Early 2006 Thomas Cup winner Poll...

[kwun]

Let do an early TC poll for the fun of it...

so whom do you think will win the TC this year?

China
Denmark
Indonesia
Korea
Malaysia

??

[jamesd20]

I was boring and voted for China. I just can't see any other country coming close.

INA-MD not performing to top level, weak in singles after taufik. Unlikely winners, but good track record when not favoured in TC

MAL-MD poor presently, and although they have two good MS players (LCW and WCH) who can beat the top players, you can't "rely" on them. Hafiz is too inconsistent. Might be dark horses, but often disappoint at last minute.

DEN-Singles fairly strong, and consistent, but both PG and KJ have limitations, when it comes to beating top CHN players. MD seem nowhere from a year ago. can't see them winning there chance went when Eriksen/luungaard lost to Sang/Yang in TC 2004.

KOR-MS way down from last time, MD chaning too much. Last of these group IMO.

[eskey]

I was boring and voted for China. I just can't see any other country coming close.


I vote for China. the loophole in China team for other country to exploit is only 2nd MD. Especially this thomas cup is using 21-rally scoring system will even make China team is stronger, that's what i think

[indra]

Let do an early TC poll for the fun of it...

so whom do you think will win the TC this year?

China
Denmark
Indonesia
Korea
Malaysia

??
No doubt Indonesia...Taufik and two doubles are unstoppable....

[madbad]

No doubt Indonesia...Taufik and two doubles are unstoppable....

Then why didn't you vote for INA in the poll? :confused:

[kemana]

Then why didn't you vote for INA in the poll? :confused:
how did you know that?:eek: i want' to see it too:)

[Chu Liuxiang]

I was boring and voted for China. I just can't see any other country coming close.

INA-MD not performing to top level, weak in singles after taufik. Unlikely winners, but good track record when not favoured in TC

MAL-MD poor presently, and although they have two good MS players (LCW and WCH) who can beat the top players, you can't "rely" on them. Hafiz is too inconsistent. Might be dark horses, but often disappoint at last minute.

DEN-Singles fairly strong, and consistent, but both PG and KJ have limitations, when it comes to beating top CHN players. MD seem nowhere from a year ago. can't see them winning there chance went when Eriksen/luungaard lost to Sang/Yang in TC 2004.

KOR-MS way down from last time, MD chaning too much. Last of these group IMO.

MAL - MD poor prsently ? I don't think so. CCM & KKK won the Swiss Open title recently while 3 Malaysian pairs stormed into AE semifinal.

[BinBin007911]

hard to say at this point, but china really too stong.
now there have more change to win china is malaysia.
malaysia really come out many new player and is not too weak.
and we also have some old player that they have more experience.


below is all personal opinion.

malaysia team may elect MS: LCW, Hafiz, WCH, and KBH; MD: CCM/KKK, CTF/LWW, and Fairuzizuan/LIN Woon Fui(maybe, this is the 1 i not sure)

china team may elect MS: LD, BCL, CH and CJ; MD: FHF/CY, GZD/XZB, SY/ZH(i not very sure about the double of china but mainly is like that)

LCW vs LD - LD have more change to win
Hafiz vs BCL - 50% - 50%
WCH vs CH - 50% - 50%
CCM/KKK vs FHF/CY 50% - 50%
CTF/LWW vs GZD/XZB it may give CTF/LWW to bit the 2nd double.

this is just what i think. it may charge any time or have any think happen.

who know malaysia loss their match before final. i only think like that becouse now malaysia have many new player that can fight with 2nd class player.

anywhere this is only my personal opinion.

[wl2172]

Malaysia has a good chance at the TC, as the MD has improved greatly as proven in the recent AE2006. However, I think CTF/LWW should make way for the young pairs this time.

Also, Hafiz can be relied upon in team events.

[jamesd20]

MAL - MD poor prsently ? I don't think so. CCM & KKK won the Swiss Open title recently while 3 Malaysian pairs stormed into AE semifinal.

This was posted prior to AE and CCM/KKK inconsistent.

Hope MAl can continue improvement in MD though

[ants]

Malaysia have a more balanced team i guess. When they are mentally strong, i'm sure they can beat anybody. I see new blood coming up from the MDs. This may be the deciding factor in Thomas Cup for Msia. Malaysia always had good consistent results in team events. Will see how they are this year in TC.

[s1nn3r]

y0 y0 y0!!
people please dont put too much expectation on this few young malaysia pair. Malaysia player usually falll when the expectation are high.

Remember Loh Ah Heng, few years back he reach the AE semi as an unknown. NOw dunno where adi.:cool: "start unknown, end as unknown"

maybe malaysia player believe what goees around comes around.. :rolleyes:

[Malaysianfan]

Malaysia has a good chance at the TC, as the MD has improved greatly as proven in the recent AE2006. However, I think CTF/LWW should make way for the young pairs this time.

Also, Hafiz can be relied upon in team events.

I don't agree with you abt this. Kim Hock said that we still need the veterans. CTF/LWW are still better than the young pairs technically and they are far more skillful.

[s1nn3r]

I don't agree with you abt this. Kim Hock said that we still need the veterans. CTF/LWW are still better than the young pairs technically and they are far more skillful.

They are needed more as a sparring partner for the younger pair. :p

[seven]

I think it will be between China and Malaysia, and maybe Denmark.

Indonesia should never be forgotten in the Thomas Cup, but they probably have their weakest team ever at the moment!

Anyway, I still think China are the big favourites because of their MS.

[kemana]

I think it will be between China and Malaysia, and maybe Denmark.

Indonesia should never be forgotten in the Thomas Cup, but they probably have their weakest team ever at the moment!

Anyway, I still think China are the big favourites because of their MS.
totally agree:D but still hope Indonesia can go as far as possible:D

[BinBin007911]

y0 y0 y0!!
people please dont put too much expectation on this few young malaysia pair. Malaysia player usually falll when the expectation are high.

