Straight after the World Champs, the NZ Open 2005 will be played from Wednesday, 24th to Sunday, 28th August in Auckland, New Zealand.

Website: www.equinoxnzopen.com (http://www.equinoxnzopen.com)

It's only a 1 star tournament but at least I can go watch some international players from 30 over countries play in my 'backyard' so to speak! Sairol Mohd Ayob (ranked in top 20) is the top seed in the men's singles and a Japanese World no. 26, Miyo Ako will be the women's top seed. Malaysia's Lim Pek Siah and Chor Hor Yee are the women doubles' top seed, they recently made it to the last 16 of the World Champs and was of course the defending Commonwealth Games champion (winning the title in 2002).

Also excitingly, the NZ mix doubles pair of Daniel Shirley - Sara Ranussen-Petersen, the world no.15 that recently made it to the semis of the World Champs will feature as the top seed in this tournament, so hopefully this will be really exciting and raise the profile of badminton in a country that's more into its rugby and netball (and sheep shearing of course - no sheep jokes pls!). Hopefully after this tournament, we will get taunted less and less when telling someone we play badminton and get one of those replies "oh, is that an actual sport?" Grrrrrr..

Anyway, I shall be your 'unofficial' reporter on this tournament and will keep you guys posted on the interesting antedotes during the tournament.

This is Adelina Ong, reporting live from Auckland *smiles the 1 million dollar journalist smile* :D

Thanks Adelina for the preview.

Looking forward to the reports and possibly some professional photography from you too?! :rolleyes:

Here are my thoughts:
MS: I'm going for John Moody to take his 3rd title this year.
WS: This will be the most competitive of all draws. I believe any of the 1-4 seeds can take the title (ie. Miyo Akao, Sutheaswari Mudusukan, Rebecca Bellingham, Rachel Hindley)
MD: Easy pick for John Gordon & Daniel Shirley
WD: I actually doubt the malaysian women's doubles pair will win.
XD: It is quite a fair way to come back 'down to earth' after such a successful World Champs campaign, but my pick again is for Daniel Shirley & Sara Runesten-Petersen.

I'd be keen to see the young'ins in the field, should be good for them :)

I'd be keen to see the young'ins in the field, should be good for them http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/images/smilies/smile.gif]

Agreed! But it will also be great to see Sara & dan do well, especially after their excellent results at the World Cup.

Did I mention how annoying University is? Damn classes, assignments and tests getting in the way of watching :mad: . (note that my university is about 10/15 minutes away from bus - makes it soooo tempting). Should be all cleared up tomorrow though:rolleyes:

On a side note, for those of you who are going to watch, did you get passes for the whole tournament?

Did I mention how annoying University is? Damn classes, assignments and tests getting in the way of watching :mad: . (note that my university is about 10/15 minutes away from bus - makes it soooo tempting). Should be all cleared up tomorrow though:rolleyes:

On a side note, for those of you who are going to watch, did you get passes for the whole tournament?

I didn't, only got them for the semis and finals. In reality, if you tell the ticket ppl that you're going to pick up a racquet from the sports shop, they'll have to let you in..so you get free entry anyway :D But in order to support NZ badminton, I suppose you should just buy the daily pass or the pass for whole tourney. Thursday pass = NZ$5. Friday (quarterfinal day) = NZ$10. Semis and Finals on Sat and Sun respectively are NZ$15 each, so not bad really.

I didn't watch all the games, but top seed, Sairul Ayob has cleared the first round after playing unseeded Daniel Forrester of NZ. I managed to take a picture with him and will post it on here tomorrow :) Sairul hardly raised a sweat as expected, in fact, the expression 'toying with your food' comes to mind when watching him play against the young Mr Forrester.

I will try to get an interview with him after the finals (if he wins it hopefully). Will also try to interview the top women doubles seeds, Pek Siah Lim and Hoi Yee Chor.

So far the tournament looks like it's well organised. Only 3 courts are used with one practice court at the far end of the hall. Lights and shuttles used were ok, I think they're Yonex shuttles.


For rest of the results from day 1 of the tournament, check out this link:

http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/draws.asp?id=8407

This is Adelina, reporting life from Gillies Avenue, Auckland.

Hi guys, as promised, here are the pictures of Sairul in action and also with yours truly :p

Oops, I just got to this part and suddenly not sure how to attach the picture! Doh. I assume you could just browse from your computer and attach the pic but there's no such option and been asked to enter 'image text'. Any idea what I'm suppose to do here?

Hi guys, as promised, here are the pictures of Sairul in action and also with yours truly :p

Oops, I just got to this part and suddenly not sure how to attach the picture! Doh. I assume you could just browse from your computer and attach the pic but there's no such option and been asked to enter 'image text'. Any idea what I'm suppose to do here?
LOL. Cheers for the effort though :rolleyes:

Hi again guys,

I think I managed it this time! Yay! So hopefully you'll guys now get the pics as well! I'm going there again tonight and hopefully will report more on it later. :)

Pics 1 & 2: Sairul in action. Pic 3: Sairul with yours truly. He's a really nice and friendly guy. I told him he has to win the tournament and I said "Malaysia boleh!" (he laughed..hopefully 'with' me and not 'at' me!) :p

Adelina

MS: I'm going for John Moody to take his 3rd title this year.
WS: This will be the most competitive of all draws. I believe any of the 1-4 seeds can take the title (ie. Miyo Akao, Sutheaswari Mudusukan, Rebecca Bellingham, Rachel Hindley)
MD: Easy pick for John Gordon & Daniel Shirley
WD: I actually doubt the malaysian women's doubles pair will win.
XD: It is quite a fair way to come back 'down to earth' after such a successful World Champs campaign, but my pick again is for Daniel Shirley & Sara Runesten-Petersen.

MS: By a distance, the favourite is Sairul. If he cannot win this tournament, it will be a disaster for him. In fact, I'm not sure why he took part, but it's his own decision, he's not affiliated with BAM. I think he just wants to have some fun.
WS: There are some Indonesian players like Francisca. I think she has a good chance.
WD: Although the Malaysian WD pair not a top-class pair, so are the other competitors. But I have some doubts myself about whether they can win.

great pics adelina! more please! you sure look photogenic!:)

MS: By a distance, the favourite is Sairul. If he cannot win this tournament, it will be a disaster for him. In fact, I'm not sure why he took part, but it's his own decision, he's not affiliated with BAM. I think he just wants to have some fun.
WS: There are some Indonesian players like Francisca. I think she has a good chance.
WD: Although the Malaysian WD pair not a top-class pair, so are the other competitors. But I have some doubts myself about whether they can win.

After day 2, most of the seeds in the singles are already out. John's gone. Miyo and Rachel are gone too...Up and comers (juniors from overseas - Indo & HK) are doing well so far.

