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Ronald Susilo

Badminton: No Singaporean seeds at Singapore Open in June
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia


SINGAPORE : They might be unseeded but the Singapore Badminton Federation feels the local players will still do well at the upcoming Singapore Open.

The Singapore Open has been attracting the big names, but this year, the local shuttlers are not seeded because of a lack of competitions.

Singapore's top women's doubles pair of Jiang Yianmei and Li Yuija are up against the Indonesian fifth seeds, Jo Novita and Gresya Polii.

The players, though, are not worried about their seedings.

Said Jiang, "We didn't take part in so many Opens this year because we had the Commonwealth Games and Uber Cup to play early in the year. That is why our ranking has dropped, so even though we are not seeded we have confidence to play with them."

The top Singapore woman, Li Li, meets Malaysian Norshahiza Baharum in the first round.

Another Malaysian, Kuan Beng Hong, seeded 5th, takes on Singapore's Ronald Susilo in the men's competition.

Once ranked 7th in the world, Susilo has now dropped to 127.

Another difference this time is the points system, which has changed from 15 to 21 to make the game more spectator and media friendly.

Said Jacqueline Lim, acting CEO of the Singapore Badminton Association, "For Li Li, I think she is adapting well; for Aiying, she would have preferred 15 points because she is super fit. Ronald -- coming back he would prefer a 21-point system because he has still not fully recovered his fitness totally."

All the action starts on June 5 at the Singapore Indoor stadium, and at stake is US$170,000 in prize money. - CNA /ct

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Ronald Susilo

Badminton: No Singaporean seeds at Singapore Open in June
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia

Another Malaysian, Kuan Beng Hong, seeded 5th, takes on Singapore's Ronald Susilo in the men's competition.

Once ranked 7th in the world, Susilo has now dropped to 127.


If Beng Hong does not win, he may be in trouble with BAM. I suspect he will win against Susilo with tutelage from Li Mao.

If Beng Hong does not win, he may be in trouble with BAM. I suspect he will win against Susilo with tutelage from Li Mao.

The news of KBH going under the wing of Li Mao is only announced very recently. Isn't it silly to expect immediate dramatic changes? Don't forget your Internet timezone does not co-related to real life.

KBH may not be able to improve so fast since he will be under Li Mao now. It will take some time. However Li Mao may be able to help him strategy wise when he is playing on court.

Jiang Yanmei/Li Yujia vs Jo Novita/Greysia Polii....what an unlucky draw for both pairs. Despite being seeded, Jo/Greysia draws one of their bitter rivals. A 50-50 match...with Jo/Greysia slightly holding the edge due to their form recently.

The news of KBH going under the wing of Li Mao is only announced very recently. Isn't it silly to expect immediate dramatic changes? Don't forget your Internet timezone does not co-related to real life.

It may look silly but bear in mind that KBH is not incapable --- he is just not attacking when he should be -- he seems to be playing a non-confident game.

You would have noticed when he was playing Joachim in the 3rd singles for Malaysia in the recent TC, he was not sure whether to attack or to play a rally type game -- he chose the latter to his detriment. When he decided it was not working in the middle of the 2nd game (when he was losing), he threw caution to the wind and started attacking (and narrowed the game somewhat) --- I think that lack of aggresiveness lost him the game. Clearly, KBH was playing like he was in a 'friendly'.

Li Mao just have to fine-tune him a bit to get his mind focused on an aggresive game (i.e. get his adrenalin going). I am not saying he could not have done that under Misbun but Li Mao seems to do that to players better.

My conclusion, therefore, is that he can turn around quite quickly. I am looking forward to seeing him do that.

Feel free to voice your own opinions.

Don't forget your Internet timezone does not co-related to real life.

Well if mine doesn't yours shouldn't be either !

On paper, KBH has a clear advantage over Ronald Susilo but don't expect the latter to give in so easily without a good fight! :D

Show them that you can do it, Ronald! :)

It may look silly but bear in mind that KBH is not incapable --- he is just not attacking when he should be -- he seems to be playing a non-confident game.

You would have noticed when he was playing Joachim in the 3rd singles for Malaysia in the recent TC, he was not sure whether to attack or to play a rally type game -- he chose the latter to his detriment. When he decided it was not working in the middle of the 2nd game (when he was losing), he threw caution to the wind and started attacking (and narrowed the game somewhat) --- I think that lack of aggresiveness lost him the game. Clearly, KBH was playing like he was in a 'friendly'.

