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Thomas Cup 2008 Poll
2008-01-27 13:15:00 Opinion Poll s & Market Research Please take a few seconds to take this poll: More About: Thomas , 2008
Korean Open 2008 - Finals Prediction
2008-01-27 03:02:00 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 in straight sets yesterday. I believe that there will be no upset in this match. Even an on form Hyun Il cannot beat the current Lin Dan, whatmore if Hyun Il's condition is still suspect. Lin D... More About: Finals , 2008
Korean Open 2008 - Semifinals Predictions
2008-01-25 12:03:00 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 of Germany to advance to the Semifinals while Zhou Mi sent an off form Zhang Ning packing. Of the two, Zhou Mi is the one that has impressed me more, and I think she will just claim this set by ... More About: Predictions , 2008
Korean Open 2008 - Quarterfinals Predictions
2008-01-24 13:52:00 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 pair will take this closely fought match. Zhou Mi vs. Zhang Ning A rematch of the veterans. Both have trained with each other, and have slept with each other (in the same room lah, what ... More About: Open , Predictions , 2008
Choong Hann Continues to Wow the Badminton Community
2008-01-24 09:53:00 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 should be the second singles, not Hafiz. Wong should be the team leader. Wong should rightfully be honored by the BAM. Hafiz Hashim has failed to progress through round 2 of an international badminto... More About: Community , Badminton
Korean Open 2008 Round 2 Predictions
2008-01-23 13:36:00 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 to slog today to beat giant killer Kendrick Lee in 3 sets, while Sony brushed off the yoyo Hafiz Hashim. This will be a tight match, but I think Sony will continue his deceptive badminton game to sw... More About: Open , Predictions , Round , 2008
Malaysian Open 2008 Aftermath
2008-01-21 10:24:00 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 Doubles Malaysians once again have proved that they are weak under pressure. Top Men's Doubles pair Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong faltered to eventual Runners-Up Paaske and Rasmussen, while Ch...
Malaysian Open 2008 Finals Predictions
2008-01-19 13:02:00 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 her triumph in Guangzhou. Tine Rasmussen, on the other hand, was impressive in today's demolishing of Pi Hongyan. I will support Tine tomorrow, but this is going to a close match, and unless Tine i... More About: Malaysian , Open , Predictions , Finals , 2008
Petition to Malaysian Coach Rexy Manaiky
2008-01-19 03:37:00 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 sacrificing a lot. However, we would like to appeal to you to stay on to be the Malaysian Men's Doubles coach. Our players are currently going through an important phase of their career, especially K... More About: Coach , Petition
Malaysian Open Semifinals Predictions
2008-01-19 02:54:00 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 Quarterfinals of the World Championships. I think Wong would prevail in another tight encounter, as she has shown marked improvement. Furthermore, Zhu Lin has proved to be extremely inconsistent in... More About: Predictions
Malaysian Open Semifinals Predictions
2008-01-19 02:54:00 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 Quarterfinals of the World Championships. I think Wong would prevail in another tight encounter, as she has shown marked improvement. Furthermore, Zhu Lin has proved to be extremely inconsistent in... More About: Predictions
Malaysian Open 2008 Men's Doubles Predictions (Part 2)
2008-01-08 09:51:00 this is part of the 5 part series regarding the 2008 Malaysian Open predictions. Other parts can be found here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5. After a well deserved break, all top Men's Doubles players will be present in full force in the first major tournament of the year. This season opener promises to be anything but boring, as most pairs will be out to stamp their mark and raise confidence ahead of what will be an exciting and eventful year.Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong (1st Seeds)Koo and Tan have rightfully taken a well earned break after a hectic and busy 2007. Although their outing in the last 2 Super Series tournaments, the Hong Kong Open and the China Open were disappointing, this pair promises to live up to expectations and defend their title. Koo Kien Keat commented that: "We are preparing ourself for the Malaysia Open to defend our title.We are really going for it. (It) is our home ground and want to retain the title." I expect nothing but the best from this... More About: Predictions
Player Profile - Fu Haifeng
