!
18-14 to Indonesia
17-12.
16-11. Crowd hands IN DO NE SIA!
16-10.
Indonesia in driver's seat. 15-9.
14-8. Jung being targetted.
Good pressure applied by Setiawan. 13-8.
12-8.
Finally. 11-8.
10-7. Indonesians fail to get to the mid game.
10-6.
9-5. Super smashes by Kido.
8-5. Good judgement by Yong Dae.
8-4. Wild smash by Kido.
7-2. Koreans made a lot of mistakes.
5-1.
4-1 to Markis and Hendra.
Indonesians take first point.
Koreans take first game 21-19.
20-19.
19-18
Unbelievable shot from Yong Dae. 19-17,
17all! OH MY GOD! WHAT A RALLY!
16-15 to Indonesia! What a fightback!
15all
15-14 to Koreans. Their lead is thinning.
14-12. Indonesians chasing.
13-10. Indonesians are being left behind.
11-8.
11-7 to Jung and Lee. Short exchanges so far.
9-6 to Koreans.
7-5 to Koreans.
5-4 to Koreans. Good shot by Yong Dae.
4-2 to Indonesians.
2all.
1-0 Koreans.
Next up, an enormous match: Kido/Setiawan vs. Jung/Lee.
and the crowd goes wild! With BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOs! 21-18. Park wins :P
20-18.
20-17.
19-17 to Park. Is Kuncoro fading away again?
17all! AMAZING!!! ISTORA SENAYAN IS ERUPTING!!!
17-16! JAKARTA GOES WILD!!! THE CROWD IS ON ITS FEET!
17-15! Comeback from Kuncoro.
17-12. Extraordinary rally.
16-10. Too good from Park.
15-9. Game is slipping away from Kuncoro.
14-8 to Park.
Mistake from Park gives Kuncoro reprieve. 12-7.
11-6 as we change ends. Kuncoro is going to the better end.
10-5. Park appears to be running away with it.
Impatience from Kuncoro. 8-5.
REMARKABLE RALLY! Gillian was asked: "Have you seen better?", to which the reply was ''never'. 7-5 Park leading.
Outrageous rally! Everyone thought it was over, but it was not! 6-5 Park leading.
Errors from Kuncoro make it 5-3 Park leading.
Error from Kuncoro. 3-2.
Kuncoro is on FIRE. 3-1.
Unbelievable defence from Kuncoro. 1-1.
Mishit from Kuncoro to start the game. 1-0 to Park.
Kuncoro win 21-12. Rubber game.
Kuncoro leads 19-12.
Momentum with Kuncoro again. 18-11.
Momentum with Park. 14-11.
Sequence is broken. 15-11 to Kuncoro.
14-8 to Kuncoro. Crowd are using all kinds of tactics to distract Park!
Mistake from Park. 12-8.
284kmph from Kuncoro. 12-6.
To quote Gillian Clark: 'Unbelievable'. 11-6.
11-5. Kuncoro is back. I overturn my prediction. Momentum is with Sony.
Fatal error from Park. Maybe its the crowd? 10-3.
9-3. Great smash from Kuncoro.
7-3. Kuncoro looks more settled.
Great point for Kuncoro. 5-2. Has he weathered the storm? Crowd's chants of IN! DO! NE! SIA! increase. 6-2 now.
Mistake from Park. 4-2. Glimmer of hope for the Indonesians.
Fantastic shot from Kuncoro. 3-2.
Great deception from Sony. 2-1 he leads.
My prediction is that Park will take this in 2 games. 1-1.
Misjudgdement from Park. 1-0.
Second game begins.
Park wins 21-12. Crowd is silent.
'Kuncoro is not at peace', the commentator comments. I agree. He is almost gone in this game.
Sony looks frustrated. He trails 17-10.
Park is on top of his game. He leads 13-10.
Park leads 11-10
Incredible shot by Kuncoro. He leads 10-9.
9-7 Korea in front.
Park complains about the flash photography used.
Korean Park leads 7-6 against Sony Dwi Kuncoro.
CHINA vs. MALAYSIA LIVE COMMENTARY
Watch this space for minutely updates on the exciting China vs. Malaysia Thomas Cup match!
CHINA WINS THE TIE 3-2.
Thank you for staying with us. Stay tuned for more Thomas Cup news.
There will be live commentary for the Korea vs. Indonesian semifinals.
Its over. 21-16.
20-16.
18-13.
17-13.