Li Mao just have to fine-tune him a bit to get his mind focused on an aggresive game (i.e. get his adrenalin going). I am not saying he could not have done that under Misbun but Li Mao seems to do that to players better.

My conclusion, therefore, is that he can turn around quite quickly. I am looking forward to seeing him do that.

Feel free to voice your own opinions.

And this fine-tuning you were refering to is actually going to happen in the Singapore Open against Ronald Susilo even before anything much is done by Li Mao on KBH yet considering that the news has just been announced that KBH "will be" under Li Mao? Things just happen overnight? Or you actually thought that things will happen in between the two times you refresh your browser?

On paper, KBH has a clear advantage over Ronald Susilo but don't expect the latter to give in so easily without a good fight! :D

Show them that you can do it, Ronald! :)

From an ex-West Coast person (ex Greenacres) to another, dream on:p

And this fine-tuning you were refering to is actually going to happen in the Singapore Open against Ronald Susilo even before anything much is done by Li Mao on KBH yet considering that the news has just been announced that KBH "will be" under Li Mao? Things just happen overnight? Or you actually thought that things will happen in between the two times you refresh your browser?

One question : as much as I do not know whether the transfer has occurred (KBH to Li Mao), how would you know whether it hasn't ? I think if you do not know, then my guess should be better than yours as when BAM says something, I expect it to be followed thru immediately. Why would they want to hold on to him when they can pan him off to Li Mao quickly ?;)

Well if mine doesn't yours shouldn't be either !

Yeah... Who's the clown who just read some news that KBH is going under Li Mao and immediately expect a quick fix on KBH in time for the Singapore Open when I seriously doubt if they have even spent any much time together? Go on, refresh your browser some more and keep waiting.

KBH will need decent amount of time to see the effects of improvement if any from a new coach. Things like training and improvement takes time in real life and does not work on your Internet time.

On paper, KBH has a clear advantage over Ronald Susilo but don't expect the latter to give in so easily without a good fight! :D

Show them that you can do it, Ronald! :)

I seriously doubt Ronald's capabilities. He seems like a one-hit wonder. Ever since he won the Japan Open in 2004, he has not done anything much to move one step higher.

Yeah... Who's the clown who just read some news that KBH is going under Li Mao and immediately expect a quick fix on KBH in time for the Singapore Open when I seriously doubt if they have even spent any much time together? Go on, refresh your browser some more and keep waiting.

KBH will need decent amount of time to see the effects of improvement if any from a new coach. Things like training and improvement takes time in real life and does not work on your Internet time.

Well you seem very vociferous about things even though you don't answer my questions on whether you knew he had transferred yourself.

And you obviously do 'selective reading' as people with listening problems normally do. Calling me a clown when I think the clown is really you ! Are u serious ?

One question : as much as I do not know whether the transfer has occurred (KBH to Li Mao), how would you know whether it hasn't ? I think if you do not know, then my guess should be better than yours as when BAM says something, I expect it to be followed thru immediately. Why would they want to hold on to him when they can pan him off to Li Mao quickly ?;)

The news report came out on 24/5 following a BAM decision during a meeting on 23/5. What do you think? Furthermore, KBH was in Phillipines these couple days for their open...

Oops... Let me think... that's long enough for you huh?

The news report came out on 24/5 following a BAM decision during a meeting on 23/5. What do you think? Furthermore, KBH was in Phillipines these couple days for their open...


KBH was in the Philippines these couple of days ..... ? U should be more precise when arguing like this. The Philippines Open finished more than a couple of days ago !!!! Do you know the meaning of 'a couple of days' --- it means two days !

KBH was in the Philippines these couple of days ..... ? U should be more precise when arguing like this. The Philippines Open finished more than a couple of days ago !!!! Do you know the meaning of 'a couple of days' --- it means two days !

Okay, these few days then. It doesn't change the fact. I might not be good with my english, but I'm definitely not clown.

Okay, these few days then. It doesn't change the fact. I might not be good with my english, but I'm definitely not clown.

Well, I mentioned that Li Mao will fine-tune him. How much time do you think that will take (just to argue the point with you )? We are not talking about training him to play badminton -- that should already be a 'learned' thing with any player of his calibre.

