what do u think about china tc team is strong but 'fragile'

they send more ms than md (5 ms, 2 and half md)

the key to break china wall is to beat lin dan first, i'm sure their moral will be broke down :D, becos they (ms) are not sure about their md strength

what do u think about china tc team is strong but 'fragile'

they send more ms than md (5 ms, 2 and half md)

the key to break china wall is to beat lin dan first, i'm sure their moral will be broke down :D, becos they (ms) are not sure about their md strength

After I watched what Taufik said on TV in his interview regarding his preparedness to play in the upcoming TC saying " I will never recover 100%", I am now pessimistic if Taufik will be able to defeat Lee Hyung Ill, LCW, let alone Lin dan due to his serious injury.

I am trying to be realistic, that it is not realistic to force or expect Taufik to play as he did in his prime in the TC. WHile I am personally happy to hear that he go to Japan, I am only hoping that his injury will not get worse.

Deep down I really want to see Indonesian players lift the thropy. However, taking the current condition of the players, seeing the boys in the final stage is "much more than happy" for me.

AT this time, China and Malaysia are the strongest candidates to grab the cup.

Assuming the China and Malaysia are to meet in the final...I hold Malaysia.

Lin Dan is vulnerable to:
1. Lee Chong Wei (Lin Dan lost in Malaysia Open)
2. Taufik (Lin Dan Lost in World Championship)
3. Peter Gade (Lin Dan lost in China Masters)

So China is "fragile" when meeting Malaysia, Indonesia, and Denmark.

Let's see how they do in neutral country "Japan", no home field advantage.:D

After I watched what Taufik said on TV in his interview regarding his preparedness to play in the upcoming TC saying " I will never recover 100%", I am now pessimistic if Taufik will be able to defeat Lee Hyung Ill, LCW, let alone Lin dan due to his serious injury.

I am trying to be realistic, that it is not realistic to force or expect Taufik to play as he did in his prime in the TC. WHile I am personally happy to hear that he go to Japan, I am only hoping that his injury will not get worse.

Deep down I really want to see Indonesian players lift the thropy. However, taking the current condition of the players, seeing the boys in the final stage is "much more than happy" for me.

AT this time, China and Malaysia are the strongest candidates to grab the cup.

Assuming the China and Malaysia are to meet in the final...I hold Malaysia.

my feeling said that indo will meet china in semis

and will face malaysia in final :D

Lin Dan is vulnerable to:
1. Lee Chong Wei (Lin Dan lost in Malaysia Open)
2. Taufik (Lin Dan Lost in World Championship)
3. Peter Gade (Lin Dan lost in China Masters)

So China is "fragile" when meeting Malaysia, Indonesia, and Denmark.

Let's see how they do in neutral country "Japan", no home field advantage.:D

and lin dan is also not comfortable with 21 raly points system

The venue is most unusual. Even its dubbed as TCUC.. the crowd in Japan is kinda reserved. Maybe the cheering is the team players and their own crowd.

The venue is most unusual. Even its dubbed as TCUC.. the crowd in Japan is kinda reserved. Maybe the cheering is the team players and their own crowd.

one thing for sure is, they will not cheer for their opponents and vice-versa.:D :D :D

what do u think about china tc team is strong but 'fragile'

they send more ms than md (5 ms, 2 and half md)

the key to break china wall is to beat lin dan first, i'm sure their moral will be broke down :D, becos they (ms) are not sure about their md strength

Well, I guess for any team, if their MS #1 or MD#1 got an upset defeat, that's a moral drop, not only true for CHN. And don't under estimate CHN MD pairs, especially they have Cai/Fu as their #1. True, their MD might not be as top as their MS, but who wants to face Cai/Fu in a 21 point system?

Even if LD loses, with another 4 matches left, any other team can not think ok, CHN is going down. They just have way too much weapons in pocket, and any one on their squard can put on a match (or, even have a good chance to win) against anyone. ;)

Lin Dan is vulnerable to:
1. Lee Chong Wei (Lin Dan lost in Malaysia Open)
2. Taufik (Lin Dan Lost in World Championship)
3. Peter Gade (Lin Dan lost in China Masters)

So China is "fragile" when meeting Malaysia, Indonesia, and Denmark.