16-13 to Chen.
Chen Jin now leads 14-13.
13-12. Hafiz with slim lead.
13-10! Keep fighting!
Hafiz leads 12-10.
Service fault. 11-8.
11-7. Hafiz leads at the interval.
10-7! Hafiz is on a roll! Keep it up!
Make that 9-7.
Hafiz leads 8-7.
Levels 7all!
7-6 to China...
Hafiz wins an amazing rally, but is still behind. 7-5.
Chen Jin leads 6-4.
Chen Jin levels 4-4.
4-2.
Hafiz leads 3-2.
Hafiz levels 2all.
Chen Jin leads 2-1.
Chen Jin wins first game 21-12.
19-11.
17-11. Hafiz appears to be giving up the first game.
14-11 to China.
13-10.
13-9. Mistake after mistake from Hafiz.
11-9 to Chen Jin at interval.
8-7 to Malaysia.
7all.
7-6 to Hafiz.
6-5 to Hafiz.
5-3. Crowd chanting HAFIZ! HAFIZ! HAFIZ!
4-3 to Hafiz.
3all.
3-1 to Hafiz. COME ON!!!
2-0 to Hashim.
Cracking first point for Hashim. 1-0.
Do we dare to dream for a win?
Hafiz Hashim vs. Chen Jin. Can Hafiz actually pull it off???
MALAYSIA ARE TIED AT 2-2.
MALAYSIA WINS 21-15!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brilliant drop for matchpoint! 20-13!!!!
19-12. Guo made an error.
18-12.
17-11. OK I am never calling anything for Malaysia anymore :)
Uh oh 16-11. I am reversing my call. I seem to be jinxing them.
16-8. What an error from Xie!
15-7. I am calling this for Malaysia.
14-7. Fabulous.
13-5!
Chinese look demoralised. 12-5.
And its another point! 12-4 Malaysia!
Chinese camp is worried.
Malaysians are on top! 11-4!
10-4. Stunning.
China with more delaying tactics! Very unprofessional.
9-4.
Guo with more delaying tactics. 8-4. China is getting on my nerves again.
8-2!
7-2! THEY ARE ON FIRE!!!
6-1!
5-1! Malaysians full of confidence. Great aggression!
MALAYSIANS ABSOLUTELY ON FIRE! 4-0!
3-0.
Malaysians on fire. 2-0.
Great serve. 1-0.
Second game begins.
MALAYSIA HAVE IT NOW!!!! 21-17!
Chinese are resorting to more cheap tactics. Gamepoint for Malaysia.
Extraordinary point. 19-16. You know its good when Rexy leaps out of his chair.
Crowd turns against China. 18-16.
Cheap unnerving tactic by Chinese works. 17-16.
Crowd is booing Chinese.
17-15.
Cheap and dirty delaying tactic by Guo. Shame!
17-13! Dare we believe?
16-13. Good shot by Fairuz.
15-12. Well left from Malaysia.
14-11. 5 in a roll.
13-11. Malaysians on a roll.
12-11. Malaysia snatch back the lead.
11-10.
11-9. China in the lead.
10-9 to China.
8-8.
7-5. Zakry very intimidating!
6-4 to Malaysia.
5-3. Good leave from Malaysians.
4-3.
4-1!
3-1. Malaysians are very confident.
2-1 Malaysians.
1-1. What a hit!
1-0 to China.
Players are warming up.
Next up, Xie Zhongbo/Guo Zhengdong vs. Zakry/Fairuz
China go 2-1 up.
21-7. Bao wins.
Matchpoint 20-7.
18-7.
17-7.
14-7. Wong in deep trouble.
13-6.
11-5. Wong in trouble.
10-5.
9-5.
DAMN! WHAT A MISS!!! 8-5.
7-5 to Bao.
6-5 to Bao.
5-5. Wong puts it too long.
5-4 to Wong!
4-4.
4-3 to Bao, killing a shuttlecock in the process.
3-2 to Bao.
2-2.
Wong overdid a netshot. 2-1.
2-0. WHAT A RALLY!
Fabulous from Wong. 1-0.
21-18 to Bao.
20-18!
20-17. What a rally!
20-16 to Bao.
19-16.
Wild shot from Bao. 17-16.
17-15 to China.
16-15.
15-14.
15-13. Cross court smash by Wong.
15-12.
15-11.
14-11.
14-10. Mistake from Wong.
13-10.
Exquisite smash. 12-9.
12-8.