Remember Loh Ah Heng, few years back he reach the AE semi as an unknown. NOw dunno where adi.:cool: "start unknown, end as unknown"

maybe malaysia player believe what goees around comes around.. :rolleyes:

maybe you are correct. but i think it may have some charge now. and we have two good trainer. one single and one double. this may help to continue they in playing badminton or also can have more new players in malaysia team. i hope that only. /.\

i also don't put much confidence on them. they make me disappoint for long time.:(

but see the malaysia team is really a good team but may make us disappoint.:mad:

the most perfect is china and 2nd is malaysia, hope it will continue and take a champion since 1992.:(

now malaysia really improve much. and also have many new player.:)

hope a few year later can play as well as china. i also hope that will have many country and have good represent and it will make badminton have more fun.:cool:

ops:eek: :eek: :eek: .... goes too far....

i also hope that malaysia's player will play well in thomas cup.:D :D

[LazyBuddy]

Overall, CHN is definitely the strongest and deepest team, even with their MD pairs. However, 1 thing we need to consider is, this team is very young (and locker room leader "big mouth" bro Xia might not be there to back them up).

It will be interesting if the score is not favorable at the beginning (say, LD lost 1st MS, or Cai/Fu lost the 1st MD), can the young guns "climbing uphill" and turn the wheel around. Skill wise, they are capable to beat anyone, but mentally, not sure. Chen Hong and Bao CL are known as "under achieve" during critical stage, even though, they seemed improved in the past yr or 2. Chen Jin will be the next star soon, but TC is coming right on the spot, not too many time to wait for a miracle. So, with the score 2:2, and 3rd set, not sure if they will suffer another mental break down or not.

Never to metion, with 21 pt system, u can be killed by 1 stun easily. By the time u recover, it might simply be way too late... :rolleyes:

[seven]

Never to metion, with 21 pt system, u can be killed by 1 stun easily. By the time u recover, it might simply be way too late... :rolleyes:

Yes you are right!

About youth vs experience too!
China and Malaysia have strong but young teams.
Denmark and Indonesia have weaker but more experienced teams.
Korea has a both weaker and less experienced team! :rolleyes:

Maybe this is Denmark's best chance of winning the Thomas Cup. (some of their players may have retired of faded by 2008)

[Wong8Egg]

MD is the fair ground for everybody, but only MAL is able to match China's MS (with some extra luck maybe).

[kemana]

there is already a poll on this. thread closed.

dear kwun, do you mean this poll? i don't think this is about the same thing as mine thread

[jamesd20]

Kemana,

I assume you mean this because your poll was to be who do you WANT to win the TC, and this poll is who do you think WILL win the world cup. If so, we might as well just have the poll for where are you from In BF. (since I will want ENG to win, Kwun will want USA, you will want China)

You may as well set up a poll asking where people are from (we are not going to do this)

[kemana]

Kemana,

I assume you mean this because your poll was to be who do you WANT to win the TC, and this poll is who do you think WILL win the world cup. If so, we might as well just have the poll for where are you from In BF. (since I will want ENG to win, Kwun will want USA, you will want China)

You may as well set up a poll asking where people are from (we are not going to do this)
sorry, i hope indonesia will win

[seven]

Kemana,

I assume you mean this because your poll was to be who do you WANT to win the TC, and this poll is who do you think WILL win the world cup. If so, we might as well just have the poll for where are you from In BF. (since I will want ENG to win, Kwun will want USA, you will want China)

You may as well set up a poll asking where people are from (we are not going to do this)

In fact I think Kemana's question was : Will you support your own country or will you rather support another country than yours?

Some from China like Kemana will support Indonesia whereas others fro Indonesia like magical_phoenix will support China...

Some like me won't support anyone in particular but just hope for tight exciting matches... ;) (and avoiding a too big chinese domination)

[kemana]

In fact I think Kemana's question was : Will you support your own country or will you rather support another country than yours?

Some from China like Kemana will support Indonesia whereas others fro Indonesia like magical_phoenix will support China...

Some like me won't support anyone in particular but just hope for tight exciting matches... ;) (and avoiding a too big chinese domination)
yes, you really understand me;) hope i won't be called betrayer.
i just want to know how many people are like me

[glencomienda111]

china i think, but what like ants said malaysia has a balance team and they are good in team events, so theres a possibility of malaysia winning.

1st choice-china
2nd choice-malaysia

like what seven posted, i also dont support any country in particular(not just b'cuz philippines is not included...yet:)) just looking forward for exciting and thrilling games:D

[zia.ufrida]

Kemana... I'm like you. But, I support for korea this time. All we know that china have the bigest chance to win TC. Ina, Mal and denmark have the same chance.

I'd say
China : 30%
ina,mal,den : 20%
kor : 10%

It's very interesting to see korea win TC.



yes, you really understand me;) hope i won't be called betrayer.
i just want to know how many people are like me

[kemana]

Kemana... I'm like you. But, I support for korea this time. All we know that china have the bigest chance to win TC. Ina, Mal and denmark have the same chance.

I'd say
China : 30%
ina,mal,den : 20%
kor : 10%

It's very interesting to see korea win TC.
haha, hope to see more people like us . i don't feel that guilty now:D

[asphyxiate]

China has the big guns... hopefully it won't be terribly one-sided. Malaysia has a sort of good chance, and Indonesia would but Taufik can't stand alone..

[kemana]

China has the big guns... hopefully it won't be terribly one-sided. Malaysia has a sort of good chance, and Indonesia would but Taufik can't stand alone..

the problem with Indo team is just like in the Sudiman cup. no offence to anyone , but some players have little chance to win, so it's like that the others just HAVE to win to make the team win. That will put great great pressure on those players.

[Betty]

Let do an early TC poll for the fun of it...

so whom do you think will win the TC this year?

China
Denmark
Indonesia
Korea
Malaysia

??

I think China (60%) or Malaysia (40%) will win!

Betty

[alloh]

My mind, I think Indonesia will get back TC. Coz Indonesian team has strong spirit to win TC.

My heart, I HOPE Malaysia can win TC. Coz I feel Malaysian Team now is much stronger compare with previously.

My expectation, China may remain the TC this year.

I don't think Korea / Denmark can win the TC now.
Let remain the TC record as only 3 countries had won it!