Let's see how they do in neutral country "Japan", no home field advantage.:D

I'm not with you. If your logic stands, all the above players had lost to Lin Dan before, are they vulnerable too? And Malaysia, Indonesia and Denmark are also "frafile" when meeting China too. In terms of skill level, the four players are not very far away to each other. I think it will depend on how they perform in the tournament and how they handle the pressure. IMO Malaysia, Indonesia, Denmark and China have equal chance to win the TC.

they send more ms than md (5 ms, 2 and half md)


well, i think it's better to send 5 MS and 2.5 MD rather than 4 MS and 3 MD for China. It makes no difference for the 3rd MD pairs for china compared to other countries 2nd MD. Indonesia has Markis/Setiawan and Luluk/Alven, Denmark has Paaske/JR and Boe/Mogensen, Malaysia has LWW/CTF. I don't see any advantage China can get to send a 3rd pair.

Ironically, sending Zheng Bo is just their strategy for mental strength in case China trails 1-2. Zheng Bo was the key member to win TC 2004 by beating Denmark's 2nd MD in the final to wrap up the match 3-1. He has the experience in such atmosphere, while Xie ZB and Guo ZD both new to TC. Li Yongbo's mind is to partner Zheng Bo with XZB in case the 1-2 situation happens. IHO, in such situation, an experienced player partnered with a new player is better than fielding two new TC players, which might fail to deliver due to pressure handling.

The idea to send 5 MS is to ensure China's MS strength because China counts on MS. BCL just recovered from injury and his form remains unclear. CH is not very reliable in cup tournment (such as TC and SC) based on his record. Therefore, they need to send one more MS (XXZ) so that in case BCL and CH form is in doubt, they still have CJ and XXZ.


China has a clear advantage with their MS as BCL, CJ and XXZ are all strongest 3rd MS among all countries. BCL and CJ can even be trusted to play 2nd MS. XXZ becomes countable again as the 21-point system gives advantage to veteran players. They can field players according to opponents head to head record, as Malaysia, Denmark, Indonesia and Korea has no alternative choice in their MS.


One example: China vs Malaysia
LD vs LCW. 51-49
FHF/CY vs CCM/KKK. 52-48
BCL vs WCH. 55-45
GZD/XZB vs LWW/CTF. 50-50
CJ vs Hafiz. 57-43

China can choose not to field CH as BCL's record against WCH is better, CJ's record against Hafiz is 2-0. (correct me if mistake)

In similiar situation, BCL can play as 2nd MS in match with Denmark. Bao will have mental advantage against Jonassen from their last meet in TC. etc.

Ironically, sending Zheng Bo is just their strategy for mental strength in case China trails 1-2.

A strategy for both mental and physical concern, in case of injury / sickness, etc. Plus, Zheng Bo is more on the offensive side, which might be an advantage in the "fast than normal" 21 point system. :rolleyes:

CJ vs Hafiz. 57-43
correction, 53-47

A strategy for both mental and physical concern, in case of injury / sickness, etc. Plus, Zheng Bo is more on the offensive side, which might be an advantage in the "fast than normal" 21 point system. :rolleyes:

Zheng Bo/Xie Zhongbo pair is no weaker than Guo Zhendong/Xie Zhongbo

This is all still very 50-50 for everyone. Lin Dan does have his days when he is just on in good form. As for Taufik, if anyone remembers Japan Open 2005, he could still beat Peter Gade in the QF even though he was injured. He subsequently lost to Chen Hong tamely in the SF. So even when Taufik is injured, you shouldn't count him out. The new rally scoring system also makes matches a lot shorter and so that will not put older players or slightly injured players at a disadvantage.

While China is weak at MD compared to Denmark and Indonesia, if anyone remembers Sang Yang/Zheng Bo could still defeat Paaske/Rasmussen at TC04 Final. Comapred to other teams, China is still the only team which could afford a little margin for error as all their players are generally very good. Unlike Indonesia where the ones who are expected to win must win their games or else they are finished.