In reality, if you tell the ticket ppl that you're going to pick up a racquet from the sports shop, they'll have to let you in..so you get free entry anyway :D
How's this: I left my EFTPOS card behind at the pro shop there...buying a ticket :o (I think the closest equivalent for you international folks is a debit card?)

Anyways, I don't think this tournament will offer Sairul much challenge till the end

Hope you get your card back Jim!

After day 2, most of the seeds in the singles are already out. John's gone. Miyo and Rachel are gone too...Up and comers (juniors from overseas - Indo & HK) are doing well so far.

& don't forget Michelle Chan is in the quarter finals for the singles! She really is the most promising of all the NZ juniors.

Auckland - New Zealand - It was a day of minor upsets on the second day of the tournament. Unfortunately, I was not able to watch most games due to work but was able to catch the evening session featuring top seed in the men's singles, Sairul Amar Ayob playing against and up and comer NZ junior player, 17 year old Joe Wu.

I managed to have a quick word with Sairul after his game. He said he is currently happy with his form and are looking forward to playing in the quarters today. He has also granted me a proper interview once he has finished playing all his matches here (i.e winning the title!), but the interview comes at a heavy cost for me...a big cup of coffee! Sacrifices I make for BC..:D

I have discovered that in terms of the cost of paying NZ$5 each day to watch the games and NZ$10 for the quaterfinal day and NZ$15 for semis and finals, it would have been more economical for me to actually enter the tournament myself since it's only NZ$30 per entry for singles! As a player I would have got to watch all the games! [I play for Auckland in the Division 2 team and would have likely had a chance to reach the last 16. But due to work commitments, I couldn't play, much to my regret and our team coach's annoyance..oh well, there's next year!]

Anyhow, here's the summary of Day 2 of the tournament:

Men's Singles:

As predicted, it was a stroll for Sairul vs Joe Wu but initially, Sairul struggled adjusting to the condition of the lights affecting his play particularly in retrieving fast clears by Joe. Joe led 4-1 in the first game before Sairul found his rhythm and romped home 15-4. In the second set, once again Sairul stamped his class and easily closed the game winning 15-1 in the second set.

Other matches include upsets by two HK up and coming players. First up was Wong Wai Hong who fought an intense battle with no.4 seed John Moody of NZ to carved a well earned 12-15, 15-6, 15-13 win while his team mate Chan Yan Kit was impressive in disposing 7th seed Geoff Bellingam of NZ in straight sets, 15-5, 15-9. 8th seed, Stuart Gomez of Australia made sure he avoided similar fate by defeating another NZ junior player, Alan Chan in three sets, with the third going down the wire, 15-13. His victory earned him a quarterfinal show down with Sairul while Wong Wai Hong will take on Conrad Hueckstaed of Germany who made short work of James Moffat of NZ, winning 15-2, 15-4. Chan Yan Kit meanwhile will take on 3rd seed Andrew Smith of England for a place in the semis. The last quarterfinal berts are taken by tournament second seed, Bobby Milroy of Canada who will play no.6 seed, Stuart Brehaut of Australia.

Prediction of semis? Sairul (MAL) vs Conrad (GER), Bobby Milroy (CAN) vs Andrew Smith (ENG).

Women's Singles

It was indeed a celebration day for the Indonesians as they will have 3 representatives in the quarterfinals. The most impressive of the three of course being Adriyanti Firdasari who bundle out no.1 seed Miyo Akao of Japan, 11-7, 11-2. She will next take on Renee Flavell of NZ. Maria Kristin Yulianti continued the trend for Indonesia by upsetting no.3 seed Rachel Hindley of NZ in straight sets and will play another NZ'er, Karen Tam.

The quarterfinal highlight match will feature an Indonesian we know quite well, Fransisca Ratnasari, the Indonesian no.1 who will take on tournament no.2 seed Sutheaswari Mudukasan and completing the last eight line up will be an all NZ affair between top NZ junior female player, Michelle Chan who will take on Rebecca Billingam, tournament no.4 seed who recently reached the 4th round at the World Champs.

Semis prediction: Adriyanti Firdasari (INA) vs Maria Kristin Yulianti (INA) and Rebecca Billingam (NZ) vs Fransisca Ratnasari (INA).

Men's Doubles

Other than the HK pair of Lam Hoi Tak and Tam Lok Tin, the rest of the quartefinalists are from Australia and NZ. Top seed Gordon/Shirley will take on Cheng/Tam, both pairs from NZ, Lam/Tam from HK who earlier upset 4th seed Smith/Warfe of Australia will take on Dennerley-Minturn/Miller of NZ, Brehaut/Gomez of Australia plays no.3 seed Cooper/Bellingam and Hannam/Lee completes the line up against no.2 seed, Cooper/Denney of Australia.

Semis prediction: Gordon/Shirley (NZ) vs Lam/Tam (HK), Cooper/Bellingham (NZ) vs Cooper/Denney (AUS)

Women's Doubles

Only a few games were played yesterday due to the smaller entry in this division while most of the seeded players received bye into the quarterfinals. The lineup will feature top seeds, Chor/Lim (MAL) vs Wilson-Smith/Lucas (AUS), 2nd seeds Hindley/Bellingam (NZ) vs Winsor/Cranston (NZ), Chan/Tam (NZ) who defeated the only other US reps Chen/Jinadasa, will take on Flevell/Shirley (NZ), and Gordon/Runesten-Petersen (NZ) vs Barry/Copeland (NZ).

Semis prediction: Chor/Lim (MAL) vs Gordon/Runesten-Petersen (NZ), Flevell/Shirley (NZ) vs Hindley/Bellingam (NZ)

Mix Doubles

No upsets in the mix as the top four seeds line up in the quarterfinals. Bronze medalist at the recent World Champs and no.1 seed, Runesten-Petersen/Shirley (NZ) vs Veeran/Veeran (AUS), no.2 seed Cooper/Shirley (NZ) vs Cooper/Lucas (AUS), no.3 seed Denney/Wilson-Smith (AUS) vs Tam/Revell (NZ) and no.4 seed Brehaut/Luiz (AUS) takes on the other representatives from USA, Jinadasa/Jinadasa.

Semis prediction: Runesten-Petersen/Shirley (NZ) vs Brehaut/Luiz (AUS) and Cooper/Shirley (NZ) vs Denney/Wilson-Smith (AUS).


Sorry I forgot to bring my camera yesterday so unfortunately missed out on taking pictures but will try and get some more later today and for the rest of the tournament. Will also try and get pictures and interview with Choi and Lim of Malaysia. Until then, this is Adelina, reporting live from Auckland! :)

I think at least one of the HK singles will get through.

Doubles pair won't.

Thanks Adelina for the preview.