2008-01-08 09:49:00 DetailsName: FU HAIFENGCountry: CHINABorn: 02-01-1984Current Partner: CAI YUNPeak Ranking: WR#1 (CAI YUN)The Badminton Blog's Ratings Offence Defence Netplay Stamina Accuracy Speed Compatibility 10 8 8 9.5 7.5 8.5 9 More About: Player , Profile , Profil
Player Profile - Cai Yun
2008-01-08 09:46:00 Details Name: CAI YUN Country: CHINA Born: 19-01-1980 Current Partner: FU HAIFENG Peak Ranking: WR#1 (FU HAIFENG) The Badminton Blog's Ratings Offence Defence Netplay Stamina Accuracy Speed Compatibility 8 9 9.5 9 8 9 9 More About: Player , Profile , Profil
Player Profile - Hendra Setiawan
2008-01-08 09:44:00 Details Name: HENDRA SETIAWAN Country: INDONESIA Born: 24-08-1984 Current Partner: MARKIS KIDO Peak Ranking: WR#1 (MARKIS KIDO) The Badminton Blog's Ratings Offence Defence Netplay Stamina Accuracy Speed Compatibility 7 8 9 8.5 9 8 9 More About: Player , Profile , Profil
Player Profile - Markis Kido
2008-01-08 09:38:00 Details Name: MARKIS KIDO Country: INDONESIA Born: 11-08-1984 Current Partner: HENDRA SETIAWAN Peak Ranking: WR#1 (CHOONG TAN FOOK) The Badminton Blog's Ratings Offence Defence Netplay Stamina Accuracy Speed Compatibility 10 8 7.5 8.5 8 9 9 More About: Player , Profile , Profil
Player Profile - Lee Wan Wah
2008-01-08 09:36:00 DetailsName: LEE WAN WAH (李万华)Country: MALAYSIABorn: 24-11-1975Current Partner: CHOONG TAN FOOKPeak Ranking: WR#2 (CHOONG TAN FOOK)The Badminton Blog's Ratings Offence Defence Netplay Stamina Accuracy Speed Compatibility 9.5 9.5 7.5 6 8 7 9 TitlesAsian Badminton Championships '06, '07Dutch Open '05Malaysian Open '04Singapore Open '99 More About: Player , Profile , Profil
Player Profile: Choong Tan Fook
2008-01-08 09:27:00 DetailsName: CHOONG TAN FOOK (钟腾福)Country: MALAYSIABorn: 06-02-1976Current Partner: LEE WAN WAHPeak Ranking: WR#2 (LEE WAN WAH)The Badminton Blog's Ratings Offence Defence Netplay Stamina Accuracy Speed Compatibility 9 9.5 7.5 6 8 7 9 TitlesAsian Badminton Championships '06, '07Dutch Open '05Malaysian Open '04Singapore Open '99 More About: Player , Profile , Profil
Player Profile - Tan Boon Heong
2008-01-08 09:19:00 DetailsName: TAN BOON HEONG (陈文宏)Country: MALAYSIABorn: 18-09-1987Current Partner: KOO KIEN KEATPeak Ranking: WR#1 (KOO KIEN KEAT)The Badminton Blog's Ratings Offence Defence Netplay Stamina Accuracy Speed Compatibility 9.5 8 8 8 7.5 9 9 TitlesMalaysian Open '07All England '07Swiss Open '07Philippines Open '07Macau Open '07Denmark Open '07ASIAN GAMES '06-'10WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS '04 More About: Player , Profile , Boon , Profil
Player Profile - Koo Kien Keat
2008-01-08 08:59:00 DetailsName: KOO KIEN KEAT (古健杰)Country: MALAYSIABorn: 18-09-1985Current Partner: TAN BOON HEONGPeak Ranking: WR#1 (TAN BOON HEONG)The Badminton Blog's Ratings Offence Defence Netplay Stamina Accuracy Speed Compatibility 7 8 10 8 8 9 9 TitlesMalaysian Open '06, '07All England '07Swiss Open '06, '07Philippines Open '07Macau Open '07Denmark Open '05, '07ASIAN GAMES '06-'10 More About: Player , Profile , Profil
Hafiz Hashim...
2008-01-07 06:12:00 Our Hafiz Hashim seems to have a love affair with the second round (round of 1/16) ... Can he break the spell this Malaysian Open?
Malaysian Open 2008 Men's Singles Predictions Part 1
2008-01-04 13:51:00 With the withdrawal of world number 1 Lin Dan, the competition for the Men's Singles champion has become considerably closer. Who will prevail in the absense of Super Dan? Can Lee reclaim what was lost? Can Gade defend his title? Lee Chong Wei (1st Seed)Although generally not known to be good under pressure (as all Malaysian badminton players are), Malaysia is after all, Lee's 'zone'. He has won 3 Malaysian Open titles here, and now appears to be the favorite to claim his 4th title. However, he does not have the luck of the draw with him. He will meet fellow Malaysian Hafiz Hashim in the first round. Hafiz is hitting an all time rock bottom low, and can only take consolation in the fact that he was the last Malaysian to beat him, in the 2006 Singaporean Open. Admittedly, that was during the first round, and Lee was not properly warmed up then. If Lee proceeds, he most probably will be Polish giant killer Wacha Przemyslaw, and is expected to face off with Indonesian ace Taufik Hi... More About: Predictions , Part
Happy 2008!!!
2007-12-31 11:36:00 The Badminton Blog wishes to wish its readers a Happy New Year. 2008 holds many exciting events for badminton fanatics like myself, and I hope to be able to witness a new Olympic and Thomas Cup Champion together with you!Do continue reading The Badminton Blog for the latest updates!The Badminton Blog
Lin Dan Out!
2007-12-29 02:43:00 The release of the seedings 2 days ago confirmed the lingering rumor that Lin Dan has pulled out of the Malaysian Open. With the withdrawal of the world number one, Lee Chong Wei will appear to be the favorite to claim his 4th Malaysian Open title. The question now is will Lee crack under pressure?Oh dear, the Malaysian Open title does elude Lin Dan!
Malaysian Open 2006 - Video of Full Match!