I assume Denmark as trailing 0-1 before the match against China and Malaysia starts due to 3rd singles. Therefore they can only afford one lose from other matches

what do u think about china tc team is strong but 'fragile'

they send more ms than md (5 ms, 2 and half md)

the key to break china wall is to beat lin dan first, i'm sure their moral will be broke down :D, becos they (ms) are not sure about their md strength
Hmm, like another poster mentioned, i think all the top contenders are "fragile"..Esp. looking at the current situation for all teams, esp. in the current play format (SDSDS), it'll really be a toss up between China, Malaysia and Denmark. Sorry to say, but with the current condition/circumstances, i doubt Indonesia has what it takes, esp. with Taufik's injury(even if he's not telling the whole truth whether his injury is really bad or not. And also remember what he said, after the TC Qualification round in India, abt the new scoring system?? It will be a surprise to me if their TC team goes to the SF.

However, if it is (SSSDD), i'm quite sure China will come out on top.

I'm not with you. If your logic stands, all the above players had lost to Lin Dan before, are they vulnerable too? And Malaysia, Indonesia and Denmark are also "frafile" when meeting China too. In terms of skill level, the four players are not very far away to each other. I think it will depend on how they perform in the tournament and how they handle the pressure. IMO Malaysia, Indonesia, Denmark and China have equal chance to win the TC.
Yes, concur with you..

A strategy for both mental and physical concern, in case of injury / sickness, etc. Plus, Zheng Bo is more on the offensive side, which might be an advantage in the "fast than normal" 21 point system. :rolleyes:
Yes, concur also...Esp. the mental part, as I mentioned abt this in another post, that *experience* is a big factor, esp. in a team event. Whichever team has the "looser" mindset will probably come out on top..:rolleyes:

Zheng Bo/Xie Zhongbo pair is no weaker than Guo Zhendong/Xie Zhongbo

I did not mean Zheng Bo's skill is better than any of the young guns. I was trying to say, select Zheng Bo as the extra "0.5" is due to the fact, he is experienced, and a good offensive player. ;)

.... Humm don't really agree
I have the impression that for you china = Lin Dan ... and that Lin dan doesn't feel comfortable with the 21 pts system .. But he won the World cup with this and he reached the semi final during the china masters ..

If i'm refering to last team competions (sudirman and thomas cup ... ) China is really strong while they're playing together ... So for me they are absolutely not fragile but really really really HARD to beat !!

Believed, China has the best chance of lifting the cup. But inside my heart, I will like to see another country gettng it.

If china wants it, LYB will get it....its unexpected to me if China is not in the finalist. Its even unexpected to me if china is not the champion. Imagine how many players LinDan, Cai/Fu, ..etc have to defeat before raising to the top in China as opposed to say....Singapore, Hong Kong, ...etc !!!!

I strongly believe numbers do count. China badminton association may not be the best run organization compared to Denmark, but competitiveness and pool of players are the advantages that no other countries can match ......

like tc 2002... china young guns failed...

i dun know wheter chen jin and Guo Zhendong/Xie Zhongbo will be able to bare the pressure

I'm not with you. If your logic stands, all the above players had lost to Lin Dan before, are they vulnerable too? And Malaysia, Indonesia and Denmark are also "frafile" when meeting China too. In terms of skill level, the four players are not very far away to each other. I think it will depend on how they perform in the tournament and how they handle the pressure. IMO Malaysia, Indonesia, Denmark and China have equal chance to win the TC.You're right, of course, but taufik-ist needn't have mentioned this because it's what everyone already knows. China is the overwhelming favourite to win the Thomas Cup for precisely the reasons you mention. Despite the handful of wins the other top singles players have logged against Lin, he has been winning consistently over the last few years and only chokes once in a while. The original poster is just pointing out a possible chink in the formidable armour. Perhaps "fragile" isn't the best possible term, however.
my feeling said that indo will meet china in semis and will face malaysia in finalDo you really think Indonesia will lose to Korea in group play then? That is the only way they'll meet China in the semis (unless, of course, China finishes second in their group:D , that is).

Do you really think Indonesia will lose to Korea in group play then? That is the only way they'll meet China in the semis (unless, of course, China finishes second in their group:D , that is).

no, indonesia will prefer being group winner

like tc 2002... china young guns failed...

i dun know wheter chen jin and Guo Zhendong/Xie Zhongbo will be able to bare the pressure
i hope they cannot bare.. hehee :D

Do you really think Indonesia will lose to Korea in group play then? That is the only way they'll meet China in the semis (unless, of course, China finishes second in their group:D , that is).

I'm not sure whether Indonesia would try to finish first or second, which one would they prefer?

