btw, where is our samuel882 now??;):eek::rolleyes::rolleyes::)

Dont be angry, my fellow bird. After OG, YKH said they'll be updraded to senior squad. TCS have been waiting eagerly to get in, time he does so to catch up with 'senior ko ko' LCW and super senior WCH.

Actually there is no new comers from Malaysia come even close to the standard of LCW, which explain why Malaysia is still heavily counting on old gun like WCH to win points in team tournament like TC, it is a worrying sight unless the standard of Malaysia junior players speed up soon.

out of 10 upset match, 5 is done by malaysian juniors, consider good result with homeground advantage, all the best for malaysian player in this tournament

btw, where is our samuel882 now??;):eek::rolleyes::rolleyes::)

Hiding in a dark corner crying for forgiveness:p that's what he gets for teasing many big fans of LCW:rolleyes:;):p

.
NTM to give a big fight against LD tonight? :confused::confused::confused:
.

Good prediction, chris@ccc. LD often uses game one to warm-up or test the water. I don't remember this NTM played LD before in the past 9 months :confused:

LCW trying to copy what LD did so far LOL. :D

He managed to get the same score (13,13) in the first match, but failed to do an exact copy this time -- opponent is stronger and harder to control. Only managed to get the games right (lose-win-win, 2:1). :D

So both of them like to take easy in the first game. Only great players can afford such luxury ;)

What happens when they meet? None like to take the first game :confused::D

Oh yes. Just got up. :D

Some further observation, hope it's entertaining.

Let's look at LD's match: 19:21,21:14,21:16. LCW's: 17:21, 21:16, 21:6. Obviously LCW lost patience and failed to "copy" LD in the 3rd game. Why? Because 16 is between 19 and 14, but it is not possible to get a score between 17 and 16! (LCW: "aiya!" :eek:) So LCW panicked and finished the match in a rush. :D

LOL, that's funny, now only you come out ye333. Early am there?

Actually there is no new comers from Malaysia come even close to the standard of LCW, which explain why Malaysia is still heavily counting on old gun like WCH to win points in team tournament like TC, it is a worrying sight unless the standard of Malaysia junior players speed up soon.

Thats the result is BAM's poor management. Every1 said the younger boys will be promoted to senior squad after OG, will that be a little late already? How old is TCS? 21? By that age, players in other countries start winning titles redi. They should hv let them go to the senior squad earlier, without goin through the useless rashid backup program.....

Thats the result is BAM's poor management. Every1 said the younger boys will be promoted to senior squad after OG, will that be a little late already? How old is TCS? 21? By that age, players in other countries start winning titles redi. They should hv let them go to the senior squad earlier, without goin through the useless rashid backup program.....

THe backup program by Rashid was originally for 2008 OG program if my memory didn't fail me. It was established many years ago hoping to find a star wining Malaysia first elusive OG gold in badminton, but look at what we got from the program. I agree that junior players need more exposures in senior tournamet levels.

Oh yes. Just got up. :D

Some further observation, hope it's entertaining.

Let's look at LD's match: 19:21,21:14,21:16. LCW's: 17:21, 21:16, 21:6. Obviously LCW lost patience and failed to "copy" LD in the 3rd game. Why? Because 16 is between 19 and 14, but it is not possible to get a score between 17 and 16! (LCW: "aiya!" :eek:) So LCW panicked and finished the match in a rush. :D

Kah Kah Kah :D:D


So both of them like to take easy in the first game. Only great players can afford such luxury ;)

What happens when they meet? None like to take the first game :confused::D

Hiyaa, my fellow bird friend, now only you come, already finished for the day with 10 upsets....

Hiding in a dark corner crying for forgiveness:p that's what he gets for teasing many big fans of LCW:rolleyes:;):p

samuel882 was only doing his job. Someone has to keep the reality check so the big fans wouldn't fall too hard IF LCW would have lost (unlikely of course) :)

samuel882 was only doing his job. Someone has to keep the reality check so the big fans wouldn't fall too hard IF LCW would have lost (unlikely of course) :)

His job?!?! So he has been doing this for a while?

Now don't tell me there is any difference between making unrealistic jokes and making fun of big names.

THe backup program by Rashid was originally for 2008 OG program if my memory didn't fail me. It was established many years ago hoping to find a star wining Malaysia first elusive OG gold in badminton, but look at what we got from the program. I agree that junior players need more exposures in senior tournamet levels.