12-7. 7 straight points from Bao.
11-7 to Bao. Interval.
10-7 to Bao.
7all. Power game from Bao.
7-5 to Wong.
Showcase of defence from Wong. 6-5 to Wong.
5-5. Great touch from Wong
5-4. Mistake from Bao.
5-3. Incredible angle from Wong.
Choong Hann nets a few. 5-2 China
Well left from Choong Hann. 2all.
Smooth from Choong Hann. 1all.
Smash by Bao. 1-0.
I am also reminded of the 2002 semifinals. Bao was exactly in the same position and he faltered.
Crowd chant WONG! CHOONG! HANN!
It is not impossible for Choong Hann to pull this off!
And just as a reminder. Foo Kok Keong did win. Will Bao Chunlai crumble like Allan Budi Kusuma?
I am reminded of the 1992 finals of Indonesia vs. Malaysia. Wong Choong Hann has exactly the same role as Foo Kok Keong to play.
Chinese win 21-17.
19-17. Malaysians in trouble.
Chinese lead 18-17. Uh oh...
...promptly leveled. 17all.
Chinese lead 17-16.
Cai and Fu level 16all.
Malaysians regain lead at the business end of the game. 16-15.
They level 15 all.
15-14. Malaysians have to hold their nerve.
15-13 to China.
Chinese lead 14-13.
Chinese lead 13-12.
12-10.
Malaysians lead 11-9 at the interval.
Malaysian boys lead 10-8.
8-7.
8-6 to Malaysia.
Make that 7-5.
6-5 Malaysians.
Leveled at 5all.
5-3 to the Malaysians.
4-2. Nice play from Koo.
They take lead. 3-2.
Malaysians level 2-2.
2-0 to Chinese.
Second game starts.
Tan Boon Heong made several crucial mistakes.
Koo Kien Keat looks nervous.
21-16 to Cai and Fu.
Two saved 20-17.
One saved. 20-16.
Cai and Fu at matchpoint. 20-15.
Crowd chants Koo Kien Keat! Tan Boon Heong! 18-14.
17-13. Fabulous rally.
17-12.
17-11.
Drift problems emerging. 15-11.
14-11.
Aggression from Koo. 13-10.
11-9. Good leave by Boon Heong.
11-8 interval.
10-8.
10-5. Koo/Tan in trouble.
Chinese lead 8-5.
Cai Yun has shoulder injury.
Cai/Fu leads 3-1.
Cai Yun to serve.
Players are warming up on court now.
Next up, Koo/Tan vs. Cai/Fu.
If Koo and Tan pull this off, it will be perfect!
One word. STUNNING!!!
An EXTRAORDINARY EXTRAORDINARY EFFORT FROM LEE CHONG WEI!!!! COME ON!!!!
21-14!
Its 20-14!!!
Chong Wei is ABSOLUTELY ON FIRE!!! 19-14!
Stunning! 18-14!
Tense tense game. Chong Wei will make history if he wins.
Chong Wei is in control. 17-13 leading.
Its 16-12! Lee Chong Wei is on top of the world!
15-12!
Frusration from Lin. 14-12.
Lee leads 13-12.
Best rally to date. 12all.
12-11 to Lin.
11all. Lin Dan is rattled. Very rattled.
Crowd going MALAYSIA, BOLEH!!!
Mistake from Lee. 11-10 to Lin.
10-10.
Lin Dan is CLEARLY rattled. 10-8.
Lee takes the lead for the first time. 9-8.
8all.
8-7.
8-6 to Lin.
6-6. Mistake from Lin.
GREAT ONE DOWN THE LINE! 6-5.
6-4. Deception from Lee.
A big miss from Lin. 6-3.
Lee overdid it. 5-2.
4-2.
Amazing deception from Lee 3-2.
3-1 to Lin Dan. Lee has to keep up.
Lin Dan pulls in 2 good shots to lead 2-0
Second game begins.
21-12. Lee take first game. Crowd goes wild!
20-12.
19-12.
19-9
17-8!
Amazing shot. 16-8.
15-8. Lee should take this.
14-7 to Lee.
Dodgy line calls to give Lin Dan respite. 13-6 to Lee.
Crowd chants LEE. CHONG. WEI!
Chong Wei leads 11-5 in the interval.
Chong Wei leads 9-3. Lin is rattled.
We are back. Lee leading 8-1.
Lee and Lin are on court. Warming up.
We have a slight delay in the proceedings. Please stay tuned.
Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan are about to walk out on the courts.
Music is playing in the background. The crowd is ready.
I think the purpose of resting Choong and Lee is to allow Koo and Tan to play Cai and Fu... I am not so sure of Zakry and Fairuzizuan though...
Interesting... Choong and Lee are rested.
Looks like the mixing of players against Japan was a false alarm for China.
Interesting lineup from the Malaysians
Lin Dan vs Lee Chong Wei
Cai/Fu vs Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong
Bao Chunlai vs. Wong Choong Hann
Guo/Xie vs Zakry/Fairuz
Chen Jin vs Hafiz
Stay tuned. When the players are released I will start the live commentary.
This match will start in 30 minutes. (2pm MALAYSIA TIME 1pm JAKARTA TIME)
Thomas Cup Semifinals Predictions
China vs. Malaysia
Will the great wall crack? The route to victory for the Malaysian team is winning both the MD and snatching one of the singles. The most reliable singles will be MS1, Lee Chong Wei. However, both Wong Choong Hann and Hafiz Hashim have a chance to upset their opponents. This certainly will be one of the, if not the most anticipated match of the whole tournament, and I am already salivating thinking about it!
Indonesia vs. Korea
After Korea survived a scare against Denmark, they will now face the Indonesian team and the wrath of Istora Senayan. When Gillian Clark called Istora Senayan the heartland of badminton, I wholeheartedly agreed: You don't become a great player unless you beat the Istora Senayan crowd. The numerous oohs and ahhs and boos is enough to turn any player to jelly. Back to the tie, I think Indonesia will win MS1 and MS3, while the others are effectively swing matches. I am extremely inclined to give it to Indonesia, as they have both depth and talent. And of course they have the crowd.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Uber Cup Semifinals Predictions
The excitement of the Uber Cup has largely died down for the Malaysian fans. However, we still have a Thomas Cup team in tomorrow's Thomas Cup semifinals.
China vs. Korea
I think China's fright yesterday did more harm than good to the Koreans. I am still in shock as to how close the match actually was. Judith was 2 points from creating the biggest upset in the history of the Uber Cup! I seriously, cannot believe how close it was! However, I think China has now bucked up, and backed by their ever reliable doubles pairings, will be back on track. I just wished I was there to see Li Yongbo's face though :D. To win, Korea has to strike the vulnerability of the Chinese WS players, if there is any. However, my believe is that after yesterday's scare, China will be more alert.
Germany vs. Indonesia
This is a tricky matchup. Germany yesterday claimed revenge against Denmark for its defeat in the European Championships, where it won in a surprising scoreline of 3-0, although most of the matches were extremely tight. Indonesia, on the other hand, claimed an impressive victory against Hong Kong yesterday, and will be bursting with confidence. Indonesia will be banking on their doubles, while Germany will be banking on Tine and Julianne. 3-2 to Indonesia, or 2-3 to Germany, depending on whether the Indonesian doubles pairings collapse.
Stay tuned for news on the Thomas and Uber Cup!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Live Commentary UBER CUP KOREA VS. MALAYSIA
Watch this space for live commentary on the Korea vs. Malaysia Uber Cup tie!
Korea wins the tie 3-0
JOIN US TOMORROW FOR MORE LIVE COMMENTARY!!!
Korea won the second game 21-16.
Chin and Ng are extremely coordinated and are fighting in the match of their lives. They might be behind but their chances of winning are high!
Malaysians dare to hope now. C'mon CHIN AND NG!!!
First game won by Chin and Ng 21-17. Malaysians are now praying that they can win.
Good start! Lets go girls! Beat the Koreans!
This pair appears to be more coordinated and calm. C'mon girls!!!
Go ALL OUT! EEI HUI AND HUI LIN!!!
Chin Eei Hui/Ng Hui Lin need to win for Malaysia to stay in this tie. Bigger miracles have occurred before.
Julia loses 21-14 21-13. Malaysia are in deep sh*t. They have to win all remaining matches.
Julia is crumbling.
C'mon Julia! Don't crumble!
Malaysia has little chance of winning this tie if Julia does not win this match.
Julia loses first game 21-14. Malaysia in trouble.
Julia finding her rhythm somewhat.
Nervous start by Julia.
Koreans win 21-13 21-4.
Prepare for the next match: Lee Yun Hwa vs. Julia Wong.
Malaysians, prepare to be dissapointed. The Koreans WD are too good. I don't expect the WD2 to win either.
