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All England Semifinals Predictions 2008-03-07 23:29:00 Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah vs. Jung Jae Sung/Lee Yong DaeThe Malaysian veterans have been impressive so far, not dropping a set throughout this tournament. Can they emulate Koo and Tan's feat last year of winning the tournament without losing a set? Jung and Lee on the other hand, have also been impressive. I think that Choong and Lee should make it through to their third All England
final, where they will hopefully win before retiring.Lee Chong Wei vs. Chen JinAfter yesterday's speedy disposal of Indonesian ace Taufik Hidayat, Lee Chong Wei looks set to enter his first All England final of his career. Chen Jin has hardly been tested so far in this tournament, and might be stiff opposition for Lee. However, I expect Lee to be able to hold his cool to enter the finals against either Bao Ch Read more:Predictions
All England Quarterfinals Predictions 2008-03-06 20:53:00 Lee Yong Dae/Lee Hyo Jung vs. Zheng Bo/Gao Ling Zheng and Gao return after 3 months of exile from the badminton world. The Koreans however, have already started making waves in the international badminton scene in the absence of the reigning world number 1. Both pairs, I believe, have not met each other before, and it would be very interesting to see which pair prevails. The key will be how sharp Hyo Jung is and whether Gao Ling would be too tired.Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah vs. Luluk Hadiyato/Alvent YuliantoIt will be a veterans vs. veterans match. Choong and Lee have been impressive lately, and yesterday exacted revenge on half a world champions - USA shuttlers Howard Bach and Khan Bob Malaythong. However, Luluk and Alvent have also seen a sudden resurgence of form. However, I still thin Read more:Predictions
, England
Politics and Badminton Should NOT Mix 2008-03-06 20:32:00 It is with great sadness that I read the following article from malaysiakini: Badminton and politics meet in GopengLee Chong Wei, Malaysia's number 1 Men's Singles shuttler, campaigned for the Barisan National, a political party in Malaysia for the upcoming General Elections tomorrow. I am a great fan of Lee, and of Badminton, and anyone who knows me can testify to this. However, I have to say that I am deeply offended and disappointed by Lee's decision to involve politics in this wonderful sport. His integrity and by association, the integrity of the sport has been tainted and stained by this selfish act.Shuttlers win titles and medals for the country, for the glory of the people. It is the taxpayer's money that Lee uses to help in his training and development. To use his glory and fame,
All England 2008 Round 2 Predictions 2008-03-05 20:05:00 After the carnage in round 1, I expect the dust to settle in day 2.Many people say that it was a big lost for Malaysia yesterday. Admittedly yes, but I would say the only blow in terms of Malaysia's chances at a title was Koo and Tan's defeat. All others were not really true contenders for the title.Lee Chong Wei vs. Tommy SugiatoTricky second round match for the world number 2. Son of former legend Icuk Sugiato, Tommy is an up and rising star from Indonesia. However, I don't expect him to be able to upset the Malaysian number 1. Lee in 2 sets, and progressing to meet either Taufik Hidayat or Ngyuen Tien Minh.Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah vs. Howard Bach/Khan Bob MalaythongThis American pair upset Tan Bin Shen and Ong Soon Hock yesterday. Now, Choong and Lee want revenge against this pair wh Read more:Predictions
, England
German Open 2008 2008-02-26 18:19:00 The German
Open 2008 Qualifying round started yesterday. Today, the tournament starts with no major Malaysian interest. One of the only people to watch is Lee Tsuen Seng, who is determined to become the 2nd Malaysian representative. Full results can be found hereStay tuned for more badminton news and articles!
