KUALA LUMPUR: The underdog tag will suit national singles badminton player Lee Chong Wei just fine as he steps up preparation for the Doha Asian Games next month.
The National Sports Council (NSC) are only projecting a three-silver and two-bronze medal haul from the badminton team.
The silvers are expected to come from Chong Wei, the men’s doubles pair of Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Lin Woon Fui and the men’s team.
Chong Wei, who will lead Malaysia’s challenge to end a 36-year gold drought in Asiad badminton, said that he was not disappointed to be rated as only good for silver based on his ranking as world number two behind China’s Lin Dan.
“It is a relief that the pressure on me this time is not as big as it was for the World Championships in Madrid (in September),” he said.
“Then I was the world number one and expectations were very high on me to win the title. The situation is a lot better this time and I am comfortable with it.
“What is most important is that I prepare as well as possible before I leave for Doha next weekend.”
In the World Championships, Chong Wei lost his proud unbeaten record to Bao Chunlai, losing to the Chinese in the quarter-finals.
The 24-year-old Penangite said that his personal mission to bag the Asiad gold has not changed even though the NSC had lowered the expectations.
The standard and quality of the Asian Games competition is ranked third behind the World Championships and Olympics. And a silver in the singles can be considered an impressive effort.
Punch Gunalan was the last Malaysian men’s singles gold medallist in the Asian Games – in Bangkok in 1970. Since then, no Malaysian has even made it to the final.
“It is important to treat everyone with respect because anything can happen in a 21-point game. I do not want to pressure myself but I will try by best to qualify for the final,” said Chong Wei.
The draw for the events will be released on Saturday. The Nov 9 world rankings will determine the seedings and Chong Wei, as the second seed, will not meet Lin Dan until the final.
Chong Wei should have third seeded Chunlai, who was the runner-up to Lin Dan at the World Championships, in his half of the draw.
A country can only have two entries in each individual event and their players are placed in different halves of the draw. Mohd Hafiz Hashim is the second Malaysian for the men’s singles competition.
“I should be facing Chunlai in the semi-finals. The interesting thing is to see which half Taufik (Hidayat of Indonesia) is drawn as he is unseeded,” said Chong Wei.
Among his rivals in the Doha Asiad, Chong Wei has reason to be wary of Lin Dan and 2004 Athens Olympics champion Taufik.
Chong Wei has not beaten Lin Dan and Taufik outside Malaysia. His only victory over Taufik was achieved en route to winning the Malaysian Open title last year. He beat Lin Dan for the second time in his career to retain the title in June.


Source: http://www.thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2006/11/16/sports/16034271&sec=sports

LCW Boleh!! he should do something on Doha after he didt won in so many touraament!

My prediction, whether it hurts you or not :

LCW will close the year on a high with a big win over LD in the Asiad Games.

For once, he is ready to oblige his fans with a big effort and no one is going to deny him of this.

Another biggie will be the KK/TBH doubles pair -- they are 'zinging' with so much enthusiam and confidence, it will be hard to deny them the title also. The pair is understandably working to correct their past mistakes and are heard to be working very well together.

But if you think you have heard enough of what was said above before, then feel free to do so coz if my prediction comes thru, you will remember this thread from me telling you so.:D

I personally think that Lee Chong Wei can win the gold medal, if he beats the other Chinese players and not focus so much on beating Lin Dan, like the WC, until he "forgets" the other players... He has the ability to go on and win it, no reason why not...

As for the men's doubles, i think Fairuzizan/Woon Fui might just edge it due to their (slightly) longer experinece of playing together in big tournaments, then Koo/Tan...

It's good situation for LCW to reach high goal in Doha, disadvantage of course to LD w/heavy-burden for many predicates that stick on him that resulted by his fully successful along this year. Both of top two are obviously never expect to face INA's fave TH until last round.

Considering TH's WR at #12 per 09-Nov/06, I guess he will fill 5/8 seeded position. But must be patient to know : Is TH grouping w/ LD in Top-half or join LCW at Bottom-half?