Koreans look too good.
Koreans win first game 21-13.
Yao Jie defeated Xie Xingfang! Senayan Stadium is working its magic!
Malaysians chasing.
Malaysians struggling to settle in.
Names being announced.
Next up, Pek Siah/Pei Tty against another Korean scratch pair.
Mew Choo only needs one. She wins 21-16 21-5.
Fifteen matchpoints. 20-5.
18-5.
17-4! EXTRAORDINARY!
16-5. Mew Choo is all but the winner.
15-4 to Mew Choo
13-2!
11-2 interval.
Its all Mew Choo now. 10-2.
Mew Choo in driver's seat. 7-2.
Mew Choo leads 6-1.
Mew Choo leads 3-0.
Mew Choo takes first set 21-16.
Mew Choo extends to 19-15.
Mew Choo leading 17-15.
15-14. Mew Choo in driver seat
Mew Choo levels at 13all!
13-12. Come on!
13-10. A chase perhaps?
13-8. Mew Choo in trouble.
12-7. A classic chase?
12-6. Mew Choo has to start to chase!
Seems like Mew Choo always have trouble against Hye Youn. 11-5 to her at mid game interval.
10-4 to Hye Youn. Mew Choo has to buck up!
8-4. Mew Choo fighting back.
8-2 to Koreans.
Mew Choo looks unsettled. 5-1 to Hye Youn.
Koreans leading 3-1.
Mew Choo vs. Hye Youn. 1-1.
Players are on court now.
Malaysian Uber Cup Lineup Against Korea
Wong Mew Choo vs. Hwan Hye Youn
Wong Pei Tty/Lim Pek Siah vs. Lee Hyo Jung/Kim Kyung Min
Julia Wong vs. Lee Yun Hwa
Chin Eei Hui/Ng Hui Lin vs. Lee Kyung Won/Ha Jung Eun
Lydia Cheah vs. Bae Youn Joo
Malaysia's chances lie in Mew Choo, Julia, and Lydia. The doubles pairings look too strong to me.
LIVE COMMENTARY MALAYSIA VS. JAPAN
LIVE COMMENTARY (Most recent post displayed first)
MALAYSIA WIN THE TIE 3-0!
Join us later tonight for the Uber Cup live commentary at 8pm Malaysian time!
Choong Hann beats Tago 21-13 21-18.
7-6 to the Japanese youngster.
4-4.
Leveled 2-2.
Tago leads 2-1 in second game.
Choong Hann takes first game at 21-13.
Matchpoint to Choong Hann at 20-11.
18-10.
Make that 17-9.
Choong Hann looks to wrap up the first game. 16-9.
Choong Hann races to a 14-9 lead.
12-9.
Choong Hann leads 11-9 at first mid game interval.
Choong Hann has to be careful of Tago. Very young and aggressive. Just like Taufik when he was younger... Some call him the 'little Taufik.' Choong Hann leads 9-5.
Choong Hann races to 7-4.
4-4.
Choong Hann snatches back the lead. 3-2.
2-1 to Tago.
Japan up 2-0.
Next up Wong Choong Hann vs. Kenichi Tago.
Koo Kien Keat and Choong Tan Fook win 21-13 21-11 to bring Malaysia 2-0 up against Japan.
Matchpoint 20-10.
17-9. A fightback from the Japanese is unlikely.
17-8.
16-8. Just 5 more points now.
15-8 to Malaysians.
We lead 14-8. Will probably wrap it up. Next match Wong Choong Hann vs. Japanese youngster Kenichi Tago.
Malaysians lead 13-8.
We lead 11-5 during the second game interval.
Malaysians continue their dominance. 8-4.
Leading 6-3.
Malaysians lead 5-1
Make that 4-0
We lead 3-0.
Malaysian take first point in the second set.
Malaysians take first set 21-13.
Tan Fook and Wan Wah have an inability to close up a game. I think this is important in the splitting of the pairings too. Malaysians leading 19-13.
17-13. Should be able to wrap this set up.
Leading 16-12
In addition, I think it is because Tan Fook/Wan Wah's game are becoming too predictable. I also think Tan Fook/Wan Wah's lost to the Koreans on Sunday warranted a switch.
Leading 15-11.
I think the Malaysian team split the doubles pairings to confuse China tomorrow... Good move!
Malaysian pair leading 13-9.