[fast3r]

I just can't see asnyone other than China winning. They have by far the greatest strength in depth, especially in men's singles. When you consider that they have Chen Hong as their #3 singles you start to see their strength

[lindanfan]

I just can't see asnyone other than China winning. They have by far the greatest strength in depth, especially in men's singles. When you consider that they have Chen Hong as their #3 singles you start to see their strength

i would say that their womens singles and doubles dominate just as much as the mens, i heard something like the #4 in the world was not allowed to enter the athens olympics because a certain country is only allowed to enter a certain ammount of players. thats just crazy!! can't remember who the player was though, the commentators were talking about it at AE2006

[fast3r]

i would say that their womens singles and doubles te just as much as the mens, i heard something like the #4 in the world was not allowed to enter the athens olympics because a certain country is only allowed to enter a certain ammount of players. thats just crazy!! can't remember who the player was though, the commentators were talking about it at AE2006

women aren't in the thomas cup. they have their own separate uber cup.


but you're right the chinese ladies te so much that the equivalent uber cup thread to this one is called 'early uber cup 'runners up' poll' because it is taken for granted that china will win...

[lindanfan]

women aren't in the thomas cup. they have their own separate uber cup.


but you're right the chinese ladies te so much that the equivalent uber cup thread to this one is called 'early uber cup 'runners up' poll' because it is taken for granted that china will win...

oopss:o :o :o my excuse: we don't have these tournaments televised here so i don't know anything about them:p

china's men are all round much stronger than the others, i predict that malaysia will come second and denmark 3rd

[fast3r]

malaysia have the potential to win all 3 doubles in all of their matches, and possibly one singles against China (Lee Chong Wei gave Lin Dan a hard time at the AE) so possibly they could be contenders. A lot of Denmark's players are fading, Gade is unlikely to be able to do much at #1 whilst Jonassen looks to be going downhill which is inevitable at the age of 32. They do however have 3 decent doubles pairings, Eriksen/Lundgaard although getting to the end of their careers proved they are still up at the top with their win in Birmingham. Laybourn/Paaske and Rasmussen/Steffensen are also top quality so although I don't see Denmark winning they could be fighting Indonesia and Korea for 3rd place

[other]

malaysia have the potential to win all 3 doubles in all of their matches, and possibly one singles against China (Lee Chong Wei gave Lin Dan a hard time at the AE) so possibly they could be contenders. A lot of Denmark's players are fading, Gade is unlikely to be able to do much at #1 whilst Jonassen looks to be going downhill which is inevitable at the age of 32. They do however have 3 decent doubles pairings, Eriksen/Lundgaard although getting to the end of their careers proved they are still up at the top with their win in Birmingham. Laybourn/Paaske and Rasmussen/Steffensen are also top quality so although I don't see Denmark winning they could be fighting Indonesia and Korea for 3rd place


isn't it 3 MS and 2MD or have they changed it this year?

[ctjcad]

Hehe, just logged in and found this poll...yes, it's still early but an interesting one Kwun... :rolleyes:

Here's my 2 cents:

All through this thread i see China and Malaysia being mentioned as the 2 "favorites"...But the way i see it, the upcoming Qualifications for each continents will, hopefully, give us a glimpse into what those "favorite" teams have to offer and if they stand a good chance to go deep into the tournament..

However TC is a team tournament, and it's different than Sudirman Cup. And being a team tournament, in order to come out victorious, there has to be a "team" atmosphere. And since it will also use the new scoring system, the outcome could be a surprise..

But from what i can see with all the teams participating and *favored* to win and what they have in hand, it's really a toss-up between 3 countries : China, Indonesia and Denmark..And from the 3 teams i mentioned, I like Denmark the most as being the "dark-horse"..

My main reason : experience.

Let's consider the 5 teams, "favored to win":

- Denmark for example. They will feature 2 MS and possible 2 MD pairs who have been playing in the previous TC editions. Sure those players are "older" in age, but their experience, IMO will count for something.

- China. They have the "big guns" esp. in their MS. All of their MS players can be counted on to bring it home. However, their MD pairs can only rely on 1 stable and experienced pair.

- Indonesia. IMO, they can be a surprise, just by the fact that "most" everyone are counting them out already(hehe, yes, including myself) and with their recent results in the 3 European tournaments. However, they will field, arguably, the best MS currently in the circuit in the soon-to-be-married Taufik Hidayat. IMO, he IS the key to INA success. Their other 2 MS players are inconsistent at best. Now, as for their MD, i'm looking at probably the most experienced pair in the tournament, besides the Danes pairs, in Candra/Sigit. With the other 2 INA pairs, inconsistent at best. So, it's up in the air, what and how Taufik prepare and approach the upcoming TC??..I don't think he will have much time for honeymoon as the tournament is coming up in about 3 months..Speaking of the new scoring system, hmm, since most of us know Taufik is and has been a "slow" starter, this could affect him with his style of play..

- M'sia. They also have capable and solid MS players to feature. But their MD, even with their emerging young players, IMO, don't have the experience in this type of tournament yet. I think they will be relying on Choong/Lee as one of their MD pair.

- Korea. Their MS also are capable. But their inexperience in the MD will be quite noticeable. Couple of young pairs to bring.

Right now, i will go with everyone else and stick with the big favorite China. :) But in the end, we/I don't know who will come out on top. All i can say is, the "Looser" team will come out on top... ;) :cool:


Let do an early TC poll for the fun of it...

so whom do you think will win the TC this year?

China
Denmark
Indonesia
Korea
Malaysia

??

[Dreamzz]

i would have to say i think china will probably take it, although i've voted for malaysia. :D have to be patriotic i guess. anyways, i do believe malaysia has the best chance of stopping china this time around, it'll be crucial to win 1 of the singles and beat fu/cai, otherwise it's game over.

[ctjcad]

i was searching the 2004 tournaments link, and saw this post regarding the INA squad which lost to the Danes...in a way, after reading some of the posts, i noticed there are a few which sounded "prophetic" that this day will come to the INA squad..(ie. posts by jkusmanto, jamesd20)
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15692

I personally didn't follow that particular TC, but when looking at the lineup which INA had to offer vs. the Danes, it indeed was a strange lineup/group of players they fielded.. :rolleyes:

[10th Captain]

Go Malaysia!You can do it!Bring the Thomas Cup back to Malaysia :)

[event]

Hehe, just logged in and found this poll...yes, it's still early but an interesting one Kwun... :rolleyes:
- Denmark for example. They will feature 2 MS and possible 2 MD pairs who have been playing in the previous TC editions. Sure those players are "older" in age, but their experience, IMO will count for something.