With the limitation of DAGOC (only 2 shuttlers from each participant-country) probably the MS seeded list should be :
- Top Seed -- LD (CHN-1)
- 2nd Seed -- LCW (MAS-1)
- 3/4 seed -- BCL (CHN-2) & Lee Hyun-Il (KOR-1)
- 5/8 seed -- Hafiz (MAS-2) ; Boonsak (THA-1) ; TH (INA-1) and
Ng Wei (HKG-1)
- 9/16 seed -- ParkSH/ShonSM (KOR-2)
Simon (INA-2) ; Poompat (THA-2) ; A.Chetan (IND-1)
ChanYK (HKG-2) ; Kendrick Lee (SIN-1) ; Shoji Sato (JPN-1)
and Ronald Susilo (SIN-2)

It's good situation for LCW to reach high goal in Doha, disadvantage of course to LD w/heavy-burden for many predicates that stick on him that resulted by his fully successful along this year. Both of top two are obviously never expect to face INA's fave TH until last round.

Considering TH's WR at #12 per 09-Nov/06, I guess he will fill 5/8 seeded position. But must be patient to know : Is TH grouping w/ LD in Top-half or join LCW at Bottom-half?

With the limitation of DAGOC (only 2 shuttlers from each participant-country) probably the MS seeded list should be :
- Top Seed -- LD (CHN-1)
- 2nd Seed -- LCW (MAS-1)
- 3/4 seed -- BCL (CHN-2) & Lee Hyun-Il (KOR-1)
- 5/8 seed -- Hafiz (MAS-2) ; Boonsak (THA-1) ; TH (INA-1) and
Ng Wei (HKG-1)
- 9/16 seed -- ParkSH/ShonSM (KOR-2)
Simon (INA-2) ; Poompat (THA-2) ; A.Chetan (IND-1)
ChanYK (HKG-2) ; Kendrick Lee (SIN-1) ; Shoji Sato (JPN-1)
and Ronald Susilo (SIN-2)

I prefer TH to meet LD in QF, closing the door for LD to win a medal....:D
Then TH to meet Bao and meet LCW in the Final....

Under that schenario, which I think very likely, yes...BAM has successfully achieved its target...:D

I hope all his preparation pays off. I'd love to see LCW win a medal whatever the colour :).

I prefer TH to meet LD in QF
Boy.. you like to see TH return home empty handed so early...:eek::p

From recent result, LD has the advantage.
From the present situation, LD is in better shape and mentally stronger than almost every other MS player. He also gets to train with some of the best MS players day in and day out. Who does TH gets to practice with... Soni, Simon... are they even in the same level??? More like TH training them than TH training WITH them...:rolleyes::p

I hope all his preparation pays off. I'd love to see LCW win a medal whatever the colour :).
LCW has a good chance to earn a medal... whatever the colour it may be... unless he has to play TH early, then it maybe more of a challenge. However if he gets by TH, then Bao should not be too difficult unless Bao improves alot and play to his very best... or else I still see LCW as the better player. Then it's Lin Dan in the final... the odds favor Lin Dan no matter how you see it because at the moment Lin Dan has proven that he is above the rest with his results this year.:p

The main challenge remains that LCW has nobody close to his level to train with... there is just no challenge and nobody to push him to the next level within Malaysia. Just like TH, LCW can train Hafiz, KBH... but he can't TRAIN WITH Hafiz, KBH and the others... just different skill level.

Boy.. you like to see TH return home empty handed so early...:eek::p

From recent result, LD has the advantage.
From the present situation, LD is in better shape and mentally stronger than almost every other MS player. He also gets to train with some of the best MS players day in and day out. Who does TH gets to practice with... Soni, Simon... are they even in the same level??? More like TH training them than TH training WITH them...:rolleyes::p

He...he..he.. you are underestimating my golden boy TH....
TH practices with whom???? Haven't you heard that TH is practicing with me recently ??:D ...LD has had the advantage over TH recently because either Taufik is sick, has just recovered from his injury or is in the process of recovering....

yaya...
LD cannot be invisible all the year...
he had got wat he deserved for 2006...
now is TH & LCW turn to get their rewards...
haha...

yaya...
LD cannot be invisible all the year...
he had got wat he deserved for 2006...
now is TH & LCW turn to get their rewards...
haha...