China vs. Indonesia - A Better Chance Perhaps? 2008-02-24 18:50:00 This is part 2 of a 3 part series on the Thomas Cup's predictions. Part 1 here CHINA vs. INDONESIAMen's Singles 1Lin Dan vs. Taufik HidayatAlthough Sony Dwi Kuncoro is rated higher than Taufik, I think Indonesia
will field Taufik instead of Sony. Indonesia will want to reserve Sony for later matches, as Sony might have a better chance against Chen Jin or Bao Chunlai. Furthermore, Taufik is one of the players in the world that genuinely have to ability to beat Lin Dan. The nature of the tie, whether it will be a China
whitewash or tight encounter, will rest on the outcome of this game.Men's Doubles 1Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng vs. Markis Kido/Hendra SetiawanCai and Fu have currently worked themselves in a tricky position. No one is prepared to dismiss the ex world champions yet, but no one is
Thomas Cup 2008 Results 2008-02-24 17:47:00 For all who missed the action on Sunday:Malaysia were winners in the Thomas
Cup Preliminary Finals, but were losers psychologically, as Korea fielded a considerably weaker team:Lee Chong Wei vs. Shon Seung MoLee easily won 21-8 21-11 in 25 minutesKoo Kien Kiet/Tan Boon Heong vs. Lee Jae Jin/Jung Jae SungKoo and Tan lost 16-21 21-17 29-21, surprisingly to the lower rated Korean pair. This does not augur well for Malaysia's top pair for the Thomas Cup Finals and the All England.Wong Choong Hann vs. Lee Cheol HoWong easily brushed away the young Lee 21-6 21-17Abdul Latif/Mohd. Tazari vs. Hwang Ji Man/Park Sung HwanAlthough Park Sung Hwan is not a doubles player, the usually strong Malaysian doubles players were challenged and lost 21-19 21-18.Hafiz Hashim vs. Lee Yong DaeIf Hafiz lost, it wou
Thomas Cup 2008 - Can China's Dominance be Broken? 2008-02-11 19:41:00 This is part of a 3 part series on the Thomas
Cup's predictions. China
has won the last 2 Thomas Cup competitions with relative ease. In the last two Thomas Cup grand finales, China has only dropped one match. This year, China is undeniably the favourite to retain its title again; with impressively deep resources in the Men Singles department, consisting of of the Super Trio of Lin Dan, Bao Chunlai and Chen Jin, complemented by the unusually powerful strength in its doubles department, led by the dynamic duo of Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng and the pair paired up just for the Thomas Cup - Guo Zhendong/Xie Zhongbo, any team would be hard pressed to beat China. The traditional weakness of a Chinese team would be its Men's Doubles. Indeed, it is speculated that China lost many a Thomas Cup tie, even Read more:Broken
, Dominance
A Solution? 2008-01-28 19:32:00 The recent unfortunate incident involving Badminton Men's Singles World Number 1 Lin Dan's outburst in Seoul clearly signals for a change in the Badminton World Federation's (BWF) adjudication system. The allegedly biased line calls, that subsequently caused much controversy in the badminton community obviously needs to be addressed to suite the growing demands for accountability and fairplay from not only the player, but badminton fans worldwide. Understanding that the BWF has limited funds and resources, as this has been the reason given by the BWF for not wanting to install the immensely popular 'Hawkeye' system, the solution might lie in using and manipulating existing technology. Taking a leaf out of the sport of Cricket, which have implemented the 'Third Umpire' adjudicating Read more:Solution
Is It Justified? 2008-01-28 03:09:00 In the light of Lin Dan's recent outburst over the unfair line calls in the recently concluded Korean Open, how much is too far when protesting linecalls? Famous badass Tennis player John McEnroe was famous for throwing his tennis racquets and shouting at umpires while protesting unfair linecalls. His famous catchphrase: 'You cannot be serious' has frequently landed him in trouble with the tennis authorities. In the case of badminton on the other hand, we have the famous incident where Taufik Hidayat walked out of the stadium after several unfair linecalls during the finals of the Hong Kong Open 2006. Although one cannot blame these players for protesting, how far is considered too far? Should badminton players be allowed to express their dissatisfaction freely, till the extent of Read more:Justified
Video of Lin Dan's Outburst 2008-01-27 18:21:00 For all you hot headed readers who want to find out and watch what really happened:
All credit to elderplayer from the Badminton Central forums for the video.As you can see, the Korean adjudication system was, like in China Open 2007, to blame. However, the difference this time is that Lin Dan shouted, shoved, and threw his racquet. Lee Chong Wei did not. Li Mao scream and shrieked from the sidelines. Misbun did not.For pictures of the incident go to Badminton Loonsport.