If they finish first, they meet China in semifinal
If they finish second, they meet Malaysia in quarterfinal

I'm not sure whether Indonesia would try to finish first or second, which one would they prefer?

If they finish first, they meet China in semifinal
If they finish second, they meet Malaysia in quarterfinal

i prefer indonesia meet china in semis, and meet malaysia in final :D

I did not mean Zheng Bo's skill is better than any of the young guns. I was trying to say, select Zheng Bo as the extra "0.5" is due to the fact, he is experienced, and a good offensive player. ;)

Yea, his experience in the last TC might help this time, esp Bao Chunlai just recovered from injury... :)
btw, lazybuddy, are you an engineer? In what field...:p

i prefer indonesia meet china in semis, and meet malaysia in final :D

Yea, taufik.. hehe, I hope so as well. I prefer malaysia to meet korea in QF and meet indonesia in final.. hehe :D

I'm not sure whether Indonesia would try to finish first or second, which one would they prefer?

If they finish first, they meet China in semifinal
If they finish second, they meet Malaysia in quarterfinalYou're right. I was thinking finishing first would send them the Malaysia/Denmark route so I couldn't figure out why taufik-ist was predicting a semi-final against China. My mistake.

You're right. I was thinking finishing first would send them the Malaysia/Denmark route so I couldn't figure out why taufik-ist was predicting a semi-final against China. My mistake.

to save energy, not necessary to play off :D

Something I read from paper today

Denmark has chance to beat China, why? Because PG and KJ has shown good performance in 21-point systen. Eriksen/Hansen's form is incredible. They'd won 3 titles this year (AE, EC, China Masters) with two of them under 21-point system. And what's more important, they beat Fu/Cai in China Masters to win the title. PG beat LD and KJ beat CH in China Master under the new system.

If I assume Eriksen/Hansen will win against Fu/Cai, either PG or KJ get one point, then it's up to the 2nd MD to decide the tie because Kaldau's prospect to win a point is slim.

Compared to other teams also, Denmark team member is almost same with 2004. Their TC experience is a big advantage.

Something I read from paper today

Denmark has chance to beat China, why? Because PG and KJ has shown good performance in 21-point systen. Eriksen/Hansen's form is incredible. They'd won 3 titles this year (AE, EC, China Masters) with two of them under 21-point system. And what's more important, they beat Fu/Cai in China Masters to win the title. PG beat LD and KJ beat CH in China Master under the new system.

If I assume Eriksen/Hansen will win against Fu/Cai, either PG or KJ get one point, then it's up to the 2nd MD to decide the tie because Kaldau's prospect to win a point is slim.

Compared to other teams also, Denmark team member is almost same with 2004. Their TC experience is a big advantage.

yes, denmark is the best candidate, their md are strong

yes, denmark is the best candidate, their md are strong

From The Paper I read:
Peter Gade: Everyone says China is the favorite. But Denmark is also well-prepared. China and Denmark MS standard is close. China will face certain level of difficulties if they want beat Demark.

He added, "don't forget, our team Denmark has another advantage at MD. "

From The Paper I read:
Peter Gade: Everyone says China is the favorite. But Denmark is also well-prepared. China and Denmark MS standard is close. China will face certain level of difficulties if they want beat Demark.

He added, "don't forget, our team Denmark has another advantage at MD. "

denmark vs china = 55:45
indo vs denmark = 50:50
indo vs chn = 55:45
mas vs denmark = 45 : 55
mas vs indo = 50:50
mas vs china = 55:45

denmark vs china = 55:45
indo vs denmark = 50:50
indo vs chn = 55:45
mas vs denmark = 45 : 55
mas vs indo = 50:50
mas vs china = 55:45

Wow, you're really passimistic about China's chances

chn vs indo = 45:55 ??
chn vs mas = 45:55 ??
chn vs den = 45:55 ??

While I'll be supporting the other countries not to be whitewashed 5-0 (or 3-0 if it comes to that) there is a reason why Chn is seeded #1. With world #1, 5, 6 and 11 in their singles and #3 for their doubles they will be no pushovers.

Who else can boast such impressive players in their ranks - except perhaps China themselves 2 years ago.

denmark vs china = 55:45
indo vs chn = 55:45
mas vs denmark = 45 : 55
mas vs indo = 50:50
mas vs china = 55:45

You're kidding, right? Perhaps you are predicting a best case scenario for the winners as opposed to a realistic one. Either that or you really don't fancy China's chances at all.