- Korea. Their MS also are capable. But their inexperience in the MD will be quite noticeable. Couple of young pairs to bring.I'm surprised so many are counting out Denmark. I have a question. Are the matchups determined by world ranking? If so, then I guess Gade will face Lin Dan and Denmark doesn't have a chance because Gade never beats Lin and I don't believe Jonassen can beat any of the top 4 Chinese.

The same thing goes for Korea, unfortunately. IBF's new website has no head-to-head function but as far as I know Lee Hyun-il has never beaten Lin Dan. So if they force Lee to play Lin, it's game over. Shon Seung-mo is so far below his peak that he can't be counted on for results. Men's doubles is a crap shoot for China since their second pairing will be new regardless and their first pair is so inconsistent. Korea might resurrect their Lee Jae-jin/Jung Jae-sung pairing for the Thomas Cup since Lee's mixed duties won't be a factor. Those two played together at the Korean nationals late last year but they never turned into the threat I'd hoped they'd be. In short, Korea may be capable of enough flukes to take China but their decision-makers have proven that they don't deserve anyone's support after that shameful Sudirman Cup semi-final.

As for Indonesia, has Taufik ever been a part of a winning Thomas Cup team? I agree with Kemana in that if Taufik loses, all is lost and I don't think he has it in him.

I think I'll pick Malaysia. I'll admit it's partly out of wishful thinking since I'm so tired of China winning everything. The Thomas Cup is never on TV where I live but it seems to me that Fu-Cai were basically undefeated in the last 2 team competitions. Even so, I think their overall inconsistency means they will be vulnerable in this competition. Who is China's second doubles now, anyway? Xie/Guo? Or Zheng Bo and his new partner? Am I right in thinking that everyone here is sort of assuming that they will lose to any of the other team's second doubles? Even Korea's? I certainly don't think they will beat any of the Malaysian pairs.

[seven]

The same thing goes for Korea, unfortunately. IBF's new website has no head-to-head function but as far as I know Lee Hyun-il has never beaten Lin Dan. So if they force Lee to play Lin, it's game over.

I think Lee bt Lin is German Open's final two years ago...

But still, I don't think Korea has much chance...

[magical_phoenix]

In fact I think Kemana's question was : Will you support your own country or will you rather support another country than yours?

Some from China like Kemana will support Indonesia whereas others fro Indonesia like magical_phoenix will support China...

Some like me won't support anyone in particular but just hope for tight exciting matches... ;) (and avoiding a too big chinese domination)

Hahaha. U got me there! I certainly voted for China, but I think Malaysia will be a very huge threat, especially the MD. Just hope Fu/Cai and the 2nd double will perform well..

[eskey]

As for Indonesia, has Taufik ever been a part of a winning Thomas Cup team?

yes, he has. in 2002 and 2000.:)

[nugroho]

yes, he has. in 2002 and 2000.:)
and in that time indonesia had been success with toke the thomas cup with them:rolleyes:

[**KZ**]

for me ...it's just so boring watching China playing and winning everytime...everytime I see Lin Dan in a final I'll just off the TV..especially in the women's events..if it's not Gao Ling/Huang Sui in a women's doubles final it'll most likely be Yang Wei/Zhang Jiewen..damn..that makes me yawn..

[kemana]

for me ...it's just so boring watching China playing and winning everytime...everytime I see Lin Dan in a final I'll just off the TV..especially in the women's events..if it's not Gao Ling/Huang Sui in a women's doubles final it'll most likely be Yang Wei/Zhang Jiewen..damn..that makes me yawn..
don't you think more often, they are ALL in?

[kemana]

if Taufik loses, all is lost and I don't think he has it in him..do you mean taufik will not win? heihei, i think he will:D



I think I'll pick Malaysia. I'll admit it's partly out of wishful thinking since I'm so tired of China winning everything. The Thomas Cup is never on TV where I live but it seems to me that Fu-Cai were basically undefeated in the last 2 team competitions. Even so, I think their overall inconsistency means they will be vulnerable in this competition. Who is China's second doubles now, anyway? Xie/Guo? Or Zheng Bo and his new partner? Am I right in thinking that everyone here is sort of assuming that they will lose to any of the other team's second doubles? Even Korea's? I certainly don't think they will beat any of the Malaysian pairs.
i was very sure that China will win the Thomas cup, but i am not that sure now, partly because of your analyze, the name list is not out yet, it's hard to tell.

[jerby]

so there;s 3 singles, and 2 doubles?
well, I'd have to say China....with 4 world-leading single-players they undoubtably win 2....LD might lose to taufik. but ina #2/#3 are gonna lose....
there's just no other country wtih such players...Denmark will possibly lose all 3...
though doubles might be close...Is Gunawan coming out for Ina or USA?

[event]

do you mean taufik will not win? heihei, i think he will:D

i was very sure that China will win the Thomas cup, but i am not that sure now, partly because of your analyze, the name list is not out yet, it's hard to tell.It just seems to me that Taufik is at his best when he's playing for Taufik. I've heard so many stories about problems between him and the Indonesian administration although I admit I haven't listened very carefully. I've seen really erratic performances from him. I saw him give up in his second game against Lin in the Sudirman last year (admittedly, they'd already lost when Zhang/Gao beat Widianto/Natsir), get beaten by a Spaniard in the first round of the Korean Open 2 years ago, whine and walk off the court for an hour before the ABF replaced a linesperson with a foreign reserve umpire, then return and still lose the match against Lee Hyun-il in the Asian Games team competition. I'd love to see Indonesia win but I just have a bad feeling about Taufik's ability to perform when his team and nation are counting on him. I would expect Candra and Sigit to perform and either Markis/Hendra or Alven/Luluk or even Eng/Flandi to walk over China's #2 in doubles, though. In 2004, I believe Indonesia lost the doubles to China. That was when they had Candra playing with Trikus even though he'd been playing tournaments with Halim throughout the year. Indonesian MD was in shambles that year.