Tell that to roger federer too.

So in the end, the conclusion is the winner will be LD, LCW and TH. For me I rate their chances in that order too! But a lot has to depend on where TH is, whether the top or bottom of the half. My opinion is base on the form of this whole year and the results against probable opponents in their path.

LCW is humble, but Im sure he will play well even if he dont win gold he should get bronze or silver, he is a good palyer after all, that should surprise those that label him underdog

So in the end, the conclusion is the winner will be LD, LCW and TH. For me I rate their chances in that order too! But a lot has to depend on where TH is, whether the top or bottom of the half. My opinion is base on the form of this whole year and the results against probable opponents in their path. Lee Hyun Il will be a tough opponent for TH, since Lee defeated TH 3 times in a row this year. However LHI's record against the others like LCW, LD,Bao is just not impressive at all.

Lee Chong Wei has a first round bye and to meet Shoji Sato in the second round. In the quarterfinal, LCW will be ready to beat Boonsak for the fifth time maybe in this year and to meet the winner between Taufik and BCL.

Lee Chong Wei has a decent draw, his challenge will happen in QF facing Boonsak which he shall have no problem to overcome follow by the winner of Bao vs Taufik. If Lee Chong Wei play his usual game and overcome his jitter then I think he should be able to face Lin Dan in the Final. Lets hope Lee Chong Wei can do better than Yong Hock Kin winning better than bronze

I hope LCW will play Taufik even though Taufik has beaten world 2nd seed serveral times, but I think the odds to win against Taufik is higher than winning BCL..

Lee Hyun Il will be a tough opponent for TH, since Lee defeated TH 3 times in a row this year. However LHI's record against the others like LCW, LD,Bao is just not impressive at all.

LHI's recent victories over TH (3 times) are due to TH's serious injury.:D

LHI's recent victories over TH (3 times) are due to TH's serious injury.:D

Only losers will use injury as an excuse... if you are hurt so badly, stay home.:mad:

Peter Gade recovered from his surgery in the past, and never once did he use it as his excuse for not doing well soon after the surgery.:cool:

Only losers will use injury as an excuse... if you are hurt so badly, stay home.:mad:

Peter Gade recovered from his surgery in the past, and never once did he use it as his excuse for not doing well soon after the surgery.:cool:

Taufik could not stay home at that time...you should know this...
PBSI and the whole world knew that Taufik was injured....Taufik was forced to play because of no other substitute (during TC)....

regarding the other two losses suffered by TH, TH was in the process of recovery....forcing him to play normally will result in a permanent injury...of course the result was bad...because TH did not play the way he normally does...ANyhow, TH admitted that he lost and LHI played well:D

LCW will be champion of the World championship next year. Because the World Championship 2007 in Malaysia....HHAAA. Unless he got injury...

Taufik not 100% recovery of his injury but can go to final of Japan Open... But can't beat Lin dan...

Taufik seriously injury at Thomas Cup so He loss from Japan Player...and Lin Dan (so easier)...

But, If Taufik 100% recovery of his injury and improve his stamina....All China Player will be dangerous. Taufik is one of the player got alot talent (Completed Skills).

Taufik can use his Backhand to Attack.. Netting very sharp.
Lin Dan, Chen Hong, Chun Lai, etc knows about that... They Said: Try to avoid play with taufik the net.