Looking forward to the reports and possibly some professional photography from you too?! :rolleyes:

Here are my thoughts:
MS: I'm going for John Moody to take his 3rd title this year.
WS: This will be the most competitive of all draws. I believe any of the 1-4 seeds can take the title (ie. Miyo Akao, Sutheaswari Mudusukan, Rebecca Bellingham, Rachel Hindley)
MD: Easy pick for John Gordon & Daniel Shirley
WD: I actually doubt the malaysian women's doubles pair will win.
XD: It is quite a fair way to come back 'down to earth' after such a successful World Champs campaign, but my pick again is for Daniel Shirley & Sara Runesten-Petersen.

It's not easy that your predictions are nealy all wrong except for XD.

Sairul won easily again...dissapointing tht sutheaswari lost and the WD msian lost coz 1 of them were injured...and adelina i think i saw some1 tht looks like the oone in the pic at the Hall...so it might well b u lol

Thanks for the news.
That is a pretty tight schedule for all those who have participated in the WC 2005 and rushed back to the NZ Open.
IMO, NZ Team did pretty well in WC (of course in particular to the XD Bronze medal).

BTW, if you see Donna Cranston or Kimberley Windsor, please tell them "do not hide under the coat" from a fellow at WC2005. Hopefully, Kimberley Windsor will find a sponsor.

About to head off to watch the semis. Sorry for the late report but you can view the results so far at this link: http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/draws.asp?id=8407

Quick summary of how it all went:

MS: Too easy for Sairul beating Gomez from Australia and he will next meet 5th seed German Conrad Huckstadt who had some resistance from Wong from HK but the German prevailed 15-2, 15-4. Do not think Sairul will be troubled by him though in the semis.

The other semifinal will feature the very impressive HK player, Chan Yan Kit who made short work of 3rd seed Andrew Smith of England, 15-1, 15-11. I believe Chan will have no problem disposing 2nd seed Bobby Malroy of Canada in the current form he's in. It will be an exciting final between Sairul and Chan I think.

WS: Indonesia is assured of at least a rep in the final when two of the 3 quarterfinalists meet in the semis. Ratnasari, the Indo no.1 will take on Rebecca Bellingam in the other semis. My predition of the final is that it will be an all Indo affair, still good quality match though.


I will comment on the other disciplines later as I'm late for the semis. Gotta run! Will report more later! Took a few great pics and I got a great story to tell too after making friends with Chor Hoi Yee of Malaysia, who together with her partner Lim Pek Siah got knocked out yesterday but had such a fine run in the WC by reaching round of 16!

Talk later!

Adelina

Can you fill me in on how Tania Luiz played? Tania and Stuart are up against the top seeds but ah well.. she's a stunner, lol.. ^^.. :D

Thanks for the news.
That is a pretty tight schedule for all those who have participated in the WC 2005 and rushed back to the NZ Open.
IMO, NZ Team did pretty well in WC (of course in particular to the XD Bronze medal).

BTW, if you see Donna Cranston or Kimberley Windsor, please tell them "do not hide under the coat" from a fellow at WC2005. Hopefully, Kimberley Windsor will find a sponsor.

Hahaha :D I passed on your message to Kimberly who laughed out loud and told me what happened. Apparently during the World Champs when the cameras are doing the random scan on the crowd, they hid behind their coats to avoid appearing on camera and that just made the cameramen kept focussing on them...very funny. She unfortunately couldn't remember who you are but said thanks for the good wishes..she's still looking for her sponsor. She and her partner lost in the quarterfinals to the tournament second seeds, Bellingam/Hindley.

Sairul won easily again...dissapointing tht sutheaswari lost and the WD msian lost coz 1 of them were injured...and adelina i think i saw some1 tht looks like the oone in the pic at the Hall...so it might well b u lol

Yes, it is disappointing that all the Malaysians lost except for Sairul in the quarterfinals. Well Tze Yang, next time you think you see me, come up and say hi..I'll probably be walking around taking pics of the players! Already got heaps and will put them on here soon.

MD: The men's doubles quarters was a bitter sweet affair for the host nation as their no.1 ranked pair and tournament top seeds, Gordon/Shirley easily disposed of NZ juniors, Tam/Cheng, 15-3, 15-3 and would take on the HK pair Lam/Tam, who defeated another NZ junior pair, but in three sets. Unfortunately, NZ's no.2 ranked pair of Cooper/Bellingam was upset by their Aussie nemesis, Ashley/Stuart who would go on to meet their countrymen, Cooper/Denney in the other semis.

WD: Disappointment in the Malaysian camp continued after the loss of tournament 2nd seed, Sutheaswani Mudukasan as Chor/Lim did not live up to their top billing, succumbing to a two set loss to a pumped up Aussie pair of Wilson-Smith/Lucas. This game was unfortunately ruined by terrible umpiring by a NZ umpire who was really an embarassment which saw him sighting unfairly with the Aussie pair. One of these glaring incidents involving Chor serving to Lucas who grabbed the shuttle after she initially missed hitting it and then complaining to the umpire that she wasn't ready yet and the umpire had the point replayed. This is shocking given that under international badminton rules, if you're not ready, you're meant to put up your hand and not attempt to hit the shuttle. Anyhow, when it happened exactly the same time again, this time the umpire actually said "I can't give you another chance anymore or it would be too obvious!" Geez!! Chor/Lim were also faulted at least 6 times alltogether either in serving or receiving serves. Interesting call by the umpire given that the girls were never faulted ever once in their 13 years of playing badminton tournaments in serving or receiving. Shame really. I jokingly teased Chor later on by saying perhaps because they had such short bodies that their racquets constantly looked like they were above their waists when serving :p. A whack with her racquet was all I got for my troubles :D

In other games, Gordon/Runesten-Petersen, the silver medalists from the Commonwealth Games 2002 beat a junior NZ pair to move into the semis to play against Wilson-Smith/Lucas. The other semis will feature all kiwi pairs, Flavell/Shirley vs Hindley/Bellingam.

XD: The top 4 seeds of the tournament played to the form book and would be facing each other in the semis. World Championship bronze medalist and tournament no.1 seeds, Shirley/Runesten-Petersen would take on no 4 seeds Brehaut/Luiz of Australia in the first semis. Second seeds kiwi pair of Cooper/Shirley will take on another Aussie pair, Denney/Wilson-Smith, seeded 3rd.