This Should Not Happen Again! 2008-01-27 08:40:00 The Badminton Exclusive Article: Controversy and emotions ran high on the courts today in Seoul as a fought nearly broke out between World Number 1 Lin Dan and Korean Coach Li Mao. It all started with a line call that was wrong. The umpire corrected it. Then another one. The umpire corrected that too. And then two more. Four incorrect line calls against the same player. Smells fishy? Luckily, the umpire managed to adjust all the four incorrect calls. Already very much in doubt with the linesmen's ability to be impartial, Lin Dan continued playing. On the surface, everything seemed cool, calm, collected. On the inside, Lin Dan was boiling. The hot tempered Lin managed to keep his temper in control, just as long as the calls were corrected. Then came a line call that went against L Read more:Again
Thomas Cup 2008 Poll 2008-01-27 06:15:00 Opinion Polls & Market Research Please take a few seconds to take this poll: Read more:Thomas
Korean Open 2008 - Finals Prediction 2008-01-26 20:02:00 Flandy Limpele/Vita Marrissa vs.Lee Yong Dae/Lee Hyo Jung The Korean
s are under immense pressure to please their home crowd by winning their maiden Super Series title of the year. They were impressive in yesterday's dismissal of world number 3 and 3rd seed Xie Zhongbo/Zhang Yawen. On the other hand, Flandy and Vita have not been tested at all for the past week. I think Flandy and Vita will narrowly take this match in 3 games. Lu Lan vs/ Zhou Mi Both easily won their matches yesterday. While I think Zhou Mi is an excellent player, I don't think she will be able to trouble the technically superior Lu Lan. Lu Lan to win her first Korean Open by 3 tight games. Lin Dan vs. Lee Hyun Il Both were impressive yesterday. Lin Dan and Hyun Il beat Peter Gade and Kenneth Jonassen Read more:Prediction
Korean Open 2008 - Semifinals Predictions 2008-01-25 05:03:00 Malaysia's interest in all fields were swept away when Chin Eei Hui and Wong Pei Tty were convincingly beaten by Korean
s Lee/Lee. The Semifinals will be a dull encounter for the Malaysians. Kenneth Jonassen vs. Lee Hyun Il Kenneth will be looking avenge his defeat in the semifinals of the Malaysian Open where he lost to Lee Hyun Il in straight sets. Lee has been in impressive form, beating a flu ridden Lee Chong Wei, who retired half way through his match. Kenneth was again impressive in today's dismissal of Chen Jin, and will look to appear in the first finals of the Super Series tournament. Lee to win in 3 sets. Jun Jae Youn vs. Zhou Mi Both of them had tough opponents today, and both of them were impressive in beating their opponents in straight sets. Jun beat Xu Huaiwen Read more:Predictions
Korean Open 2008 - Quarterfinals Predictions 2008-01-24 06:52:00 After the shock departure of all but one Malaysian pair, hopes will be pinned on the Malaysian Women's Pair. Lu Lan vs. Wang Chen Lu Lan had to slog for almost an hour to beat gritty Dutch Judith. Wang Chen on the other hand, managed to beat Kaori Mori in 3 sets. Both appear not to be performing at their peak, and today's match will be interesting. I am inclined to give this close match to Wang Chen. I predict that Wang Chen will win this game in 3 tight sets. Sudket/Saralee vs. Zhang/Xie The Thai pair beat a Chinese combination today, who are always lethal. On the other hand, Zhang and Xie were also tested against a Korean
pair. Koreans seem to do better in their home ground, which is understandable, as the maximum temperature is -4 degrees Celcius. I predict that the Thai Read more:Predictions
Choong Hann Continues to Wow the Badminton Community 2008-01-24 02:53:00 Malaysian veteran player Wong Choong Hann today put on a solid performance to challenge world number 3 Bao Chunlai for a place in the Quarterfinals. In his 21-14 / 15-21 / 21-19 lost to the Chinese player that nearly lasted an hour, Wong can be fully proud of himself for putting up such a gallant and brave exhibition of badminton.I urge all Malaysian players to emulate and take after the repeated delightful performances by Wong. Wong has displayed incredible fighting spirit to continue fighting and persevering against all odds. If all Malaysians learn to be like Wong, it leaves no doubt in my mind that Malaysia's prowess in badminton will surpass even China's.Coming up next is the Thomas Cup. I will take this opportunity to highlight a peculiar and worrying selection by the BAM. Wong shoul
Korean Open 2008 Round 2 Predictions 2008-01-23 06:36:00 After Day 1 pretty much went to plan, players now brace themselves to a tough round tomorrow. Wang Chen vs. Kaori Mori Mori put on an impressive display of badminton today, beating the more fancied Eriko Hirose in 3 tight sets. Wang Chen on the other hand, showed an unconvincing game to beat a little known Korean