You're kidding, right? Perhaps you are predicting a best case scenario for the winners as opposed to a realistic one. Either that or you really don't fancy China's chances at all.

Here is my prediction:

INA vs China = 3 - 2
INA vs Mals = 3 - 2
INA vs Denmark = 3 -2
China vs Mal = 2 - 3
China vs Den = 2- 3
Mal vs Den = 2 - 3

Winner: INA (horaaaaay):D

Here is my prediction:

INA vs China = 3 - 2
INA vs Mals = 3 - 2
INA vs Denmark = 3 -2
China vs Mal = 2 - 3
China vs Den = 2- 3
Mal vs Den = 2 - 3

Winner: INA (horaaaaay):D
Well, all I can say is good luck to INA but I'm not convinced they can do it this time.:)

Here is my prediction:

INA vs China = 3 - 2
INA vs Mals = 3 - 2
INA vs Denmark = 3 -2
China vs Mal = 2 - 3
China vs Den = 2- 3
Mal vs Den = 2 - 3

Winner: INA (horaaaaay):D
Its normal to day dream and to think that your own country is the best. You will learn to face the reality as you grow older.

Ina simply do not have enough good players in their MS lineup and TH is not always dependable. He has terrible mood swing. Sometimes he plays like a badminton god and sometimes he plays like a kid. :D

The realistic prediction based on players' ranking will be:

CHN vs MAS (4-1)

MS1 Lin Dan (1) vs Lee CW (2)- 1-0 for China
MD1 Fu/Chai (3) vs KKK/CCM (6)- 2-0 for China
MS2 CH (5) vs WCH (8)- 3-0 for China
MD2 Guo/Xie (16) vs Choong/Lee (7)- 3-1 for China
MS3 Chen Jin (9) vs Hafiz (10)- 4-1 for China

CHN vs INA (3-2)

MS1 LD (1) vs TH (11)- 1-0
MD2 Fu/Chai (3) vs Chandra/Sigit (2)- 1-1
MS2 CH (5) vs SONY (19)- 2-1
MD2 Guo/Xie (16) vs Luluk/Yulianto (5)- 2-2
MS3 Chen Jin (9) vs Simon (26)- 3-2

CHN vs DEN (3-2)

MS1 for China
MD1 for Denmark
MS2 for China
MD2 for Denmark
MS3 for China

MAS vs INA (3-2)

MS1 for Malaysia
MD1 for Indonesia
MS2 for Malaysia
MD2 for Indonesia
MS3 for Malaysia

DEN vs MAS (3-2)

MS1 (3) vs (2) Malaysia's point
MD1 (1) vs (6) Denmark's point
MS2 (7) vs (8) Denmark's point
MD2 (4) vs (7) Denmark's point
MS3 (10) vs (13) Malaysia's point

DEN vs INA (5-0)

MS1 (3) vs (11) Denmark
MD1 (1) vs (2) Denmark
MS2 (7) vs (19)Denmark
MD2 (4) vs (5) Denmark
MS3 (13) vs (26) Denmark

Conclusion: winner will be China beating Denmark in Final
Indonesia can't even beat any of the other top 3 teams

denmark vs china = 55:45
indo vs denmark = 50:50
indo vs chn = 55:45
mas vs denmark = 45 : 55
mas vs indo = 50:50
mas vs china = 55:45

I can only use "funny" to describe this. Remember in a team tourny, the mental strength (i.e. confidence on your teammates, etc) are sometimes way more important than a particular player's skill.

CHN team has the most balanced roster, which gives them a big advantage even before the game begins. Usually, "no weakness" is more scary to opponents than "1 or 2 super strong ones". No weakness means "have good chance to get all", while "only 1 or 2 super strong" means, "pretty much lose the rest".

An even better example is CHN lady team. Of course, each player is good. However, they did much more damage in "give no chance to opponent to win", as the opponent knows, even 1 game of upset will have 0 effect in the final result. :rolleyes:

Here is my prediction:

INA vs China = 3 - 2
INA vs Mals = 3 - 2
INA vs Denmark = 3 -2
China vs Mal = 2 - 3
China vs Den = 2- 3
Mal vs Den = 2 - 3

Winner: INA (horaaaaay):D

Its ok...i think indra predicted Simon to win the German Open :D

Its ok...i think indra predicted Simon to win the German Open :D

Hehe. I think Indra is just a very loyal INA fan–nothing wrong with being patriotic to your country. His predictions, though, are always worth a laugh :p

Somehow I don't think Denmark can win Thomas Cup. Why? Its simple. Peter Gade mental strength.