Auckland - Second to last day of the Equinox NZ Open 2005 proved to be a sizzler, which is more than I can say for the weather Time sure flew when you're having fun..I'm sure I speak on behalf of the almost full house spectators at the Gillies Badminton Hall when I say that it sure didn't feel like we spent almost 5 hours 'oooh-ing and aahhh-ing' at some of the great shots demonstrated by the semi-finalists of the tournaments. I managed to take many pictures and will be posting them in due course. First, let me take you through the mouth-watering matches on offer today:

Men's Singles
First time in the tournament that Sairul got tested where he actually had to play more than 5 rallies to win a point! Also first time that the spectators at the Gillies Badminton Hall were treated to a display of Sairul's skill and ability as he sliced, diced, smashed and dashed and ultimately brought Conrad Hueckstaedt, the German 5th seed to his knees (literally at one point), the Malaysian winning 15-6, 15-5. It was hard to tell whether the crowd enjoyed the game more than the players' on court antics. Conrad tried to psyche out Sairul by staring him down each time he wins a shot and shouting with pumped up fist and all. Bad move really by Conrad given Sairul's more superior skills as the Malaysian decided to let the German taste his own medicine, mimicking the German when he won the points to the delight of the crowd. No points for guessing who had the last 'shout' in this match :D

The other semis took place at the same time as the Sairul vs Conrad game, but on the next court. I'm surprised I haven't become cross-eyed from trying to capture all the actions happening on both courts. HK youngster, Chan Yan Kit was indeed the oriental rocket pocket as he took off from the start of the game and never once looked back, beating tournament 2nd seed, Bobby Milroy of Canada in straight sets, 15-10, 15-10 . His ability to read his opponent's game, combined with his fluid movements around the court and deadly smashes will truly make him a handful for Sairul in tomorrow's final. If he proceeds in this manner, the world will have to stand up and pay attention, watch this space!

My bet will still be on Sairul to win obviously! Sairul boleh!

Women's Singles
First semis game featured NZ hopeful and no.4 seed, Rebecca Bellingam against one of the 3 Indonesian 'armadas', in the form of their no.1 player, Fransisca Ratnasari. Initially, Rebecca matched the Indonesian in most areas of the game as they moved each other around trying to find weaknesses in one another's game. Eventually, Fransisca showed her class, making less unforced errors and adopting pin point accurate placing shots to sink Rebecca in straight sets 11-5, 11-4.

The second semi final match understandably received less interests as Yulianti Kristin took on teammate Adriyanti Firdasari. However, the crowd soon got into the game at one set all and the two players went up another gear. Firdasari thrilled with her amazing net-play which saw the shuttle tumble over at least 5 or 6 times to the frustration of Kristin who managed to trick her opponent many a time with her deceptive cross court slices. Eventually, Firdasari prevailed 11-3, 6-11, 11-5.

Men's Doubles
These were the last matches played in the day but the crowd's patience in waiting for them was well rewarded. First up, no.2 seeds, Denney/Cooper showed their more junior teammates Gomez/Brehaut how it was done. Everything the younger pair threw at their seniors came back like a good ol boomerang. Denney/Cooper's defence had been solid all week and it saw them winning easily 15-1, 15-3. Then came perhaps the most exciting game of the day, with HK's Lam/Tam taking on tournament top seeds, Gordon/Shirley of NZ. Cheered by the voicerous Chinese section of the crowd, the HK players played aggressively and it was neck to neck until about 10-10 before a few mistakes and some powerful cross court smashes by Shirley pulled the kiwis away to win 15-11 in the first. It was obvious in the beginning of the second set that the HK pair who threw everything in their armoury against the kiwis was starting to tire and it became apparent that they could not fight the impending tide that was washing them ashore, taking its surfers with it into the final, second set score being 15-5 It will be an exciting final given the kiwis' attacking play versus the aussies' defensive style ala Ricky/Rexy vs Jalani/Razif Sideks (ok, not same league..but hey, beggars can't be choosers!) :D

My prediction (and perhaps a bit of bias) is that Kiwis will win.

Women's Doubles
After the exit of the Malaysian doubles pair, I was somehow comforted that at least there were 3 kiwi pairs in the semis, outnumbering the sole Aussie one. Tournament 2nd seeds, Hindley/Bellingam made short work of Flavell/Shirley, the surprised semi finalist in this tournament 15-3, 15-8 (Shirley was overheard saying constantly, "I can't believe how lucky we are to be in this easier half othe draw!!"). The other semi was of course more exciting given the trans Tasman rivalry. Gordon/Runesten-Petersen who lost to Wilson-Smith/Lucas earlier in the year in Perth in a badminton tournament managed to turn the table this time, defeating the Aussies 15-9, 9-15, 15-3 to set up an all Kiwi final tomorrow.

Hindley/Bellingam may just squeezed through on this one in my prediction of the final.

Mix Doubles
Runesten-Petersen/Shirley had little trouble living up to their top billing and perhaps the confidence gained from reaching the World Champ semis played apart in their demolition of the Aussie pair, Brehaut/Luiz, 15-5 15-7. Unlike the women's doubles, it won't be a all kiwi affar in the final though as the Aussie party poopers (as far as the kiwis are concerned anyway), 3rd ranked Denney/Wilson-Smith threw the form book out of the window in their upset win over the 2nd seeded kiwis, Cooper/Shirley, winning 15-13, 15-8.

My prediction of the final? You really want me to spell it out? Go kiwis! :D

This is Adelina Ong, reporting live from Auckland. Until tomorrow, ka kite ano (Maori for goodbye :) )

Hi guys, here are the pics from the quarters:

1. Runesten-Petersen
2. Rebecca Bellingham vs Michelle Chan, both of NZ
3. Lim/Chor (MAL) vs Wilson-Smith/Lucas (AUS)

1. View of all 3 courts in the hall
2. Fransisca Ratnasari (INA)
3. Fransisca vs Kudeshani Mudakasan (MAS)

1st WS semis - Ratnasari vs Bellingam

1st XD pics: Runesten-Petersen/Shirley (NZL) vs Brehaut/Luiz (AUS)

More pics of Bellingam (NZL) vs Ratnasari (INA)

Men's singles: Chan Yan Kit (HK) vs Bobby Milroy (CAN) and pic of Sairul

Men's Singles: Sairul (MAS) vs Conrad Huekstaedt (GER)

Men's Doubles: Lam/Tam (HK) vs Shirley/Gordon (NZL)

Your descriptions are just so 'graphic'.:D Very enjoyable:)

HK for the MS winner! (Sairul will win though :p )

Auckland - It was a great day for badminton in New Zealand as we received live telecast coverage on national tv of the finals of Equinox NZ Open which was no small feat given this is afterall a nation of rugby and netball.

The first event of the day was the women's singles featuring Indonesia's top two players, Fransisca Ratnasari vs Adriyanti Firdasari. It was a close first set as the players try to exploit each other's weaknesses, which of course they know so well, playing and training together in the past. At 8-8, an unforced error plus couple of good smashes saw Firdasari surged ahead to take the first set 11-8. The confidence earned from winning the first set spurred her on and she was never troubled in wrapping up the match 11-5 in the second set to win the inaugural women's singles title together with a winner's purse of US$2,250.00.

Pics:
1. Both players in the start of a rally;
2. Ratnsari concentrating hard; and
3. Firdasari's winning pose with yours truly.

adelina, great coverage. you are a good live reporter!