We are talking about strategy here(things like when to attack or how to attack or when/how to draw the opposition). It is about talking to KBH on these. Clearly KBH has all the skills in playing badminton but what is lacking is how to play it.

If you do not understand that, then carry on arguing.:rolleyes:

Well, I mentioned that Li Mao will fine-tune him. How much time do you think that will take (just to argue the point with you )? We are not talking about training him to play badminton -- that should already be a 'learned' thing with any player of his calibre.

We are talking about strategy here(things like when to attack or how to attack or when/how to draw the opposition). It is about talking to KBH on these. Clearly KBH has all the skills in playing badminton but what is lacking is how to play it.

If you do not understand that, then carry on arguing.:rolleyes:

For the sake of friendlier argument, do note that strategy is not just about talking and drawing on papers. If it were that easy, Li Mao would have made a phone call to KBH long ago or even spoke to him during Thomas Cup and hoorah, KBH become mentally tough. Drills are also needed to burn in those ideas and persistent mental conditioning. Going to the shrink once will not fix all mental problems.

On a side note, your idea reminds me of those kung fu movies where some master whispers a some cool phrases and suddenly, some guy immediately masters the last ultimate stroke in some One-Sun Finger or Nine Ying White Bones Claws kind of thing. :-)

For the sake of friendlier argument, do note that strategy is not just about talking and drawing on papers. If it were that easy, Li Mao would have made a phone call to KBH long ago or even spoke to him during Thomas Cup and hoorah, KBH become mentally tough. Drills are also needed to burn in those ideas and persistent mental conditioning. Going to the shrink once will not fix all mental problems.

I know what you are saying. I am not suggesting for one minute that it will be a 'cure all' with just a pep talk --- KBH has a huge problem. He lacks confidence and it is a huge responsibility on his shoulers that he felt at the TC. He did not know what to do when he faced Joachim who took advantage of him.

Li Mao can change that because he will just tell him in the face (in fact he will be so blunt that it will shake KBH to perform). But one thing I can be sure of and that is a strong strategy talk (strong one) will lift KBH. Now I maybe proven wrong but in this case I know I am right. No need for insults my friend. It is only a forum.

I know what you are saying. I am not suggesting for one minute that it will be a 'cure all' with just a pep talk --- KBH has a huge problem. He lacks confidence and it is a huge responsibility on his shoulers that he felt at the TC. He did not know what to do when he faced Joachim who took advantage of him.

Li Mao can change that because he will just tell him in the face (in fact he will be so blunt that it will shake KBH to perform). But one thing I can be sure of and that is a strong strategy talk (strong one) will lift KBH. Now I maybe proven wrong but in this case I know I am right. No need for insults my friend. It is only a forum.

I think there's already too much pressure and expectation on KBH to turn around well soon. What if he doesn't in the near future? Maybe he needs a longer period of time to get his mental right? Don't you think fans and media is already piling too much on his shoulders already?

I think there's already too much pressure and expectation on KBH to turn around well soon. What if he doesn't in the near future? Maybe he needs a longer period of time to get his mental right? Don't you think fans and media is already piling too much on his shoulders already?

In a way you are right about the pressure on him. But the fans want action and if you cannot give it to them they put pressure on BAM. Badminton is a popular game in Malaysia and a large population of people watch the game (including me). Players get pampered if they perform but the opposite (give them hell) can also happen if they don't. KBH was expected to perform and did not. He has to start taking the pressure else he would not last very long in this game. There are many 'ducks' in this game where they do not perform and they fall away. But I think they have to learn to come out of the umbrella and perform.

If you have read all the news, he is expected to perform now. Having said all that (I do sympathise with him), I am pretty sure he will perform under Li Mao (whether it is a day or a couple). Misbun has given him a very good grounding and now Li Mao will take him to the next level in mental preparation. Singapore Open will surely see a stronger KBH.

But feel free to voice your opinion as always.

If Beng Hong does not win, he may be in trouble with BAM. I suspect he will win against Susilo with tutelage from Li Mao.

If both players are fully fit, there will be no doubt that Ronald will be the major favourite. But with Ronald still recovering his fitness, Beng Hong has a good chance. Not because of tutelage from Li Mao because that is too soon.

Anyway, I think even with years under Li Mao, I don't think Kuan has it in him to beat a fully-fit Ronald. I predict that in years to come, Kuan will be overshadowed by the upcoming youngsters, and fade away.