Actually Rashid Sidek's prog is Project 2010-2012, for 2010 Asia Games & 2012 London OG. If I'm not mistaken, BAM wanted to put TCS in senior squad end of 2006, Rashid said no, TCS not ready, not up to standard yet. Some here said Rashid worried become like KBH case, lose 3rd singles in TC 2006, never recovered from the fear.

In 2007, Rashid is more open to it. Now, with more sparring sessions with LCW & Hafiz(till Hafiz moves to KLRC), Rashid hoped junior standard can improve.

XD is better prospect for junior, no full time XD. So, the World Junior & Asia Junior champs get to go straight to senior squad. Maybe Razif/Chong too, aft OG

Hiyaa, my fellow bird friend, now only you come, already finished for the day with 10 upsets....

Yes, I came back to read comments. It was an interesting long day, never paid attention to this kind format before. Entertaining if one has the time to watch there all day and evening. As for the 10 upsets, there might be some explanations coming out. Please let us know if you saw any :rolleyes:

THe backup program by Rashid was originally for 2008 OG program if my memory didn't fail me. It was established many years ago hoping to find a star wining Malaysia first elusive OG gold in badminton, but look at what we got from the program. I agree that junior players need more exposures in senior tournamet levels.

They have the exposure but no quality sparring. These young players need to train together with LCW.

Yes, I came back to read comments. It was an interesting long day, never paid attention to this kind format before. Entertaining if one has the time to watch there all day and evening. As for the 10 upsets, there might be some explanations coming out. Please let us know if you saw any :rolleyes:

Format ?? Explanation wouldnt be from me, I just post official statements they make in the press, he he. Tonight got highlights, see what coaches say loh.:D
Wait for Huang & fastdrop & not forgetting Ayu's summary reports. Tomm Jessica will be there, so she can give her take on the proceedings.

QF, of course, live from the Astro people & in stadium, and thereafter, delayed on Shanghai Sports. Weird time they showing.

His job?!?! So he has been doing this for a while?

Now don't tell me there is any difference between making unrealistic jokes and making fun of big names.

That was my take. No one meant any harm, please take no offense. If you did, my apology :)

Actually Rashid Sidek's prog is Project 2010-2012, for 2010 Asia Games & 2012 London OG. If I'm not mistaken, BAM wanted to put TCS in senior squad end of 2006, Rashid said no, TCS not ready, not up to standard yet. Some here said Rashid worried become like KBH case, lose 3rd singles in TC 2006, never recovered from the fear.

In 2007, Rashid is more open to it. Now, with more sparring sessions with LCW & Hafiz(till Hafiz moves to KLRC), Rashid hoped junior standard can improve.

XD is better prospect for junior, no full time XD. So, the World Junior & Asia Junior champs get to go straight to senior squad. Maybe Razif/Chong too, aft OG

Thanks for the info and correction eaglehelang!

Format ?? Explanation wouldnt be from me, I just post official statements they make in the press, he he. Tonight got highlights, see what coaches say loh.:D
Wait for Huang & fastdrop & not forgetting Ayu's summary reports. Tomm Jessica will be there, so she can give her take on the proceedings.

QF, of course, live from the Astro people & in stadium, and thereafter, delayed on Shanghai Sports. Weird time they showing.

I never watched results from matches in R64 before. The format in which players playing twice in a day was new to me. The explanations, of course, won't come from you. I'd like to hear if in newspaper or interviews what they say if any.

I never watched results from matches in R64 before. The format in which players playing twice in a day was new to me. The explanations, of course, won't come from you. I'd like to hear if in newspaper or interviews what they say if any.

The European Championships has matches starting from R64 in all the 5 disciplines, with full participation in MS & WS. So, most of the disciplines will play 1 round today and 2 rounds tomorrow.

I never watched results from matches in R64 before. The format in which players playing twice in a day was new to me. The explanations, of course, won't come from you. I'd like to hear if in newspaper or interviews what they say if any.

Some players might even play more than two matches.
Eg: Vita Marissa and Lilyana Natsir will have to clear 2 rounds in WD and 1 round in XD respectively.

The European Championships has matches starting from R64 in all the 5 disciplines, with full participation in MS & WS. So, most of the disciplines will play 1 round today and 2 rounds tomorrow.

