Badminton Tournament - Denmark Open

OUR GIRLS CRACK THE GREAT WALL!!!

Chin Eei Hui and Wong Pei Tty. From zero to hero.

Beating the renouned pair of Zhang Yawen and Wei Yili, who's credentials go from World Number 1 to World Championships Silver Medalists, Chin and Wong have sounded a warning bell to Li Yongbo's girls that clearly ring: Beware, you will be next!

Indeed, although we would have liked Chin and Wong to win this match, no one ever thought that they could actually pull off beating the reigning world number 1. Chin and Wong appear to be resurfacing from a slump in their career, and are ready to achieve greater and higher heights. However, it will be shortsighted of me to declare too much too early. Although they have beaten the current world number 1, if this result were to be emulated in later rounds, then Malaysia's position as badminton powerhouse can only be reinforced further after our fairly successful outing in Macau.

Suffering from a defeat in the second set after silencing critiques that claimed that they were weak mentally when they won the first set after a deuce , Chin and Wong were behind in the interval in the third set. However, when the scores were tied at 14-14, Chin and Wong had enough. They were going to win. They were going to tell the world and for that matter, China, that THEY WERE BACK! They raced to a speedy victory after that, brushing aside the Chinese as though they were just another pair, as though Chin and Wong were against some unknown. They were in a different class to the Chinese world number ones, and they cracked the Great Wall of China with ease.

This certainly represents a breakthrough for Malaysian Women's Doubles badminton, as Chin and Wong have not been really a threat lately. But after this, players will approach them with more respect. Chin and Wong are one of the best Women Doubles shuttlers in the world, and they have made it known today.

Zhao Tingting and Yu Yang.... you're next!!!

MALAYSIA BOLEH!!!

Badminton Tournament - Macau Open

Winners Koo and Tan clinch another title while gallant tigers Choong and Lee put up brilliant exhibition of Men's Double's badminton at its best

Its time for Malaysia to start dominating Men's Doubles badminton again. After the brilliant performance by all 4 players, I can confidently say that this, is Men's Doubles badminton at its best.

The solid defense and offensive skills exhibited by all 4 players on court today stunned many stubborn critics of Malaysian badminton. Koo and Tan exhibited such brilliance in the way they defended each point; Koo even injured himself in the process. Some may condemn it and call it a stunt, but I believe this represents the ultimate epitome of the dedication to the sport... only one who plays the sport with all his heart, can truly claim to be a true sportsmen, and I believe Koo and Tan today, with their fighting spirit, and their never die attitude when faced with 3 match points for the veterans, have shown the world. Kudos to Koo and Tan. Malaysia is proud of them, and will always be behind you!

Choong and Lee on the other hand, although losers of the tightly contested final, deserve a special mention. The manner in which Choong and Lee kept up with the pace of the young Koo and Tan is simply breathtaking. The ways that Choong and Lee used to cope with such fast exchanges was just admirable. No one expected these pair of old hands to put up such a fight, such a brilliant display of badminton. Indeed, in my opinion, on another day, Choong and Lee would have won the game. It is unfortunate that the game had a loser, because I felt that the performance by all four players deserve to be rewarded, and all of them deserve to be winners.

Such good performance by Malaysia in Macau Open certainly brighten Malaysia's prospects in the 2008 Thomas Cup and Olympic Games. It now remains to see whether these pairs can keep up the good work and continue consistently sweeping titles for Malaysia.

As always,
MALAYSIA BOLEH!

Badminton Tournament - Macau Open

all hear the roar of the Harimau... Malaysia claims top spot in Men's Doubles ahead of the finals!

With the surprising but not unexpected annihilation of top seed Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng, Choong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah join teammates Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong in the finals of the Macau Open. This is obviously a very encouraging result for Malaysian badminton, as it is not often we see the Men's Doubles disciplines being dominated to such an extent by one country. Indeed, the only other Men's Doubles tournament this year that had it's finals being contested by competitors of the same country was the Korean Open, and the standard of this GP GOLD event far outweighs the prestige of other more highly regarded tournaments; as all top players, (with the notable exception of Tony Gunawan and Candra Wijaya) competed, and had all the reason to do well; this tournament not only provides valuable ranking points for the Olympics, but it also might very well determine who is the new world number 1.