It was a classic Trans-Tasman rivalry between tournament top seeds, Shirley/ Runesten-Petersen and the 3rd seeds, Denny/Wilson-Smith who had clashed many a time in the White Trophy but this is the first time the Aussies are playing the newly crowned Bronze medalists at the World Champs. Expectations were high on the NZ pair to deliver and to add to the pressure was the importance of winning the title to gain more valuable points to boost their rankings prior to the start of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne next year. The Aussies came out firing and after the initial nerves, the kiwis lived up to the nation's and indeed their own expectations by crushing the Aussies, 15-8, 15-4 in 36 minutes to continue their winning ways following the World Champs.

Pics:
1 & 2: The opponents facing one another;
3: Adelina mixed in the doubles :D and Sara's bronze medal won at the WC

This is definitely the hightlight of the finals day as top seed Sairul Amar Ayob takes on the centre stage to try and win his maiden IBF tournament, albeit only a 1 star one. Standing in his way though was hopeful up and coming youngster, Chan Yan Kit of Hong Kong who already earlier sent tournament no. 7, no.3 and no.2 seeds packing. It would be his biggest badminton achievement if he could add the World no. 17 to his list of casualty. This was not only a great match because of the players' respective calibres and colourful repertoire of shots, but also the fact that they had their own voicerous and boisterous group of supporters. Each time a group yelled out "Hong Kong, Kar Yau ('add oil')", it would be instantly rebutted by the Malaysian supporters screaming "Malaysia Boleh, Sairul Boleh!"

The HK player drew the first blood with a high jumping smash followed by his pumped up fist and shout of "Saaaa!" (As if the crowd needed anymore pursuasion to echo his shout!) Not to be outdone, Sairul unleash several cross court smashes to win a few points himself and soon they were tied at 5-5 and took turn leading one another until 10-10. Then as if stepping up a gear, Sairul would punch some clears to Chan's backhand corner forcing him to often backhand clear which would almost definitely be punished by Sairul's steep smashes. Sairul claimed the first set 15-8. Sairul seemed to have lost his concentration in early of the first set to let the crafty HK player raced to a 5-0 lead before he registered his first point. Soon it was neck to neck again before Sairul regained the lead and soon comfortably reaching 14-9. Then his concentration lapse or perhaps nerves got to him which saw Chan wrestled the serve back after a titanic energy zapping 30 rallies and catching up slowly. Of course, what kind of dramatic final would it be without some controversy? Two dodgy calls by the linesmen saw Chan clawed his way back to level at 14-14 and forcing deuce. Sniffling victory in the second set and cheered at feverish pitch by his supporters, Chan smashed and pumped his fist all the way to reaching game point at 16-14. Showing true class and grit of an experienced player, Sairul snatched back service, maintaining his composure to level at 16-16 and earning his first match point. Taking a deep breath before he served this time must have calmed his nerves as he patiently rallied and executed a very tricky cross court drop shot that caught Chan unaware. The HK player dived to retrieve the shuttle but this was easily tapped by Sairul who leapt for joy before going over to hi-5 his supporters and coach, securing his first international title after a battle that lasted just under an hour.

Pics of the players in action

After the Men's Singles, before the crowd had a chance to catch their breath and moved away from the edge of their seats, they were once again caught up with the excitement that is the men's doubles with another Trans-Tasman battle on the way. This time it is top seeded kiwi pair of Gordon/Shirley taking on Australian 2nd seeds, Denney/Cooper. Although the games were nail-bitingly close all the way, somehow watching the game, you sensed the Aussie's determination and preparation for this match as they picked on the weaker player, this being Gordon and their game plan worked, so well that the Aussies finally managed to upset their more fancy opponents, scoring a 15-11, 15-9 win, robbing Daniel Shirley of winning another title after his mix doubles win earlier with Sarah Runesten-Petersen.

This was an all kiwi affair and unfortunately suffered a bit of an anti-climatic effect, especially also being the last event of the day, everyone in a hurry to see the prize giving. No one obviously told the girls that as they played their hearts as two sisters (Rebecca Bellingam (nee Gordon) and Nicole Gordon) left their affection for one another at home in facing one another in this match. Eventually, the 2nd seeds Bellingam/Hindley defeated the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games silver medalists Gordon/Runesten-Petersen (also spoiling Sarah's plan for a double victory), 15-7, 15-8 in less than 40 minutes.

The prize-giving then followed. Here are the pics of the WS, MS and MD.

And taking to the podium are the winners in the WD and XD plus a pic of Sarah Runesten-Petersen with her bronze medal won at the recent World Champs. Sorry not so clear..

I noticed you were weaving in and out an awful lot.

You think the players have it hard with their footwork: when you consider the area that you managed to cover (ie, the entire hall for about 4 hours), I'd say you've done quite well yourself :D

Especially in slippers ;)

Anyways, great coverage.

It's great that you have capacity audience and national tv coverage. All evidence shows that badminton is gaining in popularity around the world. It would be good if Oceania will have at least a 4* tournament in the near future as there are many badminton-mad nations (South East Asia) in proximity.

Auckland - Looking back at the NZ Open that just recently concluded, one word does spring to mind, "Success!" Indeed it was a well organised tournament, well supported by both players and the public, receiving live telecast and great sponsorship, all positive encouragement for Oceania's first IBF tournament. During his speech at the prize giving ceremony, the CEO of the major sponsor, Equinox Group was so delighted with how the tournament went that he announced that next year's tournament will be bigger..it will be a 2 star event! This means that it will be a US60,000 tournament and no doubt will attract more star studded players to the tournament.

With Sairul Amar Ayob winning his first maiden title on NZ soil, it is more than likely he will return to defend his title next year. Look out for my interview with him coming to the Badminton Central Forum near you! :D

I also had a quick chat with runner-up Fransisca Ratnasari, the no.1 Indonesian player after her finals' match. When asked about how she found the tournament and her first IBF tournament final, she explained that although she's ranked higher than her compatriot, Adriyanti Firdasari, her lost was not that all surprising given that Firdasari is currently a better player than her. The 19 year old however was quick to point out that she hoped that this will soon change. Her future is bright given that she had only started playing for Indonesia for the past 2 years and her target is to win the Olympics gold medal in the Beijing in 2008, to emulate her idol, former Indonesian legend, Susi Susanti.

Another catch up session I had was with Sarah Runesten-Petersen. Some of you may recall that I interviewed her fresh after the 2002 Manchester Commmonwealth Games where she won silver with her partner, Rebecca Gordon. This time of course, another medal in her hand, although the colour is Bronze, it is no doubt one that she was absolutely delighted to have won. When asked about their quarterfinal win against the more fancied Korean pair, she said that they played extremely well that day and it did not help the Korean pair who crumbled under the pressure to reach semi-finals while the kiwis knew they had nothing to lose. In the semi-finals however, Sarah pointed out that both the Chinese and them already secured a medal and so there was pressure factor involved. While they felt that they played well, Sarah conceded that on that day, they were indeed no match for the Chinese who played a better game.