So much matches to watch together, none stop? I'll stay with ABC and read your points calculation for KJ, which seems to be on everyone's mind now :p

So much matches to watch together, none stop? I'll stay with ABC and read your points calculation for KJ, which seems to be on everyone's mind now :p

The situation is simple really...once Kenneth Jonassen failed to win the EC 2008, Chen Jin will qualify even if he lost tomorrow.

However, if Kenneth were to win the EC 2008, then, Chen Jin has to reach the Final.

As for Xie/Zhang, no ticket to Beijing if Flandy/Vita manage to reach the Final. If however, Flandy/Vita lost in the Semi-Final or earlier, Xie/Zhang have to win the title...nothing less will be enough.

The situation is simple really...once Kenneth Jonassen failed to win the EC 2008, Chen Jin will qualify even if he lost tomorrow.

However, if Kenneth were to win the EC 2008, then, Chen Jin has to reach the Final.

As for Xie/Zhang, no ticket to Beijing if Flandy/Vita manage to reach the Final. If however, Flandy/Vita lost in the Semi-Final or earlier, Xie/Zhang have to win the title...nothing less will be enough.

Thanks for the expert opinion, it's simple enough. Will KJ play first or CJ? Sounds like CJ needs to do based on what KJ does. Two Olympic dreams hang in the balance and up to be decided by others. Is anyone in the path of KJ to prevent him from winning EC 08? Haven't heard anything from PG lately.

USELESS is a more polite word, those who speak Cantonese should know what I mean?:rolleyes:

Btw, Hafiz won the AE in 2003 not 2001.:o

sorry...mistaken...ya...i know...i speak many loghat...

Pretty straight forward so far in the Men's Singles, with so many unknown players being pitted against the favorites.

MS R32 Matchups (Top-Half) later on:
Lin Dan [1] vs Nguyen Tien-Minh -- an interesting match as Tien-Minh can be a tough nut to crack
Ronald Susilo vs Liao Sheng-Shiun -- Ronald to progress
Lee Hyun Il [8] vs Dinuka Karunaratne -- a breeze for Lee
Ng Wei [16] vs Tommy Sugiarto -- one of the match of the round...I have a feeling Tommy might prevail later!
Chen Jin [4] vs Hiroyuki Endo -- Chen Jin to progress!
Simon Santoso [10] vs Alamsyah Yunus -- ditto for Simon!
Chen Yu [8] vs Shih Kuei-Chun -- ditto for Chen Yu!
Wong Choong Hann [11] vs Kenichi Tago -- another potential upset here.

Let's look at your predictions. Wrong one in red (1/8, 12.5%).

MS R32 Matchups (Bottom-Half):
Hsieh Yu-Hsin vs Shoji Sato [13] -- Sato to win!
Pakkawat Vilailak vs Sony Dwi Kuncoro [5] -- Sony to sail through!
Mohd Hafiz Hashim vs Mohd Arif Latif
P. Kashyap vs Bao Chunlai [3] -- a disaster if Bao were to lose!
Tan Chun Seang vs Kendrick Lee Yen Hui [16] -- an interesting derby match...between SIN and MAS players.
Wong Wai Hong vs Park Sung Hwan [7] -- no match...
Yeoh Kay Bin vs Boonsak Ponsana [9] -- should be quite a match...Boonsak has an edge though...
Zhu Weilun vs Lee Chong Wei [2] -- Lee to meet Boonsak yet again.

2/8 (25%). Not bad at all. All big names were predicted to be winners, and they were. Some middle ones gave the flip-side, especially Kendrick Lee. Next time I should follow your advice if I'd ever enter the PAW :p

Actually Rashid Sidek's prog is Project 2010-2012, for 2010 Asia Games & 2012 London OG. If I'm not mistaken, BAM wanted to put TCS in senior squad end of 2006, Rashid said no, TCS not ready, not up to standard yet. Some here said Rashid worried become like KBH case, lose 3rd singles in TC 2006, never recovered from the fear.

In 2007, Rashid is more open to it. Now, with more sparring sessions with LCW & Hafiz(till Hafiz moves to KLRC), Rashid hoped junior standard can improve.

XD is better prospect for junior, no full time XD. So, the World Junior & Asia Junior champs get to go straight to senior squad. Maybe Razif/Chong too, aft OG
I don't think TCS is under 2010-2012 project. Rashid? No comments.

I don't think TCS is under 2010-2012 project. Rashid? No comments.