2007-12-28 05:34:00 Since The Badminton Blog's readers voted Malaysian Open 2006 MS Finals Lee Chong Wei vs. Lin Dan as the best match of the 21st century, here's the video of the full match, courtesy of cutelyenigmatik from youtube. Enjoy! Part 1Part 2Part 3 Part 4Part 5Part 6Part 7 More About: Video , Match , Full
Why China never does well in South East Asia?
2007-12-28 04:20:00 Why is South East Asia China 's blind spot?An examination and analysis in consultation with several retired national players.No doubt China has been always been a strong badminton force ever since the turn of the century. However, if there is one place where China claims the least titles, it is the South East Asia n region. Indonesia has long held the honor of denying China many titles, being an Indonesian stronghold, while Malaysia holds many bad memories for Chinese players. Singapore on the other hand, yields better performances from the Chinese team, but in comparison to other tournaments, is still significantly lower. Why is it that China cannot perform in South East Asia?When this question was posed to an retired National player, he jokingly remarked that it was the food. Oh, he adds, and the water too. Although all this was said in jest, this might hold a bit of sense. Perhaps its the food and the water that Chinese players are not used to. One Chinese player even brought bott...
Malaysian Open 2008 Early Analysis
2007-12-26 07:10:00 MALAYSIAN OPEN 2008 - PERFECT START TO AN EXCITING YEAR!The first leg of the Super Series tournament would see all top players attempting to establish dominance for one of the more eventful years ahead. With the Thomas Cup and the Olympics just peeking around the corner, a good start in Kuala Lumpur is just what all players desire and need. Furthermore, being one of the last Super Series tournaments offering generous ranking points before the all important Olympics, a good showing here could be the perfect confidence boost to propel one to Olympic representation and a shot at glory.Men's SinglesDefending champion Peter Gade Christiansen will be hard pressed to defend his title which he won taking advantage of the early exit of the 2 top seeds Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei last year. Meanwhile, Lin Dan will be thirsting to claim his first Malaysian Open title, one of the only titles that have eluded him. Eager to shake off his painful defeat by Lee Chong Wei in Kuching 2 years ago, wher... More About: Analysis , Early
2008!
2007-12-23 14:47:00 The Badminton Blog will becovering all major international tournaments in the form of commentaries and providing latest results in 2008 .First on our calendar is the 2008 Malaysian Open, due to be held from 15-20 January 2008 in the Putra Stadium near Bukit Jalil. Exclusive on the spot commentary, statistics, analysis and results will be provided.We will then move to the Korean Open, due to be held one week after the Malaysian Open, from 22-27 January 2008. The same intense coverage will be given.With no date announced yet for the prestigious All England Championships, the next tournament would be the Swiss Open, to be held from 12-16 Match 2008.Of course, the highlight of the year will be the Thomas Cup and Olympics, the two milestones for every badminton player.Stay tuned to the new The Badminton Blog for an exciting year ahead!
China vs. Rest of the World (Thomas Cup Style)
2007-12-15 03:32:00 Previously, I have published an article comparing China vs. Rest of the World Sudirman Cup style. Now, I will examine China vs. Rest of the World Thomas Cup style.Men's Singles 1Lin Dan vs. Lee Chong WeiIt will be a close fight, with world number 1 vs. world number 2. Lin Dan obviously holds the upper hand, and with his recent triumph in Hong Kong Open (although admittedly, under dubious circumstances), and would be the favorite to win this meeting. However, with Lee's underdog status, he might just spring us a suprise and beat Lin Dan in 3 tight sets. However, presently, Lin Dan would prevail in 3 sets.China 1 World 0Men's Doubles 1Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong vs. Cai Yun/Fu HaifengAlthough Koo and Tan have been anything but impressive lately, Cai and Fu have also been going through a slump. I believe Koo and Tan will prevail in this match in 2 sets.China 1 World 1Men's Singles 2Bao Chunlai vs. Peter GadeTough to say. While Gade is certainly past his prime, Bao is known to falt... More About: Style , The World
Looking Back - Thomas Cup '92 (Part 2)
More articles from this author:2007-12-14 12:15:00 When I last left you, Malaysians all around the world were heartbroken by the lost of their All England Champions Razif and Jalani Sidek. Considered a 'safe point', for some reason, the world's best defensive pair lost tamely in the third set.Foo Kok Keong then marched out into the court to face Olympic Champion Allan Budi Kusuma, the future husband of Indonesian ace Susi Susanti. Ranked number 10 in the world, Foo has never managed to beat Allan, who was ranked much higher than Foo. With the support of the screaming home crowd, he swept Allan away and clinched the first set easily 15-6. Inspired by Foo's determination and first set win, the crowd shouted, screamed, shreiked, and screeched for Foo while booing loudly at Allan. Even the usually confident Indonesian supporters at Stadium Negara were shocked and scared by the Malaysians. Foo, at 29 years of age, dived and ran and ran, refusing to give up the second set although trailing 11-6 at one point. Allan failed to close up, ... More About: Thomas , Back , Part , Looking Back , Homa 1, 2, 3 |
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