As the curtain drew to a close on the inaugural NZ Open, I have mixed feelings, happy that I had a chance to see some great matches that will hopefully inspire me when I play for Auckland vs the other provinces in 2 weeks time...but also sad that it has ended and I will have to wait another year to see whether NZ will be the "Middle Earth" once more for Frodo Hidayat or Gandalf Dan. Oh my prrreeeccciiioooouuusssss!! ;)

I noticed you were weaving in and out an awful lot.

You think the players have it hard with their footwork: when you consider the area that you managed to cover (ie, the entire hall for about 4 hours), I'd say you've done quite well yourself :D

Especially in slippers ;)

Anyways, great coverage.

For your information young man, they're not slippers, but a very highly fashionable jandals, very comfortable to walk around in, I'll be damned if I was going to walk around in heels on the wooden floor, probably get thrown out! :D

If you saw me walking around, why didn't you come up and say hi?! We could have organised a game. I actually ended up playing that evening, practising my singles. So do you play muc noluckjim?

good reporting adelina.


I noticed you were weaving in and out an awful lot.

You think the players have it hard with their footwork: when you consider the area that you managed to cover (ie, the entire hall for about 4 hours), I'd say you've done quite well yourself

Especially in slippers
noluckjim, were u watching the games at all :confused: :p

Well done Adeline on those reports.

Good Luck to your Slazenger's games in two weeks time.

Do you play much on the weekend? Hope to catch up in courts sometime.

Cheers

Thanks for the great coverage of the tournament Adelina. You're not stopping by the Australian International to do some reporting to would you?

I'll be there, but will be quite busy doing other things, so may not be able to take note of too many games and/or photos...just out of curiosity, is anyone on this forum going to the Aust Int in Ballarat?

Well done Adeline on those reports.

Good Luck to your Slazenger's games in two weeks time.

Do you play much on the weekend? Hope to catch up in courts sometime.

Cheers

Thanks! I'm looking forward to doing well in this. Will be my last tournament for the season as I'm heading to Europe 2 days after the last day of tourney. Last year I missed the upcoming Auckland Champs due to injury, and this year, due to travels :crying: Oh well..there's alwyas next year.

Yeah, Seems like you know who I am and I can't say the same about you so please come and say hi if you see me at Gillies Ave. I'm currently training about 3 times a week, and on the weekend, I train on Sunday nights, 6 to 8 with the rest of the Auckland squad. When do you normally play?

A

Thanks for the great coverage of the tournament Adelina. You're not stopping by the Australian International to do some reporting to would you?

I'll be there, but will be quite busy doing other things, so may not be able to take note of too many games and/or photos...just out of curiosity, is anyone on this forum going to the Aust Int in Ballarat?

Unlike Ants who's so lucky to go to many tournaments, I'm unfortunately not gonna be able to jet-set anywhere out of the country at the moment, especially with the inter-provincial tournament coming up in 2 weeks. But I'll be in Europe soon, I wonder if there' any tournaments there then..hmms.

Your pic with Adrianti Firdasari, she reminds me of another ex-Indonesian Pelatnas WD/XD player who moved to U.S. not too long ago, Angeline(Angie) De Pauw... :rolleyes:


3. Firdasari's winning pose with yours truly.

If you saw me walking around, why didn't you come up and say hi?! We could have organised a game. I actually ended up playing that evening, practising my singles. So do you play muc noluckjim?
Didn't want to interrupt you, what with that busy schedule of yours and all that (photographs, interviews...):p

I play as often as I can, which unfortunately is a measly once-a-week ordeal in interclub games which for the most part offer little resistance (I think there are only a couple of teams which have decent players).:crying:

Anyways, best of luck with the Slazenger Cup... make sure Auckland stomps on the competition :D

Many thanks Adelina for working so hard to update us in a timely fashion with your interesting reports.

How about telling us more about yourself and your forthcoming competitions?
Imagine that, just like Ayob, you've just won the finals or at least your ambition to become a NZ champion! :)

Hahaha :D I passed on your message to Kimberly who laughed out loud and told me what happened. Apparently during the World Champs when the cameras are doing the random scan on the crowd, they hid behind their coats to avoid appearing on camera and that just made the cameramen kept focussing on them...very funny. She unfortunately couldn't remember who you are but said thanks for the good wishes..she's still looking for her sponsor. She and her partner lost in the quarterfinals to the tournament second seeds, Bellingam/Hindley.
Thank you for the coverage on the New Zealand Open. Looks like your Open tournament is a better success than ours in Canada.

The camera in WC2005. Well, at least Kimberly waved at the camera twice. Donna just hid under the coat and would not show her face at all. I guess Donna is the shy one. Wish them luck in the search for the sponsor and the university study.

I am the Asian fellow that they met while waiting for a taxis. They wished that they were recognized by their badminton abilities instead of their appearance on the big screen in the WC2005. I told Kimberly that she may get some contact info for sponsor from this forum. Hopefully, I shall "see" her some day in this forum.

Many thanks Adelina for working so hard to update us in a timely fashion with your interesting reports.

How about telling us more about yourself and your forthcoming competitions?
Imagine that, just like Ayob, you've just won the finals or at least your ambition to become a NZ champion! :)

Hiya..aiyoh, dunno what to say leh..I'm just me :D Other people more interesting lah! :D

From the above, hopefully you can tell I'm Malaysian :cool: I came to NZ when I was 19 to study law, fell in love with this country and decided to make it my home. Started playing baddy when I was 8 or 9 but never played competitively in Malaysia (couldn't get rid of baby fat for a while :crying: )

Then when I was in NZ, I started playing more competitively, first representing Canterbury province (in the South Island) before playing for Auckland since last year when I moved up here to further my legal career.

If I was a tad bit younger than my ancient 29 years of age, I would have liked to train harder and perhaps see if I could play for NZ one day but unfortunately, the amount of training and time involved to get there is too much a sacrifice especially when you have a demanding full time job as well, as most of you can probably relate to. So I'm content at playing at the provincial level for Auckland's Division 2. Division 1 are made out of the national players. They play in an inter-provincial tournament calls the Wisden Cup and we play in the Slazenger Cup.