Somehow in Thomas CUp or Sudirman event, he stumbled almost all time while meeting strong team.

Example: Thomas Cup 2004, he lost tamely to Sonny Dwi Kuncoro in SF due through he had to gave one point to Denmark. Even Kenneth play better than him, stretching Taufik to rubber set and fight all out. Later he again lost to LD in final with a pretty easy second set.

In Sudirman 2005 where Denmark is the fav to be the finalist but they lost tamely 3-0 to Indonesia in SF. That time he also lost easily to Taufik.

If Denmark wanted to had a chance to win Thomas CUp for the first time, Peter had to be able to cope with the pressure when they fight against Top team. And we will see when Denmark will meet (probably) Malaysia in Semifinal Thomas Cup 2006.

Can Peter give one point to his team?

Can Peter give one point to his team?

Assuming the semi final is between Denmark and Malaysia, I see MAS winning 3-2 or 4-1. To answer your question, NO, I don't think Peter Gade will deliver against LCW. IMO, Denmark's points will come in doubles only.

If Denmark happen to meet Malaysia then the crutial point is the 2nd MS, the duel between 2 veterans : Kenneth vs Choon Hann. I don't think Peter can beat Li Chong Wei ... It's so interesting about this year Thomas Cup as there's no dominant team on paper couples with new 21-point system ... anything can happen ... :D

The present Indonesian TC team appears to be the weakest Indonesian team ever - even weaker than the 2004 squad. With the exception of Taufik, the other two singles do not look likely to challenge for points against the other favourite teams. Plus the doubles had been rather inconsistent in the last two years. On their day, the doubles pair could be the best in the world but of late their form just isn't there.

The realistic prediction based on players' ranking will be:

CHN vs INA (3-2)

MS1 LD (1) vs TH (11)- 1-0
MD2 Fu/Chai (3) vs Chandra/Sigit (2)- 1-1
MS2 CH (5) vs SONY (19)- 2-1
MD2 Guo/Xie (16) vs Luluk/Yulianto (5)- 2-2
MS3 Chen Jin (9) vs Simon (26)- 3-2



based on head to head :

indo vs china (3:1)

th vs lindan = 1: 0
chandra/sigit vs cai/fu = 1:0
sony vs bao = 0:1
alven/luluk vs any 2nd china md = 1:0

head to head is better than rangking, isn't it :D

based on head to head :

indo vs china (3:1)

th vs lindan = 1: 0
chandra/sigit vs cai/fu = 1:0
sony vs bao = 0:1
alven/luluk vs any 2nd china md = 1:0

head to head is better than rangking, isn't it :D

Very possible outcome I must say but a lot hinges on first singles if TH can rise to his best. Plus Chandra/Sigit's form is also quite shaky of late although they should still overcome Cai/Fu. But Indo against the other teams with stronger doubles players like Denmark, Malaysia or Korea would face tougher time.

if taufik lose to lindan then INA will lose to china
if taufik win, but one of indo's men doubles lose, INA also will lose to china

if taufik lose to lindan then INA will lose to china
if taufik win, but one of indo's men doubles lose, INA also will lose to china


yes.. it can be ... but also china may also lose on 3rd ms

yes.. it can be ... but also china may also lose on 3rd ms
I think Sony has more chance of winning 2S for INA than Simon has of winning 3S.