[kemana]

It just seems to me that Taufik is at his best when he's playing for Taufik. I've heard so many stories about problems between him and the Indonesian administration although I admit I haven't listened very carefully. I've seen really erratic performances from him. I saw him give up in his second game against Lin in the Sudirman last year (admittedly, they'd already lost when Zhang/Gao beat Widianto/Natsir), get beaten by a Spaniard in the first round of the Korean Open 2 years ago, whine and walk off the court for an hour before the ABF replaced a linesperson with a foreign reserve umpire, then return and still lose the match against Lee Hyun-il in the Asian Games team competition. I'd love to see Indonesia win but I just have a bad feeling about Taufik's ability to perform when his team and nation are counting on him. I would expect Candra and Sigit to perform and either Markis/Hendra or Alven/Luluk or even Eng/Flandi to walk over China's #2 in doubles, though. In 2004, I believe Indonesia lost the doubles to China. That was when they had Candra playing with Trikus even though he'd been playing tournaments with Halim throughout the year. Indonesian MD was in shambles that year.
i think he is the best when he cares:) anyway,everyone gets more pressure in team events. think he has changed a lot after the OG. let's just wait and see.;)

[ctjcad]

As for Indonesia, has Taufik ever been a part of a winning Thomas Cup team?

yes, he has. in 2002 and 2000.

and in that time indonesia had been success with toke the thomas cup with them:rolleyes:
A bit off topic..but
IMO, in 2000, that was during one of the "prime" yrs of IBF, esp. with Tony G. still playing for INA(winning Gold at the Olympics). After Tony left(2001/2002), seemed like everything went berserk for PBSI(ie. Taufik bolted PBSI for 2 yrs, then Candra/Sigit split up playing with different partners).

[ctjcad]

so there;s 3 singles, and 2 doubles?
well, I'd have to say China....with 4 world-leading single-players they undoubtably win 2....LD might lose to taufik. but ina #2/#3 are gonna lose....
there's just no other country wtih such players...Denmark will possibly lose all 3...
though doubles might be close...Is Gunawan coming out for Ina or USA?
I agree, China sure has the "big guns" and capable of taking out all of the 3 MS from other team(s). However, as i mentioned before, INA has Taufik as their main card. Basically, it all boils down to him winning or losing in giving INA a chance. After that, tough it may be, INA has to rely on their 2 MD pairs to bring it home.
But with the new scoring system put to use in this TC/UC, i don't know how Taufik will handle the change..

Tony IS NOT playing for INA, that's for sure.. :p

[ctjcad]

True, true, i and almost everyone following the world of badminton knows abt Taufik and his tendencies..That's why coming in to a certain or particular tournament, we don't know which Taufik will show up??..The Jekyll or Hyde Hidayat??..And IMO, that's why he's the main cog..
In 2004 INA lost to the Danes in the Semis. And during that time, and after reading the 2004 TC/UC threads, all their MD pairs were "a strange mixed of players"(ie. Candra/Trikus and leaving out Sigit, Halim??)..I just hope this time around, the coaches bring in the right players and put forth the right players, and not to put anything against Flandy/EngHian, but i just wish if they would bring Markis/Hendra instead..


It just seems to me that Taufik is at his best when he's playing for Taufik. I've heard so many stories about problems between him and the Indonesian administration although I admit I haven't listened very carefully. I've seen really erratic performances from him. I saw him give up in his second game against Lin in the Sudirman last year (admittedly, they'd already lost when Zhang/Gao beat Widianto/Natsir), get beaten by a Spaniard in the first round of the Korean Open 2 years ago, whine and walk off the court for an hour before the ABF replaced a linesperson with a foreign reserve umpire, then return and still lose the match against Lee Hyun-il in the Asian Games team competition. I'd love to see Indonesia win but I just have a bad feeling about Taufik's ability to perform when his team and nation are counting on him. I would expect Candra and Sigit to perform and either Markis/Hendra or Alven/Luluk or even Eng/Flandi to walk over China's #2 in doubles, though. In 2004, I believe Indonesia lost the doubles to China. That was when they had Candra playing with Trikus even though he'd been playing tournaments with Halim throughout the year. Indonesian MD was in shambles that year.

[ctjcad]

anyway,everyone gets more pressure in team events.
I agree there!!..Yes, pressure will definitely comes into play...That's why *experience* in a big stage is a BIG factor, IMO..."Looser" team will come out on top.. :rolleyes: :cool:

[hcpoirot]

Yes you are right!

About youth vs experience too!
China and Malaysia have strong but young teams.
Denmark and Indonesia have weaker but more experienced teams.
Korea has a both weaker and less experienced team! :rolleyes:

Maybe this is Denmark's best chance of winning the Thomas Cup. (some of their players may have retired of faded by 2008)

Hate to disagree with you, but Denmark best chances to win Thomas Cup was 2 years ago. That time KJ at his peak performance, Denmark had two solid men double , now they only had one. And Denmark didn't had any key role player in third singles like Peter Rasmussen 2 years ago.

In my opinion, this is the best chance for Malaysia to win Thomas. Maybe after 2 more years, WCH will retired. And probably CTF and LWW too.

But of course Malay biggest hurdle is China.

In team events, skill is not number one but mental strengthness and the will to win for your country is numberone. Lin Dan had them both. LD never lost in team events yet since he play Thomas Cup 2002 for China.

And China probably will put XXZ as third singles, the most experience team player in China team.

For Indonesia, we only got Taufik and Chandra/Sigit who really had good mental in team event. Second and third single with second double will be our weakness point, due through the burden to produce one point when they met strong team.

Not to mention that Taufik and Chandra/Sigit will had huge burden in their shoulder cause they had to win. If one of them lost, its over for Indonesia. Just like Sudirman Cup 2005 when our XD lost and then Taufik lost, you already can predict that China will win the cup already.

[hcpoirot]

I'm surprised so many are counting out Denmark. I have a question. Are the matchups determined by world ranking? If so, then I guess Gade will face Lin Dan and Denmark doesn't have a chance because Gade never beats Lin and I don't believe Jonassen can beat any of the top 4 Chinese.

The same thing goes for Korea, unfortunately. IBF's new website has no head-to-head function but as far as I know Lee Hyun-il has never beaten Lin Dan. So if they force Lee to play Lin, it's game over. Shon Seung-mo is so far below his peak that he can't be counted on for results. Men's doubles is a crap shoot for China since their second pairing will be new regardless and their first pair is so inconsistent. Korea might resurrect their Lee Jae-jin/Jung Jae-sung pairing for the Thomas Cup since Lee's mixed duties won't be a factor. Those two played together at the Korean nationals late last year but they never turned into the threat I'd hoped they'd be. In short, Korea may be capable of enough flukes to take China but their decision-makers have proven that they don't deserve anyone's support after that shameful Sudirman Cup semi-final.