From 12th September to 17th September, both Wisden/Slazenger tournaments will be held stimultaneously and this is my last tournament of the year before heading for Europe for a holiday for 3 months. The format of Wisden//Slazenger works this way: 4 men singles, 4 ladies singles, 2 mens doubles, 2 ladies doubles and 4 mix doubles, making total games 16. So if you're tied at 8-8 then the victor is determined by countback of sets won, and if that's still indecisive, then total points won. In each team, you can have the maximum of 6 guys and 6 girls (and minimum 4 of each). Each player is then ranked accordingly. Since there's only 4 singles position, we do have players that specialise in particular disciplines. For example, I'm a more capable singles and doubles player than I am a mix player (Don't like being a sitting duck! :p ). We have not yet been ranked but going on current form, I could be ranked anywhere from 1st to 3rd in singles and 1st in doubles. I'm hoping that I won't have to play mix :(

This is a cool tournament and I'm looking forward to playing well for Auckland. I just don't want to play against these two "imported" players playing for my old province, Canterbury. One's a ex-state player from China and the other is a Japanese ex-rep. So at present, I'll be happy to play at no.3 for Auckland :D In terms of my previous tournaments, I'm sad to say that I haven't yet won any major tournaments in NZ. Came close a few time. Was once a runner-up in the South Island Champs. I'm hoping to win a title or two before I retire :p

That's all I can think of, but feel free to ask anything else you want to know. I do love badminton with a passion though and hope to play until I'm 100!

Adelina

I do love badminton with a passion though and hope to play until I'm 100!
Why stop at 100? :rolleyes:

Why stop at 100? :rolleyes:

Because I plan to take up motorcross racing or cross country skiing after that...not sure yet which! :D

hey another m'sian seeking out in NZ! Glad to know that you are doing well in your career and badminton. Do you miss m'sia?

hey another m'sian seeking out in NZ! Glad to know that you are doing well in your career and badminton. Do you miss m'sia?

I'm sure Adelina is enjoying herself and she even finds time to play high-level competitive badminton despite her heavy legal workload. Maybe not so heavy after all for she's able to take 3 months off to tour Europe. A lawyer in NZ must be truly well-paid!

I'm sure if Adelina were a few years younger, she would have loved to train in IBF's Germany Training Centre, as what Ruth1 recently did at the Guangzhao TC. But of course Ruth is younger at about 21/22, I think. Wow, if Adelina has the stamina and determination to do what Ruth has done, she could very well become NZ top singles player, even at 29. But will she give up, at least temporarily, her law practice and devote full time to training to ensure she becomes No.1? :rolleyes:

Then all Malaysians and even a Singaporean like me will rejoice! Fancy that NZ then will have a 'Foreign Talent' in her midst. Well, not exactly, because Adelina must have by now become a NZ citizen, having been resident there for the past 10 years. Remember our evergreen Zhang Ning, whose age is similar to Adelina's? And Zhang Ning has recently expressed her desire to compete at Beijing Olympics 2008, to retain her crown! The much younger Xie Xingfang will have to be on her toes! ;)

Enjoy yourself Adelina - during your forthcoming Slazenger Cup challenge as well as your European tour. We look forward to your reports. I'm sure our young lady Joanne from KL (who is very much addicted to badminton like yourself) is interested in what you are doing too. :D

Khwong, yes I do miss my family but we visit one another from time to time, so that's great but I haven't been back to Malaysia for the past 2 years. It was so funny last time I went back, reached KL International airport and hoping that I will still look 'local' enough so that the taxi drivers won't bug me, but alas, I must have eaten too much lamb in NZ or something because they haunted me like there's no tomorrow! :D

Loh, don't you know that my work as a lawyer is simply to fund my badminton passion? Tee hee.. Actually, I'm quitting my job to go travel in Europe..trying to be care free and 'going with the flow'. Hopefully will meeet an European Prince who will make me his princess and build me like 8 badminton courts beside our castle and I can invite you all over for a tournament! :D

Ooh, training in Germany sounds interesting..I'll have to check it out when I go through there. Hahaha, I couldn't believe you compare me to Zhang Ning..she probably reached her top lvl at 18 and simply maintaining that lvl, is much easier than trying to start from scratch at 29 and trying to be a NZ no.1 by 30?!! Don't be cwazy lah! :D I'm an enthusiast, but not a miracle worker!

Yes, I'll be reporting on the Slaz/Wisden if you guys are interested to hear about it. What a small world it is..I recently told my godbrother about BC who's now living in NZ as well together with his wife. They're originally from Singapore. They actually already know about BC being a badminton enthusiasts as well. In fact, my godbrother, Kit is Explorer 123 from Christchurch that played with a bunch of other BC ppl in the BC get together during the 2004 Aviva Singapore Open. We've jokingly said that perhaps him, his wife and myself would make a trip down to Singapore for the 2006 Open!

Actually, during my trip to Europe, I will be in transit over Singapore for 3 hours! You guys in Singapore won't by any chance fancy a mini get together for a coffee perhaps? Better still if there's a badminton court nearby Changi Airport and we can go for a hit before my flight to Amsterdam! Hehehehe :D

I'm sure Adelina is enjoying herself and she even finds time to play high-level competitive badminton despite her heavy legal workload. Maybe not so heavy after all for she's able to take 3 months off to tour Europe. A lawyer in NZ must be truly well-paid!

I'm sure if Adelina were a few years younger, she would have loved to train in IBF's Germany Training Centre, as what Ruth1 recently did at the Guangzhao TC. But of course Ruth is younger at about 21/22, I think. Wow, if Adelina has the stamina and determination to do what Ruth has done, she could very well become NZ top singles player, even at 29. But will she give up, at least temporarily, her law practice and devote full time to training to ensure she becomes No.1? :rolleyes:

Then all Malaysians and even a Singaporean like me will rejoice! Fancy that NZ then will have a 'Foreign Talent' in her midst. Well, not exactly, because Adelina must have by now become a NZ citizen, having been resident there for the past 10 years. Remember our evergreen Zhang Ning, whose age is similar to Adelina's? And Zhang Ning has recently expressed her desire to compete at Beijing Olympics 2008, to retain her crown! The much younger Xie Xingfang will have to be on her toes! ;)

Enjoy yourself Adelina - during your forthcoming Slazenger Cup challenge as well as your European tour. We look forward to your reports. I'm sure our young lady Joanne from KL (who is very much addicted to badminton like yourself) is interested in what you are doing too. :D

What a small world it is..I recently told my godbrother about BC who's now living in NZ as well together with his wife. They're originally from Singapore. They actually already know about BC being a badminton enthusiasts as well. In fact, my godbrother, Kit is Explorer 123 from Christchurch that played with a bunch of other BC ppl in the BC get together during the 2004 Aviva Singapore Open. We've jokingly said that perhaps him, his wife and myself would make a trip down to Singapore for the 2006 Open!
:D

Yes, indeed it is a small world, for I have partnered Kit to play against Kwun and Chan during last year's BC Singapore get-together! All I can say is your godbrother is a badminton fanatic and he could play without stopping even in the energy-sapping Tampines Sports Hall, where he, his wife and another friend from NZ played quite regularly during their stay here. Tampines is where their parents are still residing in, I think. But I've not heard from Kit since and it is perhaps time to say hello to him again. Please convey my regards to them. But I thought they are not in Auckland, Christchurch perhaps?

You may wish to contact Gunther Huber, email: ospgh@yahoo.com, the man in charge of the IBF Saarbruecken Training Centre, Germany. We got to know Gunther about two years ago when he was invited by the SBA to conduct coaching courses here. Of course, you can find out more from the IBF website: worldbadminton.net.