If both players are fully fit, there will be no doubt that Ronald will be the major favourite. But with Ronald still recovering his fitness, Beng Hong has a good chance. Not because of tutelage from Li Mao because that is too soon.

Anyway, I think even with years under Li Mao, I don't think Kuan has it in him to beat a fully-fit Ronald. I predict that in years to come, Kuan will be overshadowed by the upcoming youngsters, and fade away.

Agree. Kuan Beng Hong has a serious crisis of confidence right now. His early loss to Nguyen Tien Minh last week is another disaster which I believe will take some time to recover from.

From an ex-West Coast person (ex Greenacres) to another, dream on:p

Wished I'd known you earlier! ;)
But how come you're now residing in KL? You must have originated from KL, came to Singapore to study/work and now back to your hometown, right? :D

But seriously, as hcyong has said, don't discount Ronald who may not be 100% fit, but he still retains the skills and now has a strong determination to make a comeback. There is fire in his eyes and this augurs well for his resurrection. Maybe Peter Gade has shown him the way and now, look at veteran Peter, despite being down for six months or more with the same Achillies tendon injury, he is now European champion and world no. 3, and is more than a match for any aspiring young players.

I hope Ronald will dream on, because dreams can come true!

"Fairy tales (and dreams) can come true and it can happen to YOU, if you're young at heart...and fire with determination and passion"

If both players are fully fit, there will be no doubt that Ronald will be the major favourite. But with Ronald still recovering his fitness, Beng Hong has a good chance. Not because of tutelage from Li Mao because that is too soon.

Anyway, I think even with years under Li Mao, I don't think Kuan has it in him to beat a fully-fit Ronald. I predict that in years to come, Kuan will be overshadowed by the upcoming youngsters, and fade away.

U probably know the boy better in terms of his character --- yes, I do detect from his play that he is weak. But people can be motivated to perform.

How do you think LCW became so good -- and yet I can remember he was noted to be somewhat of a weakling initially ? LCW had ambition and was motiviated by his embarassing losses. He did not want to be a have-been.

Some people have it and some need others to push them forward. KBH is the latter type. Believe me, Li Mao would not be sweet talking the guy to perform -- he will lay it on him really bluntly. It will probably be something along these lines "U get the f..k going or we do it for you !":D

Ok jokes aside, KBH knows what he has to do --- he said that in his press interviews after the TC that if given a 2nd chance he would do it differently. Of course he would, he played like sh.t in the TC !

Hope Ronald Susilo will come out and prove us wrong.

anyone know singapore open drawing? According to Soni, he wont play singapore open. Indonesia will send taufik,simon,alamsyah,tommy.janu

It supposed to be out yesterday as per IBF. But it is still not available in IBF web. But I guess that draw had been done. Noted some match schedule indicating in Strait Times newspaper (today).

Wished I'd known you earlier! ;)
But how come you're now residing in KL? You must have originated from KL, came to Singapore to study/work and now back to your hometown, right? :D



I worked in Singapore before but now work in Malaysia. When I was in Singapore I barracked for Singapore but they had no good players then; now that I am in KL, I barrack for Malaysia (even though I am not Malaysian). LCW is the sort of player everyone wants to back to win, including me.

This is how fair I am:cool:

I worked in Singapore before but now work in Malaysia. When I was in Singapore I barracked for Singapore but they had no good players then; now that I am in KL, I barrack for Malaysia (even though I am not Malaysian). LCW is the sort of player everyone wants to back to win, including me.

This is how fair I am:cool:

That's fair. Not a Singaporean, not a Malaysian - this is not fair! :confused: :confused: Can't be Indonesian, Thai ... your command of the English language doesn't trace you to these countries. Wonder... and you must have been in Singapore some time ago and for quite a while too...:mad:

That's fair. Not a Singaporean, not a Malaysian - this is not fair! :confused: :confused: Can't be Indonesian, Thai ... your command of the English language doesn't trace you to these countries. Wonder... and you must have been in Singapore some time ago and for quite a while too...:mad:

I was brought up in Penang but my family moved to Australia. In my younger days, I used to attend the same school as Tan Aik Huang but trained under his brother, Aik Mong. Never made it beyond the school team but understand a lot about badminton from the Pros.