TCS still is, look at press reports during SEA Games 2007. Jan 2008 Rashid SIdek arranged for back-up players to spar with LCW & Hafiz 3 to 4 times a week. Some of the back-up players Rashid asked Misbun to help coach. TCS was coached by Misbun for a while.
This mth,Chan Kwon Beng's name is still listed as juniors Misbun is coaching

I never watched results from matches in R64 before. The format in which players playing twice in a day was new to me. The explanations, of course, won't come from you. I'd like to hear if in newspaper or interviews what they say if any.

As per your request : :D

On LCW's close call with Zhu Wei Lun :

NST, 17 Apr
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/Sport/2215683/Article/pppull_index_html
Asian Badminton Championships: Close call for Chong Wei

By K.M.Boopathy, Photographs: Khalid Redza

2008/04/17

WORLD No 2 Lee Chong Wei was served a rude shock by China's Zhu Weilun before battling his way into the third round of the Asian Badminton Championships in Johor Baru last night. Chong Wei, the second seed, trailed 8-12 after losing the first game but regained his touch at the right time to earn a 17-21, 21-16, 21-6 win in 48 minutes.

Chong Wei said the 2000 Asian Junior Championships in Tokyo was the last time he played Weilun and found it hard to read his rhythm in the first game.

Chong Wei will now play India Open winner Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand, who beat Yeoh Kay Bin 21-10, 21-13, in the third round today.

"It has been eight years since I played him. I could only find my rhythm at the latter stages of the second game," said Chong Wei.

"However, I expected a tough match today (yesterday) and am glad that I managed to come back.

"I have not lost to Boonsak and hope to maintain that record."

World No 1 Lin Dan also struggled in his 19-21, 21-14, 21-16 win over Vietnam's Nguyen Tien Minh. He plays Ronald Susilo of Singapore in the third round.

Hafiz Hashim defeated compatriot Arif Latif 21-16, 21-17 in 29 minutes but faces an uphill task against China's third seed Bao Chunlai in the third round round today.

Wong Choong Hann, needing to strengthen his world ranking in order to confirm his Olympic berth, scored a comprehensive 21-17, 21-14 win over Kenichi Tago of Japan in 37 minutes.

Up next for Choong Hann is China's Chen Yu.

Project 2010-2012 player Tan Chun Seang also made a breakthrough by beating Singapore's Kendrick Lee 21-16, 21-16 in 38 minutes. Chun Seang will take on South Korea's Park Sung Hwan in the third round.

In the women's singles, second seed Wong Mew Choo, Julia Wong and Lydia Cheah secured impressive victories to advance to the second round.

Mew Choo was hardly troubled by Vietnam's Nguyen Le Ngoc and secured a 21-6, 21-10 in 32 minutes. She will play Porntip Buranaprasertsuk of Thailand today.

Julia ousted eighth seed Saina Nehwal of India 21-15, 16-21, 21-17 in 55 minutes to set up a second round clash against Ai Goto of Japan.

Lydia did well to beat Japan's Kaori Mori 21-14, 21-14 in 25 minutes and will meet another Japanese shuttler, Kaori Imabeppu next.

In the mixed doubles, Razif Latif-Chong Sook Chin and Tan Wee Kiong-Woon Khe Wei advanced to the second round.

Razif-Sook Chin toppled Japan's Keita Masuda-Miuki Maeda 21-18, 21-15 and will meet Taiwan's Fang Chieh Min-Cheng Wen Hsing in the second round.

Chieh Min-Wen Hsing upset second seeds Zheng Bo-Gao Ling of China 21-15, 21-10 in the first round.

Wee Kiong-Khe Wei defeated Leung Chun Yiu-Mong Kwan Yi 21-6, 21-12 and will take on third seeds He Hanbin-Yu Yang of China next.

NST
17 April

Asian Badminton Championships: Misbun: Chen Jin the danger man

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/Sport/2215655/Article/index_html

http://www.nst.com.my/Thursday/Sport/2215655/insidepix1
Chen Jin, the World No 4, needs to make it to the ABC final to qualify for the Olympics.

CHINA will be pushing hard in the Asian Badminton Championships to ensure three men's singles qualify for the Beijing Olympics to counter the threat posed by World No 2 Lee Chong Wei.
National singles coach Misbun Sidek believes the focus will be on Chen Jin, as the World No 4 must make it to the final here to secure his Olympics berth.