player ranked way below her. If Wang Chen can recover her form to put on her usual deceptive badminton game, Wang will surely beat Kaori, but I fear that Wang will once again make an early exit if she continues her performance on from today. Sony Dwi Kuncoro vs. Shon Seung Mo The resurgent Korean will be determined to advance far into this tournament. However, standing in his way is reigning Badminton World Championship Silver Medallist Sony Dwi Kuncoro. Shon had t Read more:Predictions
Malaysian Open 2008 Aftermath 2008-01-21 03:24:00 After the excitement of the Malaysian
Open, it is time for the post mortem of this eventful tournament. In a tournament where most of the seeds were killed off during early rounds, it certainly does give a preview as to what we badminton fans should expect in 2008. Men's Singles After a perfect start from Lee Chong Wei, in which he won his 4th title, we badminton fans are still not very aware as to what to expect in 2008. This is mainly because of the absence of Lin Dan, who seems determined to avoid the Malaysian Open crown. Dominating the international Men's Singles badminton scene in 2007, Lin's absence means that we are unable to find out how good or bad Lin's form has become. The Korean Open might give us a better indication, as all the top players will be present. Men's Doub Read more:Aftermath
Malaysian Open 2008 Finals Predictions 2008-01-19 06:02:00 Finally the finals! Although not the ideal finals, this round will, in my opinion, prove to be extremely exciting. He Hanbin/Yu Yang vs. Lee Yong Dae/Lee Hyo JungThe Korean pair has my full support. After see them beat ex world number 1s and ex world champions Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms, I am convinced that they can repeat their success and beat the Chinese pair. However, the Chinese pair are anything but a pushover, an Lee Hyo Jung, in particular, has to be careful about her performance. The majority of the unforced errors today were committed by this Korean lass, and if she cannot control her play better, they could well end up second best to the Chinese pair.Zhu Lin vs. Tine RasmussenZhu Lin was impressive today in beating the heavily fancied Wong Mew Choo who beat her en route to h Read more:Malaysian
, Predictions
Petition to Malaysian Coach Rexy Manaiky 2008-01-18 20:37:00 Dear Rexy,We, the undersigned, are eternally grateful for you guiding and coaching our players, especially the Men's Doubles department. You have transformed them from nothings into World Numbers 1s and champions. You have guided our players into glory, and on many occasions, suffered immense heartbreak over the loss of your charges. We recognize your contributions to the many facets of Malaysian
badminton.We, the undersigned, are further aware of the fact that you are under constant stress and anxiety over the coaching of your charges. We know that being a coach is extremely hard, and even more so if one is in charge of several pairs. The responsibility is clearly immense, and we recognize your dilemma.We, the undersigned, are also aware that you, as a coach in a foreign country, are sacr Read more:Coach
Malaysian Open Semifinals Predictions 2008-01-18 19:54:00 Closing in on the finals, China will be eager to avoid an embarrassment. Lee Yong Dae/Lee Hyo Jung vs. Nathan Robertson/Gail EmmsAfter their remarkable upset against second seeds Nova Widianto/Lilyana Natsir yesterday, the Koreans will be going into this semifinal match bursting with confidence. However, ex world number 1s and ex world champions Nathan and Gail are no pushover. Based on current form, I would say that the Koreans will win this close encounter and proceed to the finals. Interesting to see Lee Yong Dae taking after Ha Tae Kwon's footsteps.Zhu Lin vs. Wong Mew ChooOne of the more interesting matches of the day. The last time they met, Wong Mew Choo beat Zhu Lin in 3 sets. However, Zhu Lin broke Malaysia's hearts when she beat Wong at the finals of the Malaysian
Open and the Qu Read more:Predictions
Malaysian Open Semifinals Predictions 2008-01-18 19:54:00 Closing in on the finals, China will be eager to avoid an embarrassment. Lee Yong Dae/Lee Hyo Jung vs. Nathan Robertson/Gail EmmsAfter their remarkable upset against second seeds Nova Widianto/Lilyana Natsir yesterday, the Koreans will be going into this semifinal match bursting with confidence. However, ex world number 1s and ex world champions Nathan and Gail are no pushover. Based on current form, I would say that the Koreans will win this close encounter and proceed to the finals. Interesting to see Lee Yong Dae taking after Ha Tae Kwon's footsteps.Zhu Lin vs. Wong Mew ChooOne of the more interesting matches of the day. The last time they met, Wong Mew Choo beat Zhu Lin in 3 sets. However, Zhu Lin broke Malaysia's hearts when she beat Wong at the finals of the Malaysian
Open and the Qu Read more:Predictions