I think Sony has more chance of winning 2S for INA than Simon has of winning 3S.

yeah , even there is a just small change for Sony to beat Bao (sony mentioned before that it's very difficult to beat bao)
not to underestimate simon,but whoever LYB will choose to play as 3rd ms player,it will be very difficult for simon to beat them.
LYB has lots of choice for MS...

yes.. it can be ... but also china may also lose on 3rd ms

OK, let's see
Simon v Bao ... Bao wins
Simon v Chen Jin ... Chen Jin wins
Simon v Xie ... maybe a chance but I still think Xie wins

Summarizing, I don't think China will lose 3rd singles

OK, let's see
Simon v Bao ... Bao wins
Simon v Chen Jin ... Chen Jin wins
Simon v Xie ... maybe a chance but I still think Xie wins

Summarizing, I don't think China will lose 3rd singles

simon vs bao, they never met before, and also bao has just recovered from injury,

simon vs xie, the same as bao

and also simon plays better with 21 rally points system

Realistically, 2nd/3rd singles for INA are the weak links and cannot be relied upon for points. And as such, among the top 5 teams, actually INA has the best chance against China because the two doubles are likely to go to INA never mind Fu/Cai's lofty rankings. Then it all boils down to 1st singles. As for INA's ties against DEN/MAS, it would be tougher for INA because if they lose just one of the doubles, they are likely not able to win two singles (plus Taufik may not be at his best due to alleged injuries).

My prediction :

Simon vs Bao = 30-70
Simon vs Chen Jin = 20-80
Simon vs Xia = 30-70

I think Bao has recovered from his injury and can win really easily against Simon. Chen Jin is in a really great shape and maybe really confident after winning the china Masters. Xia is not our former Xia but he's always really strong.

Malaysia is the only team in TC to have all singles and double players starting line-up world ranking inside top 10.

The present Indonesian TC team appears to be the weakest Indonesian team ever - even weaker than the 2004 squad. With the exception of Taufik, the other two singles do not look likely to challenge for points against the other favourite teams. Plus the doubles had been rather inconsistent in the last two years. On their day, the doubles pair could be the best in the world but of late their form just isn't there.

Lets face it, if Indonesia meet strong team like China, Denmark and Malaysia or even maybe Korea, we already gave them 2 points from 2 MS and 3 MS.

Simon never doing very well in team event. Lost tamely to Denmark 2 years ago. Then also lost easily To WCH in Sea Games 2005, lost to KBH in Thomas preeliminary this year and even lost to India second singles. How bad is that.

Sonny after back from injured never got his form back. Not to mention the new scoring system didn't help him at all. Suddenly he also lost a lot in team event.

Sea Games 2005 and this year preelimanation to Hafiz twice and then lost to Thailand second MS.

So its a tough job ever for our team to win Thomas Cup this time. Taufik, Chandra/Sigit, Luluk/Alven had to win all. Meanwhile, their chances to win only 50:50 againts all nation or maybe less than 50:50.

Example: If Luluk/Alven met Malay Chong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah, its already 1 point for the Malay. Luluk never play well in crucial team event and the Malay pair are a season pro in team event.

This is so like Sudirman Cup 2005 where we also gave up 2 points to China before we play in final for WS and WD. Where as the other matches are still 50:50.

The mental pressure for Taufik and our two doubles will be very high enough. Can they handle the pressure? LEts hope so.

and also simon plays better with 21 rally points system

No, he play like usual. Not bad in individual event, but very bad in team event. In preelimnation Thomas Cup India. With new scoring, he even lost to India second MS which is really bad.

You had to remember that playing team event is much different than individual event.

based on head to head :

indo vs china (3:1)

th vs lindan = 1: 0
chandra/sigit vs cai/fu = 1:0
sony vs bao = 0:1
alven/luluk vs any 2nd china md = 1:0

head to head is better than rangking, isn't it :D


If past meetings are all that matter, China can very well decide to drop Lin Dan and Chen Hong and allow Bao to play 1st singles against Taufik. Bao has an excellent record against Ina's numeron uno.

Chen Jin and 2nd and Xia at 3rd are still very very dependable based on previous head to head with Sony and Simon.

To be realistic though I don't think China will do that as Lin Dan is a proven team player and he will stay #1. Anything else will be a huge surprise. Taufik is also still not over his injuries.

Even though China seem to have more options with the depth of the MS department but the lineup is pretty much fix when facing strong opponent like Korea, Malaysia, Indoensia or Denmark.
1st MS : Lin Dan;
2nd MS : Chen Hong/Bao Chun Lai
3rd MS : Bao/Chen Jin
I don't think Xia will be use when facing the above 4 opponents. I think coach Li should have selected another MD player. Is the gamble Team China wish to take counting on all MS to win.

I am going for China - Malaysia meet at the final...

And if LCW can beat up Lindan..then, Malaysia can see some brightness.