I'm sure, just like you, we hope Prince Charming will appear during your European sojourn, so that we can visit and play badminton with you in your picturesque castle. Dreams can come true, you know! ;)

Khwong, yes I do miss my family but we visit one another from time to time, so that's great but I haven't been back to Malaysia for the past 2 years. It was so funny last time I went back, reached KL International airport and hoping that I will still look 'local' enough so that the taxi drivers won't bug me, but alas, I must have eaten too much lamb in NZ or something because they haunted me like there's no tomorrow! :D

Loh, don't you know that my work as a lawyer is simply to fund my badminton passion? Tee hee.. Actually, I'm quitting my job to go travel in Europe..trying to be care free and 'going with the flow'. Hopefully will meeet an European Prince who will make me his princess and build me like 8 badminton courts beside our castle and I can invite you all over for a tournament! :D

Ooh, training in Germany sounds interesting..I'll have to check it out when I go through there. Hahaha, I couldn't believe you compare me to Zhang Ning..she probably reached her top lvl at 18 and simply maintaining that lvl, is much easier than trying to start from scratch at 29 and trying to be a NZ no.1 by 30?!! Don't be cwazy lah! :D I'm an enthusiast, but not a miracle worker!

Yes, I'll be reporting on the Slaz/Wisden if you guys are interested to hear about it. What a small world it is..I recently told my godbrother about BC who's now living in NZ as well together with his wife. They're originally from Singapore. They actually already know about BC being a badminton enthusiasts as well. In fact, my godbrother, Kit is Explorer 123 from Christchurch that played with a bunch of other BC ppl in the BC get together during the 2004 Aviva Singapore Open. We've jokingly said that perhaps him, his wife and myself would make a trip down to Singapore for the 2006 Open!

Actually, during my trip to Europe, I will be in transit over Singapore for 3 hours! You guys in Singapore won't by any chance fancy a mini get together for a coffee perhaps? Better still if there's a badminton court nearby Changi Airport and we can go for a hit before my flight to Amsterdam! Hehehehe :D


hello there . u playing in divsion 1 or 2? auckland team is so strong !!!!
oneday i holp i get to met you... i am playing divsion 3 next year my goal is get to divsion 1 oneday, right now am recovering from a injured off for 3 months . i so miss badminton ,
p.s do u know maggie chan? she allen sister.

hello there . u playing in divsion 1 or 2? auckland team is so strong !!!!
oneday i holp i get to met you... i am playing divsion 3 next year my goal is get to divsion 1 oneday, right now am recovering from a injured off for 3 months . i so miss badminton ,
p.s do u know maggie chan? she allen sister.

Hi! I play for Division 2 for Auckland in the Slazenger tournament. From your nickname, "cant_backhand", does this mean you cannot do backhands or does this mean "cant = Canterbury", as in that's where you're from? I used to play for Canterbury and so I was thinking if you play for Div 3, I would know you. If you're in Auckland, you must come and say hi during the Wisden/Slazenger tournament from Sept 12th to 17th. Yes, I do know Maggie and Alan Chan.

Hope to see you soon.

Adelina

Hi! I play for Division 2 for Auckland in the Slazenger tournament. From your nickname, "cant_backhand", does this mean you cannot do backhands or does this mean "cant = Canterbury", as in that's where you're from? I used to play for Canterbury and so I was thinking if you play for Div 3, I would know you. If you're in Auckland, you must come and say hi during the Wisden/Slazenger tournament from Sept 12th to 17th. Yes, I do know Maggie and Alan Chan.

Hope to see you soon.

Adelina


hello, yes i cant do back hand clear very well (_ _)' , i am from wellington , hutt vally team , do u know maagie aye? do u happen to know her email adress? i wanne say hi to her (^ _ ^). good luck on ur slazenger games .
oneday when i make to disvion 2. met your team in the finals ! how many times u guys train a week?

Khwong, yes I do miss my family but we visit one another from time to time, so that's great but I haven't been back to Malaysia for the past 2 years. It was so funny last time I went back, reached KL International airport and hoping that I will still look 'local' enough so that the taxi drivers won't bug me, but alas, I must have eaten too much lamb in NZ or something because they haunted me like there's no tomorrow! :D

Loh, don't you know that my work as a lawyer is simply to fund my badminton passion? Tee hee.. Actually, I'm quitting my job to go travel in Europe..trying to be care free and 'going with the flow'. Hopefully will meeet an European Prince who will make me his princess and build me like 8 badminton courts beside our castle and I can invite you all over for a tournament! :D's

Ooh, training in Germany sounds interesting..I'll have to check it out when I go through there. Hahaha, I couldn't believe you compare me to Zhang Ning..she probably reached her top lvl at 18 and simply maintaining that lvl, is much easier than trying to start from scratch at 29 and trying to be a NZ no.1 by 30?!! Don't be cwazy lah! :D I'm an enthusiast, but not a miracle worker!

Yes, I'll be reporting on the Slaz/Wisden if you guys are interested to hear about it. What a small world it is..I recently told my godbrother about BC who's now living in NZ as well together with his wife. They're originally from Singapore. They actually already know about BC being a badminton enthusiasts as well. In fact, my godbrother, Kit is Explorer 123 from Christchurch that played with a bunch of other BC ppl in the BC get together during the 2004 Aviva Singapore Open. We've jokingly said that perhaps him, his wife and myself would make a trip down to Singapore for the 2006 Open!

Actually, during my trip to Europe, I will be in transit over Singapore for 3 hours! You guys in Singapore won't by any chance fancy a mini get together for a coffee perhaps? Better still if there's a badminton court nearby Changi Airport and we can go for a hit before my flight to Amsterdam! Hehehehe :D
Coincidently we met & had a few hits. Guys she is good player and if she is 10 years younger she will be NZ's Zhang Ning :D Adelina BOLEH

Coincidently we met & had a few hits. Guys she is good player and if she is 10 years younger she will be NZ's Zhang Ning :D Adelina BOLEH

Aww shucks :o Thanks Mel. It was really nice meeting you and having a hit with the local 'Asian' club :D You're not a bad player yourself! Look forward to more games!

Does any1 knw wat racket sairul uses?i neva seen it b4 but it looks cool its green

See my interview thread with him. He said he uses Apecs badminton brand racquets. Apecs is a Malaysian made brand, same company as Pro Ace.

See my interview thread with him. He said he uses Apecs badminton brand racquets. Apecs is a Malaysian made brand, same company as Pro Ace.


You mean APACS. :) , It is popular in Malaysia. actually APACS is a short form for something.. i can't remember.

yea apacs is popular in singapore and malaysia.however i do feel apacs is a little too light.it feels hollow.so i dont really recommend unless you like buying clone rackets.most of their rackets are clone of mp series and at series.even nano series