There is Seriously Something Wrong With the BAM! 2008-01-18 19:02:00 First it was Li Mao. Then it was Cheah Soon Kit. Now it is Rexy Manaiky. Are these top rated coaches just fussy, or is there something SERIOUSLY wrong with BAM? Days ago, Li Mao came out and said that he quit BAM and joined the Korean Badminton Team because he did not like the jealousy existing between the Singles and Doubles contingent. He further claimed that "this does not exist in other countries". His departure left Malaysian number 1 Lee Chong Wei hanging and large affected his performance in 2007. Lee Chong Wei even contemplated quitting after Li left. Li Mao, a top rated coach that has produced many champions like Sun Jun surely knows what he is doing? Surely, he knows a bad, inefficient system when he sees one? Surely, unity between the Singles and Doubles departments are not that Read more:Wrong
, Seriously
Swiss Open 2008 Semifinals Predictions 2008-03-15 01:02:00 Mohd. Zakry/Mohd. Fairuzizuan vs. Hendra Setiawan/Markis KidoIt has been a stunning tournament, with the Malaysian pair downing the third and eighth seeds to reach their first semifinals of the year. The Indonesians on the other hand, have been equally as impressive so far, barely being tested. It is often rumored that once Hendra and Markis make it past the first few rounds, they will be unstoppable. It will be a good test for Zakry and Fairuz to see whether they can slip into the position of 2nd Men's Doubles in the upcoming Thomas Cup, and see whether Markis and Hendra can back up their Malaysian Open title after the exit of two of the top three seeds. Lee Chong Wei vs. Wacha PrzemyslawWacha (pronounced wa-ha if I am not wrong) has had an impressive tournament so far, claiming several n Read more:Swiss
, Predictions
Swiss Open Round 2 Predictions 2008-03-13 01:00:00 After a tumultuous day 1, it remains to be seen whether the seeds can hold their ground against a vastly different playing field.Anthony Clark/Donna Kellog vs. Gail Emms/Nathan RobertsonIt is unfortunate that mixed doubles players of such a high calibre have to face off in such early rounds. Both are English players, with Gail and Nathan being the more highly regarded. Thus, Gail and Nathan would prevail in 3 sets.Yip Pui Yin vs. Zhu LinYip managed to upset world number 1 Xie Xingfang in last week's All England, and now faces another credible and powerful opponent in her way. The reigning world champion Zhu Lin is certainly a credible force to be reckoned with. Although the hard smashing Yip appears to be in superb form, I still think Zhu will be too good for her. Zhu in 3 sets.Wong Mew Ch Read more:Swiss
, Predictions
Swiss Open Finals Predictions 2008-03-16 03:17:00 Xie Xingfang vs. Zhang NingFinally a world number 1 vs. world number 2 match since last year's China Masters. Both have been unimpressive lately, but it is still enough to claim the title before it is even played. I believe Xie Xingfang will be the victor today, as her speed seems to have recovered. Xie in 3 tight sets.Lin Dan vs. Lee Chong WeiThe match of the day. Lin Dan, the world number 1, takes on Lee Chong Wei, the world number 2. Lee Chong Wei has made huge improvements lately, and is inching closer and closer to Lin Dan's number 1 spot. Lin Dan, after his shock defeat in the hands of Lee Hyun Il in the Korean Open, and to Chen Jin in the All England (although not so 'shocking' if you asked Li Yongbo) will be raring to claim his first title of the year. Lee on the other hand, would Read more:Predictions
, Swiss
Thomas Cup 2008 Analysis 2008-03-24 04:06:00 You are probably wondering whether The Badminton Blog has gone AWOL. No, it hasn't. The Badminton Blog is just working on bringing its readers a live telecast to its readers. Be patient :).Anyway, after vowing not to make any more predictions for the Thomas
Cup, I have decided to analyze Malaysia's position.Malaysia has lost the reliability of a crucial pair Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong. They have failed to beyond the second round of any tournament this year, and has dropped steadily down th rankings. This certainly doesn't help Malaysia's cause. Once viewed as unbeatable, this pair seem to have hit a few snags.On the brighter side, Choong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah have stood up and seem be back in form. However, I still think they would be fielded as the second singles regardless of th Read more:Analysis
Indian Open Results 2008-04-02 19:50:00 Round 2 Results for Malaysian players (unofficial):Chong Wei Feng defeats Chen Jin (25-23, 11-21, 21-15) - UPSET OF THE DAY! Tan Chun Seang lost to Anand PawarDaren Liew lost to Chen YuArif Latif lost Wong Choong Hann beats Kendrick LeeSairul lostPei Wei Chung lostYeoh Kay Bin beats Shoji SatoLee Tsuen Seng lostChan/Chew wonChan/Chang wonJulia beats LydiaMalaysian WD all lost except for Goh Liu Ying/Woon Khe WeiLim Khim Wah/Mak Hee Chun lostTan/Hoon lost to Hwang/LeeLim/Ng lost to Rani/EndangAbdul Latif/Choong Sook Chin lostLatif/Khoo lostAll thanks to contributors from badmintoncentral.com for their results from smses and correspondences to players/officials.
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