Only losers will use injury as an excuse... if you are hurt so badly, stay home.:mad:

Peter Gade recovered from his surgery in the past, and never once did he use it as his excuse for not doing well soon after the surgery.:cool:

Taufik can use his Backhand to Attack.. Netting very sharp.
Lin Dan, Chen Hong, Chun Lai, etc knows about that... They Said: Try to avoid play with taufik the net.

only LD and maybe Bao should be scared of Taufik at the net. Chen Hong's net skills IMO are equal or better than that of Taufik's. :cool:

LCW can make it this time.....

lets pray 4 him...:)

Only losers will use injury as an excuse... if you are hurt so badly, stay home.:mad:

Peter Gade recovered from his surgery in the past, and never once did he use it as his excuse for not doing well soon after the surgery.:cool:

dude,

TAUFIK NEVER USES HIS INJURY AS AN EXCUSE FOR HIS LOST, HE ALWAYS ADMITS HIS OPPONENT HAS PLAYED BETTER


ONLY TAUFIK'S 'DIE HARD FANS' WHO ALWAYS FIND THOSE EXCUSES...\\

INCLUDING ME.... HE..HE :D :D :D :p :p

oh...finally u admit that u're a die hard fans of taufik..this time there's no need for the inverted comma as i think that's super right bout it...

LCW will be champion of the World championship next year. Because the World Championship 2007 in Malaysia....HHAAA. Unless he got injury...

Taufik not 100% recovery of his injury but can go to final of Japan Open... But can't beat Lin dan...

Taufik seriously injury at Thomas Cup so He loss from Japan Player...and Lin Dan (so easier)...

But, If Taufik 100% recovery of his injury and improve his stamina....All China Player will be dangerous. Taufik is one of the player got alot talent (Completed Skills).

Taufik can use his Backhand to Attack.. Netting very sharp.
Lin Dan, Chen Hong, Chun Lai, etc knows about that... They Said: Try to avoid play with taufik the net.

yeah right, and he must be 'jaguh kampong forever and ever' LOL

Only losers will use injury as an excuse... if you are hurt so badly, stay home.:mad:

Peter Gade recovered from his surgery in the past, and never once did he use it as his excuse for not doing well soon after the surgery.:cool:
None of the players use injuries as their excuse for loss anyways...
I dont know where u heard that from..
Besides Peter Gade do mention ache and pain in some of his games but ultimately he gave credit to opponent.. same as Taufik

yeah right, and he must be 'jaguh kampong forever and ever' LOL
haha..
jaguh kampung is better than nothing la...
unless he can be proud of his own country unbeatable record..
:D
let's see that will DOHA be his turning point to the jaguh dunia...
:D

haha..
jaguh kampung is better than nothing la...
unless he can be proud of his own country unbeatable record..
:D
let's see that will DOHA be his turning point to the jaguh dunia...
:D
we will just wait n see... if keeps his focus, he is probably on the road to spoil LD's day....:D :D :cool:

we will just wait n see... if keeps his focus, he is probably on the road to spoil LD's day....:D :D :cool:
better not to focus on LD only or else.....;)

I like LCW's attitude this time. He was under too much pressure during WChamp because BAM and the whole country expected him to win gold medals, just like the situation LD was in during the last Olympics. LD has matured from the loses and has leaned to cope with pressures. LCW still has a long way to go to get similar mental toughness. AG will be a good test for him. He has a good chance to win a medal in the MS event because he does not have to play many CHN players (CH, CY and CJ are not playing) to reach the semifinal or even the final. As to TH, he was very lucky to get his OP, WC and AG tittles before LD and LCW were mature (both technically and mentally) enough to seriously threaten him. It would be a huge supprise if TH can reach the final this year.

I like LCW's attitude this time. He was under too much pressure during WChamp because BAM and the whole country expected him to win gold medals, just like the situation LD was in during the last Olympics. LD has matured from the loses and has leaned to cope with pressures. LCW still has a long way to go to get similar mental toughness. AG will be a good test for him. He has a good chance to win a medal in the MS event because he does not have to play many CHN players (CH, CY and CJ are not playing) to reach the semifinal or even the final. As to TH, he was very lucky to get his OP, WC and AG tittles before LD and LCW were mature (both technically and mentally) enough to seriously threaten him. It would be a huge supprise if TH can reach the final this year.