Full lineup:
Lee Chong Wei
Wong Choong Hann
Hafiz Hashim
Kien Keat/Tan Fook
Boon Heong/Zakry
Notice the doubles are split.
Kien Keat/Tan Fook leading 11-8 at interval.
Just noticed the surprise combination. Choong Tan Fook/Koo Kien Keat vs. Ikeda/Sakamoto as MD1. Currently leading 9-8.
Lee Chong Wei has won his game against Shoji Sato 21-10 21-16.
Thomas and Uber Cup Quarterfinals Predictions
Thomas Cup
China vs. Thailand
Unless Boonsak Ponsana is able to beat Lin Dan, I don't think Thailand will be able to claim a tie off China. 3-0 China.
Malaysia vs. Japan
Similarly, I don't think Japan will be able to claim a tie off Malaysia. 3-0 to Malaysia.
Korea vs. Denmark
My gut instinct tells me that Korea holds the upper hand, but their strength mainly lies in its doubles combinations. The question is, can Park Sung Hwan and Lee Hyun Il beat Kenneth Jonassen and Peter Gade? 3-2 to Korea, as they have a relatively strong 3rd MS to fall back on.
England vs. Indonesia
England is lucky to get so far, and we have Korea to blame for this. Indonesia to win 3-0, hands down.
Uber Cup
Germany vs. Denmark
A close match. Key match will be Xu vs. Tine. Whoever wins this tie will probably win this. 3-2 to Denmark.
Hong Kong vs. Indonesia
3-0 or 3-1 to Indonesia depending whether Yip Pui Yin is able to steal a game off Indonesia.
China vs. Netherlands
3-0 to China.
Korea vs. Malaysia
I expect Malaysia to field its broken up combinations and place Pek Siah/Pei Tty at the second doubles for a point. If Mew Choo can beat Hye Youn and Julia can beat Yun Hwa, then we will be set.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
LIVE STREAMING FROM 14TH MAY ONWARDS
TransTV will be streaming all Indonesian related matches. These allow you to stream TransTV:
http://kulidollar.org/transtv/
http://billitonbistro.com/tv.html
http://www.dennyshotspot.com/
http://www.abiyyu.com/trans.htm
TV3 will be broadcasting it. To stream go here:
www.tv3.com.my
RTM will be streaming the following:
16 May (Fri). RTM 1 will show from 2 pm to 6 pm Msia time.
17 May (Sat), RTM 1 will show delayed Uber Finals starting 11.30 pm
18 May(Sun), RTM 1 will show LIVE Thomas Cup Finals, 9 pm onwards
Go to rtm.net.my to stream.
CCTV5 will be streaming at the following times:
5月14日(星期三) 15：00--17：40 2008年汤姆斯杯尤伯杯羽毛球赛汤姆斯杯1/4决赛
5月15日(星期四) 14：00--17：40 2008年汤姆斯杯尤伯杯羽毛球赛尤伯杯半决赛
5月16日(星期五) 14：00--18：00 2008年汤姆斯杯尤伯杯羽毛球赛汤姆斯杯半决赛
5月16日(星期五) 19：30--00：00 2008年汤姆斯杯尤伯杯羽毛球赛汤姆斯杯半决赛
5月17日(星期六) 19：00--00：00 2008年汤姆斯杯尤伯杯羽毛球赛尤伯杯决赛
5月18日(星期日) 19：30--00：07 2008年汤姆斯杯尤伯杯羽毛球赛汤姆斯杯决赛
To watch CCTV5 go to www.sopcast.com or tvants.com and download the software for P2P watching.
LIVE COMMENTARY - UBER CUP JAPAN VS. MALAYSIA
1:16pm
Malaysians split their pairings... Time will tell whether that was wise. Japan dropped Kaori.
WS1: Wong Mew Choo vs. Eriko
WD1: Satoko/Miyuki vs. Wong Pei Tty/Lim Pek Siah
WS2: Julia Wong vs Yu Hirayama
WD2: Reiko/Tomomi vs Chin Eei Hui/Ng Hui Lin
WS3: Kaori Imabeppu vs Lydia Cheah
1:57pm
Mew Choo wins 21-14 21-18. Yay.
2:48pm
Wong Pei Tty and Lim Pek Siah have won 21-15 21-18 to bring Malaysia 2-0 up against Japan.
3:57pm
Julia Wong beats the more experienced Yu Hirayama 21-15 10-21 21-19.
They face the powerful Korean team tomorrow.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TODAY. PLEASE JOIN US TOMORROW FOR MORE COMMENTARY ON THE THOMAS AND UBER CUP.