An added bonus to such encouraging results is the fact that Rexy Mainaky, the highly regarded and respected coach of the Malaysian Men's Doubles, was not present to give valuable tips and advice. This only proves one thing - that Malaysian badminton is becoming more independent. Even with the absence of Rexy Mainaky, the finals of a top grade tournament is still dominated by Malaysia - testimonial to the strength of Malaysian badminton. With the presence of coach Rexy, one does fantasize what higher heights Malaysian Doubles can achieve.

It would be unfair to not mention the success of other pairs in this still ongoing tournament. Special credit to Gan Teik Chai and Lin Woon Fui, who came agonizingly close to defeat the reigning world number 1 and world champions, and the Malaysian juniors Khoo and Latif, who got beaten in the Quarter Finals by big brothers Choong and Lee. All these reflects the immense depth Malaysian badminton has, and clearly shows that Malaysia has a bright future in badminton.

In addition to this, it has to be mentioned that without the help of Rexy, these doubles shuttlers have managed to dig their way out of many troubled waters; Choong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah managed to save a match point and go into deuce, eventually winning the first set against Fu and Cai. This will silence many critics who theorize and accuse Malaysian shuttlers of having low mental strength.

Finally, this post would not be complete without the mention of Wong Choong Hann, who fought gallantly through his injury only to succumb to the fresh Chen Jin. He fought through his injury, refusing to give up even when the odds were stacked against him. This, together with the successes of the Malaysian Doubles, will be the Roar of the Harimau in next year's Thomas Cup and Olympic Games.

It now remains to be seen if Malaysian badminton has consistency: can Malaysia retain this scintillating form into the next few tournaments, and show the world that Malaysian, is indeed a powerhouse in badminton?

As always,
Malaysia Boleh!

Badminton Tournament - Macao Open

Spent force?
Inconsistent?
Should be split up?

You've gotta be kidding. These were the comments Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong were receiving just last week. But the manner in which this pair defeated, I'm sorry, demolished their opponents, the current world number 1 and reigning World Champions Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan obviously begs to differ. Boon Heong and Kien Keat never looks threatened or pushed at all. Who's the inconsistent spent force now?

The reigning World Champions and world number 1 could do nothing. They were toyed around, and Kien Keat and Boon Heong dictated the pace all throughout the game. This certainly does augur well for tomorrow's final, possibly against former world champions Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng. Phase 2 of Malaysian badminton rejuvenation has just been completed. If Lee Wan Wah and Choong Tan Fook are able to defeat Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng... I would confidently declare Malaysia as the new badminton men's doubles powerhouse.

Inconsistent spent force? Should be split up? Now who's the laughing one?

Badminton Tournament - Macau Open

Can the Malaysians continue their gallant assault on this tournament?

The Quarter Finals of the still ongoing Macau Open have spelled nothing but good results for the future of Malaysian badminton. With the triumph of the Malaysian Juniors, particularly Chung Chiat Khoo and Mohd Razif Abdul Latif, who deserve a mention for defeating more experienced Japan Open runners up Alvent Yulianto and Luluk Hadianto, this certainly signals great things for Malaysian badminton. As previously mentioned, all the Malaysian juniors that lost to more experienced players did so respectably, with respectable scores, instead of the usual expected trashing. This certainly shows that Malaysian not only has great talent for its future, but it also signifies the readiness of the juniors in their next assignment - the World Junior Championships.
Indeed, it would appear that the only 'major' casualty in today's quarter finals is the loss of Roslin Hashim to 2005 World Champion Taufik Hidayat. However, Roslin deserves credit for putting up a great fight, but eventually succumbing to the pressure of the great Taufik. Major credit to Wong Choong Hann, who defied all odds to carry on Malaysia's challenge in Men's Singles, by upsetting the more fancied (both in terms of skills and the number of female fans) Bao Chunlai. This directly reminds me of the 2002 Thomas Cup semifinals, where the Malaysian Singles players fought with everything they had to proceed to the finals; and indeed the irony being that the previously unheard of Hafiz Hashim defeated Bao Chunlai in the second singles, a crucial turning point of the tie.

However, it would be too boisterous of me to claim that Malaysia is now the new badminton powerhouse. At the risk of contradicting myself, I would like to see Malaysia perform in the later stages of this tournament, and all other tournaments for this matter, before I consider Malaysia as the new badminton powerhouse. China's golden boy Lin Dan did not participate in this tournament, which certainly lowered the odds; however, one could reason that Malaysian ace Lee Chong Wei too, did not participate.