TH could still beat china top players when he was 'not mature' enough :D

or on other hand we can say," LD is very lucy to dominate MS when TH is getting older :D :p

note:
TH is only one year older than LCW

I like LCW's attitude this time. He was under too much pressure during WChamp because BAM and the whole country expected him to win gold medals, just like the situation LD was in during the last Olympics. LD has matured from the loses and has leaned to cope with pressures. LCW still has a long way to go to get similar mental toughness. AG will be a good test for him. He has a good chance to win a medal in the MS event because he does not have to play many CHN players (CH, CY and CJ are not playing) to reach the semifinal or even the final. As to TH, he was very lucky to get his OP, WC and AG tittles before LD and LCW were mature (both technically and mentally) enough to seriously threaten him. It would be a huge supprise if TH can reach the final this year.

I sure hope your reasoning is correct as another early defeat of Chong Wei will further breaking our "broken heart" :crying:

TH is only one year older than LCW

But he come to the international badminton scene so much more earlier than LD and LCW.... :p

Not matter who win the game, I still believe that LD, PG, TH and LCW are the best entertainers in Doha. Everybody like to watch them! Talk about them over the coffee table. Enjoy isn't it?

Not matter who win the game, I still believe that LD, PG, TH and LCW are the best entertainers in Doha. Everybody like to watch them! Talk about them over the coffee table. Enjoy isn't it?

PG is not going to Doha :rolleyes:

For all his personal tantrums, I really admired Taufik greatly ...

At 17 he already gave lots of trouble to Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen in the All-England final. The next Rudy Hartono, they all called him.

LD, PG and, dare I say it, LCW were nothing at 17.

This talk about Taufik being fortunate in winning Olympics, WC and AG Gold before his opponents got wiser is not only unfair, it is downright condescending and rude.

Why can't we just appreciate raw-though-flawed talents like Taufik, Zhao Jianhua and the late Svend Pri? You don't always see such players in the circuit.

For all his personal tantrums, I really admired Taufik greatly ...

At 17 he already gave lots of trouble to Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen in the All-England final. The next Rudy Hartono, they all called him.

LD, PG and, dare I say it, LCW were nothing at 17.

This talk about Taufik being fortunate in winning Olympics, WC and AG Gold before his opponents got wiser is not only unfair, it is downright condescending and rude.

Why can't we just appreciate raw-though-flawed talents like Taufik, Zhao Jianhua and the late Svend Pri? You don't always see such players in the circuit.

Well said. As a badminton fan, I always enjoy TH play LD, LCW, PG, CH, CJ and other top players, most of the times were high standard and exciting. The men's SF in WC05 was the best a fan can wish for and I was glad to see the event in Anaheim. LD vrs PG was an exciting game, LD vrs TH, TH vrs LCW, were not as exciting, basically one sided affair. TH vrs Boonsak and TH vrs KJ were great games.

Whenever TH play LCW, LD, PG, CJ or any top players, the request for download is astounding and takes forever to dl, and yet the same people would bash him every opportunity and worship Team China. When LCW, TH and PG retire, unless someone really good comes along (there is none yet as I can see, and even if there is one coming up, CJ would have light-years of experience ahead) from outside of China, we would have all China finals in MS, WS, WD and that would not be healthy for badminton. The rest of the world can challenge for MD and XD.

For all his personal tantrums, I really admired Taufik greatly ...

At 17 he already gave lots of trouble to Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen in the All-England final. The next Rudy Hartono, they all called him.

LD, PG and, dare I say it, LCW were nothing at 17.

This talk about Taufik being fortunate in winning Olympics, WC and AG Gold before his opponents got wiser is not only unfair, it is downright condescending and rude.