Thomas and Uber Cup DAY 3 PREDICTIONS
The playoffs begin!
UBER CUP
Malaysia vs. Japan
Japan is seeded higher than Malaysia, rightfully so. For Malaysia to win this tie, it is imperative that Malaysia wins WS1 and WD1. Malaysia then has to find one other win from the other ties, which will prove to be hard. Japan holds the upper hand, but I hope for an upset.
New Zealand vs. Netherlands
Netherlands clearly holds the upper hand here. With Yao Jie and Judith, they are one of the more powerful second tier teams.
THOMAS CUP
Japan vs. Germany
Japan holds the upper hand here, but Zwiebler and the two MD pairs can potentially upset Japan. However, I still think Japan should win convincingly at 5-0.
New Zealand vs. Thailand
Thailand holds the upper hand. Don't see how the Kiwis are going to win.
Korea vs. Canada
Korea clearly going to win. They have been rewarded with an easy draw for their tricks.
A more exciting day beckons tomorrow!
Monday, May 12, 2008
MALAYSIA VS. KOREA
PREVIOUS UPDATES CLEARED.
LEE CHONG WEI BEAT SHON SEUNG MO 21-14 21-14
CHOONG HANN WINS 21-14 21-10.
CHOONG AND LEE LOSE 22-20 10-21 16-21.
HAFIZ WINS 21-5 21-11.
KOO AND TAN WIN 23-21 21-19
MALAYSIA WIN THE TIE 4-1.
Another farce lineup from Korea. They are really starting to get on my nerves.
Lee Chong Wei vs. Shon Seung Mo
I expected more from Korea.
Wong Choong Hann vs. Hong Ji Hoon
Don't make me laugh.
Hafiz Hashim vs. Hwang Ji Man
What a farce.
Choong/Lee vs. Jung Jae Sung/Lee Jae Jin
At least this pairing is decent.
Koo/Tan vs. Ji Hoon/Yong Dae
Isn't it enough that you manipulated the rules this afternoon? Now you want to disgrace the sport even more?
Shame on you. The last time someone did this (throwing a match) was Indonesia in 1992. Karma will get back to you. It sure did get back to Indonesia in 1992.
MALAYSIA VS. DENMARK
UPDATE1: MEW CHOO HAS JUST TAKEN 9 STRAIGHT POINTS TO GO FROM 12-19 to 21-19 TO CLINCH THE FIRST SET! AMAZING!
UPDATE2: UNFORTUNATELY, MEW CHOO LOST TO TINE IN THREE SETS: 19-21 21-19 21-14.
UPDATE3: THE MALAYSIAN GIRLS (CHIN AND WONG) HAVE TAKEN THE FIRST SET 22-20.
UPDATE 4: MEANWHILE, THE INDONESIAN MD1 MARKIS AND HENDRA HAVE WON THEIR MATCH (18-21 21-12 21-7) TO GO 2-0.
UPDATE 5: THE MALAYSIAN WD1 (CHIN AND WONG) HAVE WON THEIR MATCH 22-20 21-16 TO BRING MALAYSIA 1-1. NEXT IS JULIA WONG VS. NANA. A MUST WIN FOR MALAYSIA.
UPDATE 6: JULIA WONG LOST AN EXTREMELY CLOSE MATCH: 21-13 19-21 19-21. MALAYSIA'S CHANCES ARE GREATLY REDUCED - THEY HAVE TO WIN THE REMAINING MATCHES.
UPDATE 7: MALAYSIA HAS LOST THE TIE. PEK SIAH AND HUI LIN HAVE LOST 18-21 18-21.
The Uber Cup MATCH OF THE DAY!
Wong Mew Choo vs. Tine Rasmussen
The crucial tie. The winner of this tie is probably going to decide the outcome of this match.
Chin Eei Hui/Wong Pei Tty vs. Juhl/Ropke
The Malaysians obviously hold the upper hand in this tie, and should have no problem. Juhl is a good mixed doubles player, but I haven't seen her play WD much.
Julia Wong vs. Nana
Another very crucial tie. Both are not well known, but I would give the upper hand to Julia.
Pek Siah/Hui Lin vs. Pedersen/Kristensen
Pek Siah and Hui Lin hold the upper hand in this match. However, I do not know much about this Danish pairing. However, the experience of the Malaysians should see them through.