As for Indonesia, has Taufik ever been a part of a winning Thomas Cup team? I agree with Kemana in that if Taufik loses, all is lost and I don't think he has it in him.

I think I'll pick Malaysia. I'll admit it's partly out of wishful thinking since I'm so tired of China winning everything. The Thomas Cup is never on TV where I live but it seems to me that Fu-Cai were basically undefeated in the last 2 team competitions. Even so, I think their overall inconsistency means they will be vulnerable in this competition. Who is China's second doubles now, anyway? Xie/Guo? Or Zheng Bo and his new partner? Am I right in thinking that everyone here is sort of assuming that they will lose to any of the other team's second doubles? Even Korea's? I certainly don't think they will beat any of the Malaysian pairs.

Yes, Taufik was in winning team for Thomas Cup 2000 and 2002. But at that time we still had Tony Gunawan and also Hendrawan in singles. Not to mention Candra Wijaya. Sigit is not in 2002 team.

And Cai/Fu lost to Denmark double Jonas/Lars in TC 2004 final. But Sang yang/ZhengBo won the second double over Martin/Jens.

So I predict this four player with Xie ZB will be in China Thomas team for men doubles. They will bring 5 MS. LD, BCL, CH , CJ and XXZ.

[hcpoirot]

A bit off topic..but
IMO, in 2000, that was during one of the "prime" yrs of IBF, esp. with Tony G. still playing for INA(winning Gold at the Olympics). After Tony left(2001/2002), seemed like everything went berserk for PBSI(ie. Taufik bolted PBSI for 2 yrs, then Candra/Sigit split up playing with different partners).

Agree. TC 2000 was Indonesia golden era. We had the most completed team and won convincingly in each match. If I am not wrong we won 3-0 in final. But that was 6 years ago.

6 years later after lots of retired players and Tony went to USA, we were in more trouble than 2 years ago. Only depend on one MS and one MD. The Sea Games 2005 team events was the best prove.

Sony lost to Hafiz, the second doubles lost too and Simon lost to WCH. But in individual event, Sony beat Hafiz and Simon beat LCW and they met in final.

[kemana]

....whine and walk off the court for an hour before the ABF replaced a linesperson with a foreign reserve umpire, then return and still lose the match against Lee Hyun-il in the Asian Games team competition. .....
heihei, by the way, i remember it was Sun Sheng Mo(don't know how to spell)
Taufik beat Lee Hyun-il in ms final :D

[kemana]

Not to mention that Taufik and Chandra/Sigit will had huge burden in their shoulder cause they had to win. If one of them lost, its over for Indonesia. Just like Sudirman Cup 2005 when our XD lost and then Taufik lost, you already can predict that China will win the cup already.
exact what i think,or , what everyone thinks?

[seven]

Hate to disagree with you, but Denmark best chances to win Thomas Cup was 2 years ago. That time KJ at his peak performance, Denmark had two solid men double , now they only had one. And Denmark didn't had any key role player in third singles like Peter Rasmussen 2 years ago.

Sorry, I should have said it is Denmark's best remaining chance to win the Thomas Cup. (remember they didn't win two years ago! ;) )

Peter Gade is better than two years ago, so are Eriksen/Lundgaard. The others are weaker however...
.... but things will be worse in two years time!!

[eskey]

Understand that in Asia TC/UC qualification, there will be 4 teams go through the final round in Japan, but will there be a winner of qualification ? or they just stop until winner of the each group which is enough to tell which are the four countries, anybody knows?

[seven]

Understand that in Asia TC/UC qualification, there will be 4 teams go through the final round in Japan, but will there be a winner of qualification ? or they just stop until winner of the each group which is enough to tell which are the four countries, anybody knows?

Only three qualifiers for Europe, and yes there will be a winner of each continental stage.

[eskey]

Only three qualifiers for Europe, and yes there will be a winner of each continental stage.

that means for Asia, we already can see the match up between INA vs MAS or KOR, that is good to see how the team perform and some more with 21-rally scoring system, at least before the final stage they already try that in team competition. Sort of advantage for them I think. Maybe the result of qualification will determine the seeding for final stage in Japan, yes?

[seven]

Maybe the result of qualification will determine the seeding for final stage in Japan, yes?

I think it is taken into account somehow yes...

[djake]

I'm surprised so many are counting out Denmark. I have a question. Are the matchups determined by world ranking? If so, then I guess Gade will face Lin Dan and Denmark doesn't have a chance because Gade never beats Lin and I don't believe Jonassen can beat any of the top 4 Chinese.

The same thing goes for Korea, unfortunately. IBF's new website has no head-to-head function but as far as I know Lee Hyun-il has never beaten Lin Dan. So if they force Lee to play Lin, it's game over. Shon Seung-mo is so far below his peak that he can't be counted on for results. Men's doubles is a crap shoot for China since their second pairing will be new regardless and their first pair is so inconsistent. Korea might resurrect their Lee Jae-jin/Jung Jae-sung pairing for the Thomas Cup since Lee's mixed duties won't be a factor. Those two played together at the Korean nationals late last year but they never turned into the threat I'd hoped they'd be. In short, Korea may be capable of enough flukes to take China but their decision-makers have proven that they don't deserve anyone's support after that shameful Sudirman Cup semi-final.

As for Indonesia, has Taufik ever been a part of a winning Thomas Cup team? I agree with Kemana in that if Taufik loses, all is lost and I don't think he has it in him.

I think I'll pick Malaysia. I'll admit it's partly out of wishful thinking since I'm so tired of China winning everything. The Thomas Cup is never on TV where I live but it seems to me that Fu-Cai were basically undefeated in the last 2 team competitions. Even so, I think their overall inconsistency means they will be vulnerable in this competition. Who is China's second doubles now, anyway? Xie/Guo? Or Zheng Bo and his new partner? Am I right in thinking that everyone here is sort of assuming that they will lose to any of the other team's second doubles? Even Korea's? I certainly don't think they will beat any of the Malaysian pairs.

I am not sure that China second doubles is going to be easy for anyone.
According to the latest world ranking Xie/Guo are 17th and Sang/Zheng are 35th. I don't believe that is reflective of their current capabilities. All 4 players have played with differnt partners over the last year and hence has not accumulated points consistently with the same partner.