Why can't we just appreciate raw-though-flawed talents like Taufik, Zhao Jianhua and the late Svend Pri? You don't always see such players in the circuit.
(sorry guys, just want to comment on this)..
..hmm, i believe most if not all of badminton fans/followers world-wide appreciate the talent and skills Taufik has. No doubt. Sure, we all enjoy his (top)notch play and like OneToughBirdie wrote above, "the request for download is astounding and takes forever to dl, and yet the same people would bash him every opportunity and worship Team China". That's possibly unquestionable.
However, thruout his career, it's when things didn't go well with him, or whenever he started his emotional outburst which lead to some very "mind-boggling" turn-of-events; turn-of-events which left people/fans alike scratching their head or even dropped their jaws(i'm sure the rest of you guys know what i'm referring to).;)..:rolleyes: :p
Re Taufik's achievements in '04 Olympics and last yr's WC, is undeniably remarkable and amazing. Sure, he deserved them(i would say so). But then in comparison to his previous greats(mentioned also above in your post) and being given *another* chance/opportunity to be in a "totally different" class/echelon all by himself, he was almost unrecognizable in this yr's WC(perhaps most of the tourneys he attended pre-WC or post-WC this yr). I think it's those events which sometimes, if not often times, re-visit people's mind when they think abt Taufik. A bit sad, but it's true..:p ;)

Not matter who win the game, I still believe that LD, PG, TH and LCW are the best entertainers in Doha. Everybody like to watch them! Talk about them over the coffee table. Enjoy isn't it?
em perhaps a little reminder.. this is ASIAN GAMES la my dear.. PG i s from Europe la...
cheers... :D

For all his personal tantrums, I really admired Taufik greatly ...

At 17 he already gave lots of trouble to Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen in the All-England final. The next Rudy Hartono, they all called him.

LD, PG and, dare I say it, LCW were nothing at 17.

This talk about Taufik being fortunate in winning Olympics, WC and AG Gold before his opponents got wiser is not only unfair, it is downright condescending and rude.

Why can't we just appreciate raw-though-flawed talents like Taufik, Zhao Jianhua and the late Svend Pri? You don't always see such players in the circuit.

I like this. You 're spot on on TH. Couldn't do better. Great insight.

TAUFIK is one of the greatest players, period

TAUFIK is one of the greatest players, period

Yes, he is, but as much as I agree with your statement, he is not the BEST, at least not for now.

TAUFIK is one of the greatest players, period
i see....... another hardcore TH fan i assume... yes yes yes everyone agrees he is one of the GREATEST player! But he is not the best at least for now cuz its LD's reign now dude....

i see....... another hardcore TH fan i assume... yes yes yes everyone agrees he is one of the GREATEST player! But he is not the best at least for now cuz its LD's reign now dude....

If CH had not been around to prop up LD, his reign would have been intermittent if not short. I wonder if CH realises that as long as he can be superfit, Team CHN needs him more than he needs Team CHN. And maybe he should negotiate with LYB, to have the freedom to win (that means demolish LD if the draw puts them in same half) and LYB wouldn't dare can him for long. 2007 will be exciting year, if TH works fulltime cos he has few points to defend whereas CJ's going to need compatriot support with many points to defend.(correct me here if my points understanding is wrong.)

If CH had not been around to prop up LD, his reign would have been intermittent if not short. I wonder if CH realises that as long as he can be superfit, Team CHN needs him more than he needs Team CHN. And maybe he should negotiate with LYB, to have the freedom to win (that means demolish LD if the draw puts them in same half) and LYB wouldn't dare can him for long. 2007 will be exciting year, if TH works fulltime cos he has few points to defend whereas CJ's going to need compatriot support with many points to defend.(correct me here if my points understanding is wrong.)

From your post above, you wrote 4 "if" in one paragraph... those are just all your assumptions with no facts to prove them.:rolleyes: There is no possible way to correct one's assumption because it is your freedom to express what you think, just don't confuse them with facts since you won't be able to provide them at all. (especially since most of the time you are talking about the future).:p