Lydia Cheah vs. Camillia Sorensen
The Danish girl holds the upper hand.
Hence, it will be 3-2 either way, depending on the outcome of the first match.
Korea Throws Match
Lets look at Korea's lineup against England:
MS1: Hong Ji Hoon
MD1: Lee Yong Dae/Shon Seung Mo
MS2: Lee Jae Jin
MD2: Park Sung Hwan/Lee Jae Jin
MS3: Hwang Ji Man
What a farce!
However, I do not blame Korea. If I were put in that position, I probably would do the same thing. I would put the blame on the BWF for its ridiculous rules.
Winning the group does not give anybody much of an advantage anymore. Coming last in the group does not incur much penalty.
The BWF should seriously look into the Thomas Cup rules and groupings and improve it. Otherwise, matches will be thrown in the future just like this.
I pity the Senayan crowd... I hope they are expressing their displeasure. I certainly am!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Malaysian Team Day 1 Analysis
THOMAS CUP (At the time this report is being written, Hafiz Hashim has not finished his game)
One word -unconvincing.
This was meant to be an easy warm up match, with the absence of top English players. Furthermore, England is currently not regarded as a badminton powerhouse. However, even though none of the team lost a game, all players except Koo and Tan were severely tested and were behind at times.
If Malaysia wants to be able to beat the likes of China and Indonesia, they have to improve their play and buck up! Even though it might be still too early to tell, we are not seeing the convincing form required to win the Thomas Cup.
Lets just hope the players have not really gotten into the mood of the Thomas Cup and are still warming up. If they want to even think of winning tomorrow against Korea, they have to play much better than today.
UBER CUP
The Uber Cup team was a little more convincing, except for a brief period where Wong Mew Choo was behind, never looked threatened by the Kiwis. This is understandable, as the New Zealand Uber Cup team is underfunded.
Lets hope all of the Uber Cup players maintain, or even improve their form.
Good luck to all players!
Stay tuned for more news from The Badminton Blog
Uber Cup MATCH OF THE DAY
Japan vs. Indonesia. Who will prevail?
WS1: Eriko Hirose vs Maria Kristin
Eriko will probably take this match.
WD1: Satoko Suetsuna/Miyuki Maeda vs Vita Marissa/Lilyana Natsir
Must win match for Indonesians.
WS2: Yu Hirayama vs Adriyanti Firdasari
A possible point for Indonesia. Maybe the Senayan Stadium can spur the Indonesians into victory.
WD2: Reiko Shiota/Tomomi Matsuda vs Jo Novita/Greysia Polii
Must win for Indonesia
WS3: Kaori Mori vs Pia Zebadiah
Kaori to win.
What do YOU think?
Thomas and Uber Cup Predictions Day 1
Very hasty predictions made one hour before the matches start :).
Thomas Cup
Group D : Germany vs Thailand (court 1)
Thailand to win MS1, MS2 while Germany to win MS3 and MD1. Swing match is MD2. Very hard to make predictions lah... I don't know who is playing who.
Group A : China vs Nigeria (court 2)
Poor Nigeria. China to field C team and win 5:0. Expect Cai Yun to play singles ;).
Group C : Denmark vs New Zealand (court 1)
Denmark clear favorites, but they don't have depth. New Zealand can try to pull off a tie, but Denmark to win either 5-0 or 4-1.
Group B : Malaysia vs England (court 2)
Malaysia most probably will win 5:0. Will not field full team.
Group A : Canada vs Nigeria (court 1)
Why must Nigeria be punished twice in a day? 5-0 to Canada.
Group D : Indonesia vs Thailand (court 2)
Interesting... Indonesia probably will win, either 5-0 or 4-1. Depends if Boonsak can beat Sony or Taufik.
Uber Cup
Group W : China vs USA (court 3)
China to field B team and win 5-0.
Group Y : Malaysia vs New Zealand (court 4)
Malaysia to win 5-0. Unless the lower ties can pull off a win, but impossible for New Zealand to win the whole tie.
Group Z : Japan vs Netherlands (court 2)
Since Mia Audina is gone, the match will be more balanced. Japan to snitch it 3-2.
Group X : South Korea vs South Africa (court 4)
South Korea to win 5-0, no question. Might field B team. African teams are becoming the whipping boys of badminton... :(
Group Y : Denmark vs New Zealand (court 3)
Denmark to win 5-0.
Group W : Germany vs USA (court 4)
Germany to win, but by 5-0 or 4-1.