IMO, Chn 2nd double v Chong/Lee (MAS) 45:55, v Boe/Mogensen (DEN) 50:50, v Luluk/Alven 45:55, v Kor 2nd double 60:40.
Still not a walkover by any stretch of the imagination.

[kokcheng]

Right now China seem to be the most favourite country to win the TC.I have doubts whether they can win the cup.Indonesia and Malaysia have a very realistic chance to wrest the cup.Taufik certainly will be the spoiler of the Chinese supreme depth in the singles.Indonesia' two doubles pairs will seal the tournament for Indonesia.As for Malaysia lcw,hafiz and wch may steal two out of the three games in the singles.One game from the doubles and Malaysia will bring the cup back to Malaysia after a long 14 years wait.Dream on Malaysia,cos with Yap,Misbun,Rexy and Li Mao behind the scene,it will become a reality.My wish for all the Malaysian players is that"Believe in yourselves".You are as good as any Taufik or Lin DAn.or Sigit/Chandra:) :) :)

[s1nn3r]

I think this year TC maybe the most competative yet.
China stand out among the elite but indo, mal, den & korea do stand a chance.:rolleyes:

[event]

heihei, by the way, i remember it was Sun Sheng Mo(don't know how to spell)
Taufik beat Lee Hyun-il in ms final :DI stand corrected. Seung-mo it was!

[event]

And China probably will put XXZ as third singles, the most experience team player in China team.I can't say as I agree with you on this small point. I seem to remember that Xia was left on the Chinese team in 2004 despite coming off a Korean Open win over Chen Hong and the WC title the year before. Or am I thinking of something else? For some reason it seems like people don't have confidence in him. I agree with you that they should count on his talent and experience, though.

[seven]

I can't say as I agree with you on this small point. I seem to remember that Xia was left on the Chinese team in 2004 despite coming off a Korean Open win over Chen Hong and the WC title the year before. Or am I thinking of something else? For some reason it seems like people don't have confidence in him. I agree with you that they should count on his talent and experience, though.

You must be mistaken as Xia Xuanze DID play in the team in 2004. (third MS behind Lind Dan and Bao Chunlai)

It's Chen Hong who didn't have LYB's confidence at that time...

[event]

[QUOTE=seven]You must be mistaken as Xia Xuanze DID play in the team in 2004. (third MS behind Lind Dan and Bao Chunlai)

It's Chen Hong who didn't have LYB's confidence at that time...[/ QUOTE]Okay, you're right. I was thinking of this story about China dropping Xia from their Olympic squad, as mentioned in the summaries on
this page (http://www.livingroom.org.au/olympics/archives/cat_badminton.html) (see the Aug 6, July 28th, and July 16th story summaries). I never understood this story, actually, since Lin, Chen, and Bao were ranked higher, the only way China could have avoided "dropping" Xia, would have been instructing one of the other three to turn down the Olympic spot they'd earned.

[hcpoirot]

Sorry, I should have said it is Denmark's best remaining chance to win the Thomas Cup. (remember they didn't win two years ago! ;) )

Peter Gade is better than two years ago, so are Eriksen/Lundgaard. The others are weaker however...
.... but things will be worse in two years time!!


Denmark always had some weakness in their team. Another best team beside 2002 team was in the 90's when Poul Erik play the first single, Peter Gade play second single and Kenneth play third single. But at that time Denmark didn't had any solid men doubles.

[hcpoirot]

I can't say as I agree with you on this small point. I seem to remember that Xia was left on the Chinese team in 2004 despite coming off a Korean Open win over Chen Hong and the WC title the year before. Or am I thinking of something else? For some reason it seems like people don't have confidence in him. I agree with you that they should count on his talent and experience, though.

XXZ play for China team in Thomas Cup 2004. LYB put XXZ as the third MS in final against Denmark despite they still had Chen Hong that time.

Beside, if China didn't want to put XXZ in their Thomas Team 2006, they would not sent him in Swiss and German Open 2006. The results are very good for XXZ. Runner up in Swiss Open, lost to LCW and QF in German, lost to LD.

[Woven]

I'd like to see indonesia win, however with the new 21 rally point system, i doubt that anyone could eliminate china. For a start, Taufik is a late late starter and the other 2 MS are just no match for China's other MS.

[hcpoirot]

IBF should change their rules a bit. Its not fair for the Oceania, America and the Africa zone each ,to get one easy ticket to Uber and Thomas Cup final. Where in the final round, they probably got trash from the other 9 countries from Asia and Europe team. Except maybe for a few players from America and New Zealand.



Look at World Cup rules: Oceania winner had to play a face off with South America fifth place cause FIFA think Oceania champ is not challenge enough. And its true.



The same in badminton. Although this zone had lots of nation compete in, usually the final will be between Australia and New Zealand.



Look at Asia and European competition. More challenging and tough. Even in the Uber Cup for Asia zone, 7 countries had same opportunity to grab 4 ticket.



It will only be fair if the Oceania champion meet the fifth of Asia rank in qualification of one ticket.



And maybe the Africa zone champ will meet the fourth rank in European qualification.



Or if IBF want any other countries beside Asia and Europe team play, the champ of Oceania, Africa and America can meet again in a round robin system. And fight once more to determine who got one ticket from the three teams.



So the remaining 2 tickets can go to Asia or European teams. They more deserved it.



So example:



12 tickets: Remaining champion : 1 ticket, Host : 1 ticket., Asia teams: 5 ticket , European team: 4 ticket , the last ticket will be determined from Oceania/America/Africa zone champion.

[seven]

hcpoirot, I think it is important that every continent is represented in the T/UC finals.

This is for badminton's development around the world.

Maybe IBF could increase to 16 the number of qualified teams for the finals however?

[seven]

With 16 teams, we could have for example :
1 from America
1 from Africa
1 from Oceania
5 from Europe
8 from Asia (in current situation : host + previous winner + 6 qualifiers)

[cxytdn]

If the IBF increase the number of teams of TUC finals from 12 to 16, I think it should do as follows:

1. the IBF publish the team ranking weekly in the future and see how many teams of each continent there are in top 10 of world team ranking. The number of teams of each continent for TUC finals should be these number + one additional quota, e.g. if 5 teams of asia enter into top 10 of world men's team raning, then asia will have 5+1=6 quotas for TC finals.

2. which team can use these quota above should be decided by each Continental Qualification. That is, World Team Ranking just decides how many quota for each continent, and Continental Qualification decides which team can use these quotas.