As usual, good luck to all Malaysia players tomorrow, and I hope they can continue our assault on the the titles offered

MALAYSIA BOLEH

Badminton Tournament - Macau Open

THE TRIUMPH OF MALAYSIA

It has been confirmed. Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong are back. Meaning no offence to anyone, the total and humiliating annihilation of reigning World Championships SILVER MEDALIST (21-13, 21-14), without the help of coach Rexy Mainaky have signaled the extent of which this pair has recovered. Indeed, drawn to meet reigning world champions Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan next, a pair who have struggled today to beat previously almost unheard of pair of Lin Woon Fui and Gan Teik Chai, this could very well silence all the stubborn and disloyal critics of this pair - who have on numerous occasions labeled this pair as a spent and outdated force.

Losing to unheralded Japanese pair just 2 months ago, Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong swept away this Korean pair as if they were just another unseeded pair. The score signals one thing: Koo and Tan are ready to be the new World Number 1.

There is only one more thing to do - win the Macau Open. Barring any upsets, they have the reigning world champions, and the 2006 former world champions Fu Haifeng/Cai Yun in their way. Can our brave shuttlers continue this gallant assault of Malaysian badminton on the Macau Open?

As always,
MALAYSIA BOLEH!

Badminton Tournament - Macau Open

rejuvenation of Malaysian Badminton - step 1 complete

Just received news that Wong Choong Han has managed to upset Bao Chunlai, a younger and higher ranked Chinese player. On the other hand, Gan Teik Chai and Lin Woon Fui nearly beat World Number one Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan, holding match point in the third set at 21-20 but failing to close up, eventually losing by the thinnest of margins. This certainly spells bright things for the Malaysian badminton camp, as all three of these players have performed above their expectations. Wong Choong Hann, signifies his challenge for the 2nd singles spot for Malaysia in the Olympics, and rightfully does so. Its now his time to win his first international title in 3 years.

Next to take to the battlefield is Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong. I wish them all the best luck for their Quarter Final encouter with recently concluded World Championships Silver Medalist Jung Jae Sung and Lee Yong Dae. Will this signify the continuation of the rejuvenation process of Malaysian shuttlers in Macau?

As always,
MALAYSIA BOLEH!

Badminton Tournament - Macau Open

rejuvenation of Malaysian badminton or lucky fluke?

The recent good showing of Malaysian players in the still ongoing Badminton Macau Open GP GOLD has stunned many, including me. Malaysia has 4 Men's Doubles pairs in the Quarter Finals, with a junior pair, Chung Chiat Khoo and Mohd Razif Abdul Latif deserving a mention in upstaging recent Japan Open runners up Alvent Yulianto and Luluk Hadianto. Many shuttlers from Misbun Sidek's project 2010-2012 squad have also achieved respectable losses to more experienced and more well known opponents. However, this immediately begs the question: is this one tournament upsurge by our shuttlers a sign of rejuvenation of Malaysian Badminton, or just merely a lucky fluke?

Admittably, Malaysian shuttler's have had easy paths into this Quarter Final. I believe the true test lies in tomorrow's Quarter Finals matches, where they go up against the big guns of the badminton world. If the shuttler's are able to cross this barrier, it would definitely be a good sign, with the 2008 Olympics and Thomas Cup drawing closer and closer.

Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong have faced many failures in recent tournaments. However, tomorrow's test from World Championships silver medalist Jung Jae Sung/Lee Yong Dae, would be a perfect indicator whether they deserve their high world ranking. Are they a spent force, as many are claiming, or are they merely going through a phase; remember, all best pairs go through phases of ups and downs. With both pairs not meeting each other before, can Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong win this title without the help of Rexy Mainaky, conveniently not present?

Barring any upsets, seasoned hands Choong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah, the recent World Championships Bronze Medalist's stiff test would come from Fu Haifeng and Cai Yun (dubbed Feng Yun by many ladies). Fu and Cai will be out to get revenge for their spiteful defeat in the World Championships by Choong and Lee. Can Choong and Lee prove that their victory wasn't just a flash in a pan, but a consistant showing? My mouth waters just thinking about this yummy yummy match up - Choong and Lee seem to play at their best when playing these former World Champions.

It all depends on tomorrow. Can Malaysia stamp its mark on badminton tomorrow?

But as always, MALAYSIA BOLEH!!!