One of my favourite remembrances was that Aik Huang said it was hell playing Rudy coz Rudy Hartono was so fit and to keep up with the guy was the hardest thing to do. Being a player myself, I realise that the fitness was something that a lot of people take for granted (that it was easy to achieve). I knew even training strenuously would not be enough to get me playing 3 sets properly. If I look at the current players (lin Dan, Bao, LCW, Gade), they are not just playing every day, they carry weights; do hops; run the KMs every second day to keep fit and conditioned. It is tough and they deserve all their accolades and winning purses.

Ah...now there's the Penang side of you (once a Malaysian ;) ) although you are now an Aussie! Well not a few Malaysians migrated and became Australian citizens. I met Kim and BadFever at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games last March.

Of course Tan Aik Huang was a household name during his prime but his international fame was relatively short, having won the All England only once, if I can recall. With Rudy Hartono around, no wonder his share of the limelight was curtailed. On the other hand, fellow Penangnite, Eddy Choong's AE achievements lasted much longer, as there was nobody in the mould of 8-time AE Champion, Rudy Hartono, to stand in his was during the earlier period.

Anyway, X Ball, a belated warm welcome onboard the BC ship! :)

Ah...now there's the Penang side of you (once a Malaysian ;) ) although you are now an Aussie! Well not a few Malaysians migrated and became Australian citizens. I met Kim and BadFever at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games last March. Of course

Tan Aik Huang was a household name during his prime but his international fame was relatively short, having won the All England only once, if I can recall. With Rudy Hartono around, no wonder his share of the limelight was curtailed. On the other hand, fellow Penangnite, Eddy Choong's AE achievements lasted much longer, as there was nobody in the mould of 8-time AE Champion, Rudy Hartono, to stand in his was during the earlier period.

Anyway, X Ball, a belated warm welcome onboard the BC ship! :)

Thanks Man. Cheers to you.

I was brought up in Penang but my family moved to Australia. In my younger days, I used to attend the same school as Tan Aik Huang but trained under his brother, Aik Mong. Never made it beyond the school team but understand a lot about badminton from the Pros.

One of my favourite remembrances was that Aik Huang said it was hell playing Rudy coz Rudy Hartono was so fit and to keep up with the guy was the hardest thing to do. Being a player myself, I realise that the fitness was something that a lot of people take for granted (that it was easy to achieve). I knew even training strenuously would not be enough to get me playing 3 sets properly. If I look at the current players (lin Dan, Bao, LCW, Gade), they are not just playing every day, they carry weights; do hops; run the KMs every second day to keep fit and conditioned. It is tough and they deserve all their accolades and winning purses.

Even the professionals face the same difficulty play 3 sets against their peers. So there's nothing much wrong with not being able to play 3 sets properly.

I believe on the contrary, that training strenously would be able to help a person play long matches. The only problem is how much committment that you would want to dedicate to it. As its not a job to us and we simply have other things to do besides our actual job, we probably could not afford that kind of time and effort.

That's fair. Not a Singaporean, not a Malaysian - this is not fair! :confused: :confused: Can't be Indonesian, Thai ... your command of the English language doesn't trace you to these countries. Wonder... and you must have been in Singapore some time ago and for quite a while too...:mad:

Its not the nationality but the place of education. I have a lot of indonesian friends, in fact, my best friend is indonesian and they are good in English as they are educated either in international schools in jakarta or singapore or some high school in US. So its pretty much where the person is schooled.

Its not the nationality but the place of education. I have a lot of indonesian friends, in fact, my best friend is indonesian and they are good in English as they are educated either in international schools in jakarta or singapore or some high school in US. So its pretty much where the person is schooled.

I was very bad in English when I was young -- spelling, grammer, you name it I got faults with them. This day I am a public speaker and I deliver complex technical presentations to everyone, from CEOs to directors. It is not the schooling, it is the reading and the practice of the language.

Its not the nationality but the place of education. I have a lot of indonesian friends, in fact, my best friend is indonesian and they are good in English as they are educated either in international schools in jakarta or singapore or some high school in US. So its pretty much where the person is schooled.

Agree, it really depends on your exposure to the language, how often do you practise it with good speakers.

Well we have a good example in badMania, an Indonesian Chinese who has been schooled in Singapore and who expresses himself rather well in all his posts. When I met him in Hong Kong last year, I thought he was Singaporean. :D