3. no team can directly enter into T/UC and SC (if possible) finals in the future except host team, even defending champions must also take part in Qualification. This system can make Qualification more brilliant, splendid and wonderful for TV live.

[whymiq]

Malaysia...
This is a great chance. We've came so closed many times, but I think that this year we've got a real chance. Our MS can actually compete with Chinese, and our MD showed a great improvement. My dream final is between China v Malaysia.. In a team event, Hafiz can be relied on to get a point from the third single..

[hcpoirot]

With 16 teams, we could have for example :
1 from America
1 from Africa
1 from Oceania
5 from Europe
8 from Asia (in current situation : host + previous winner + 6 qualifiers)

Agree with you , seven.

With this all the best team, mostly from Asia and Europe can play in the final and made the match more interesting.:)

[elfa_INA]

I'm still choose INDONESIA TEAM,of course!! :cool: I'm sure Indonesia team can WIN Thomas Cup 2006. Don't you see that Indonesia team is very-very great? Yeah,in Uber our team is still not perfect. But,in Thomas Cup our team is very-very amazing, especially in mens doubles. ;) So,DON'T UNDERESTIMATE INDONESIA TEAM, TIME WILL TELL US!!!! :mad:

[melinda]

Danes over indo 4-1, just a mere improvement from the last edition:) Go Jens and Peter:p

[taufik-ist]

Danes over indo 4-1, just a mere improvement from the last edition:) Go Jens and Peter:p

peter lost to taufik in the last 3 meeting, jens/lungrad always lost to chandra/sigit in the last 2 meeting ... :D

[melinda]

peter lost to taufik in the last 3 meeting, jens/lungrad always lost to chandra/sigit in the last 2 meeting ... :D

Jonas/Lars smashed C/S for world champion gold;) Jens/Martin are 2 times AE champions while C/S was manhandled in the 1st round:D Should've said by a technical knock-out(TKO):)

[Chu Liuxiang]

peter lost to taufik in the last 3 meeting, jens/lungrad always lost to chandra/sigit in the last 2 meeting ... :D

In order to meet up with Denmark in this coming Thomas Cup, there are two choices for Indonesia:

1. Indonesia beat Korea to become Group B winner and then beat China in semifinal to enter final and hope Denmark to beat Malaysia in the other semifinal. Then, Indonesia to meet Denmark in the final.

2. Indonesia to surrender the match to Korea in their group B match so they can meet Malaysia in quarterfinal and try their best to beat Malaysia to enter the semifinal and meet up with Denmark.

I think second choice looks easier. However, no one can guarantee that this two teams can meet up.:D

[alloh]

I think Korea also wants to lose to INA. Let's see how they act to pretend lose later ....
This was same as last TC 2004, when MAS met Thai. Both also wanted to lose, and the games were suck~!

:D Probably INA will not let Taufik to play when meet with Korea. Or Candra/Sigit not play, then only can have better acting to lose the match.

[indra]

In order to meet up with Denmark in this coming Thomas Cup, there are two choices for Indonesia:

1. Indonesia beat Korea to become Group B winner and then beat China in semifinal to enter final and hope Denmark to beat Malaysia in the other semifinal. Then, Indonesia to meet Denmark in the final.

2. Indonesia to surrender the match to Korea in their group B match so they can meet Malaysia in quarterfinal and try their best to beat Malaysia to enter the semifinal and meet up with Denmark.

I think second choice looks easier. However, no one can guarantee that this two teams can meet up.:D

There is no country to be avoided for Indonesia...All countries are nervous to meet Indonesia. Korea is the luckiest one being in the same group with Indonesia.

The scenario will be as follows:

Semi Final: Indonesia vs China ( 3-1)
Malaysia vs Denmark (3-2)

Final : Indonesia vs Malaysia (3-1)

WInner: Indonesia

[peace]

I think if Indonesia meet China, still China will win :D

[alloh]

Seem like now all only talking on a paper.
The actual matches are hard to predict.
The performance, pressure, luck, healthy, form of players, weather, food, court .... and many many factors.
All we talking now is just a prediction and our OWN analysis.
Let see what will happen when in Japan.;)

[tehsham]

Seem like now all only talking on a paper.
The actual matches are hard to predict.
The performance, pressure, luck, healthy, form of players, weather, food, court .... and many many factors.
All we talking now is just a prediction and our OWN analysis.
Let see what will happen when in Japan.;)

Agreed, and it's already too late for any strategy as the format of play will based on current ranking and also on a new point system whereby most of the players are still trying to accustom to, so the big 5 are having an equal chance but I do not see the other teams can cause major upset even taking all the above factors into consideration

[baldybodhi]

Agreed, and it's already too late for any strategy as the format of play will based on current ranking and also on a new point system whereby most of the players are still trying to accustom to, so the big 5 are having an equal chance but I do not see the other teams can cause major upset even taking all the above factors into consideration

I think China will meet. Malaysia, Denmark or Korea and Indonesia (probably)

China has a great player in singles unless in doubles (Fu/Cai Yun??..)

Malaysia..they have no problem with single except one of the player get some accident..and with Rexy, MD has a big chance

Denmark..Peter Gade, Kenneth, Jens/Martin..have a big chance like Malaysia
unless..if the player get some accident
And Also..Korea..Kim/Ha, Lee Hyun Ill..50:50 with Indonesia if Taufik and Candra/Sigit play well...


so...i think the final will be..China vs Malaysia (60%) or Denmark (40%)
and the winner is...still!!...China!!;)

OOh..Indonesia?..what happened to you?...(hopeless..):crying:

[abedeng]

[QUOTE=alloh]I think Korea also wants to lose to INA. Let's see how they act to pretend lose later ....
This was same as last TC 2004, when MAS met Thai. Both also wanted to lose, and the games were suck~!
[QUOTE]

This play-acting is getting out of hand. I remember '92 semis, China vs Indonesia, a match none wanted to win, China sent in their 3rd/4th/5th singles & makeshift doubles, Indon used doubles players in singles and vice-versa. In the end, Malaysia won anyway ...

On MAS vs THA, MAS wasn't actually trying to lose, it's just that MAS didn't use the top players. So people think MAS tried to throw the game. Besides, the gap between MAS and THA are much too big for this kind of trick.

If u r not good enough to win semis, u r not good enough in final also ...:p