World No 1 Lin Dan and World No 3 Bao Chunlai are virtually assured of their Olympic berths but Chen Jin could miss out if Danish World No 5 Kenneth Jonassen overtakes him after the European Championships which end on Sunday.

Misbun said this scenario will force Chong Wei to work harder in Beijing as the Malaysian is the only shuttler capable of denying what is seen as an almost sure singles gold for China.

"China will be banking on having three singles in the Olympics. They need the extra man to make it difficult for Chong Wei," said Misbun at the Johor Baru City Stadium yesterday.

"Chong Wei has proven that he can beat their top three and has the strategy to tackle Lin Dan. So, it is important for them to have three players in the Olympics.

"They are also using the experienced Tang Hsienhu to help Lin Dan while former Olympic champion Ji Xinpeng is also with the senior team.

"All this means Chong Wei must work harder to counter the China threat, as well as the danger posed by Taufik Hidayat (of Indonesia) who could be dangerous in the early rounds."

If everything goes as planned for China in Johor Baru, the anticipated final between Lin Dan and Chong Wei may not materialise as the former could give way to Chen Jin.

It is vital that Chong Wei overcomes Chunlai in a possible semi-final here, while Chen Jin, if he clears the expected third round clash against Simon Santoso of Indonesia today, could get a favour from his potential semi-final opponent in Lin Dan.

But Misbun does not believe Lin Dan will surrender the match as his pride is at stake, but on the other hand, China will not want to risk losing Chen Jin for the Olympics as he will be a valuable asset and has the game to rattle Chong Wei.

Chong Wei, on his part, must have anticipated the three-prong attack and should be flattered he has caused worry in China's men's singles squad.

And Birdwood, the "new strategy' thingy was mentioned again by Misbun, hmmm :
Berita Harian, 17 April
(translation for relevant portions only)

http://www.bharian.com.my/Current_News/BH/Thursday/Sukan/20080417052226/Article/print_html

Misbun dapat 'hidu' misi khas kem China

Misbun smells China's special mission

BERCERITA dengan Misbun Sidek mengenai Lee Chong Wei di Stadium Bandaraya Johor Bahru, pagi semalam, bukan harapan untuk melihat sejauh mana anak buahnya mampu melangkah pada Kejohanan Badminton Asia (ABC) yang diluahkan.

Tetapi jurulatih itu lebih memperhalusi apa disifatkan selaku 'misi khas' kem China untuk mencuba pelbagai aturan taktikal yang mahu dijadikan resipi terbaik buat meruntuhkan tentangan Chong Wei pada temasya Sukan Olimpik di Beijing nanti.

But the coach detailed what is considered as China's 'special mission' to arrange various tactical plans to be used to run down LCW's challenge in OG.

"Semua orang tertumpu kepada kemungkinan saingan kemuncak di antara Chong Wei dan Lin Dan. Tetapi bagi saya, ada bahaya lain menanti Chong Wei kerana dia juga perlu terlebih dahulu melepasi halangan Bao Chunlai pada separuh akhir nanti.

"Daripada pemerhatian saya, ada usaha ketara mengubah corak permainan biasa pemain-pemain China apabila menentang Chong Wei. Saya lihat Chunlai sebentar tadi (semalam), lebih banyak bermain dengan menghantar bulu tangkis ke sudut belakang.

"Everyone is focused on the climax between LCW & LD. But for me, there are other dangers awaiting LCW cos he has to get pass BCL in Semis."
"From my observation, there is obvious efforts to change normal playing styles of China players when facing LCW. I saw BCL just now, he sent the shuttle more to the back of court."

"Ia adalah ruang di mana Chong Wei agak berhempas pulas. Strategi itu sebelumnya digunakan oleh Lin Dan ketika dia menewaskan Chong Wei pada final Terbuka Switzerland lalu. Cuma bezanya, pukulan smash susulan Chunlai tidak sederas Lin Dan.

"Jadi, apa yang lebih saya tumpukan ketika menilai persembahan awal Chong Wei bukan untuk melihatnya menang. Saya yakin dia menang pada pusingan awal, tetapi saya lebih tertumpu kepada pergerakan kakinya untuk melihat sama ada dia mampu bergerak pantas jika diasak sebegitu," kata Misbun.

"This is where LCW has to struggle/work harder. This strategy has been used by LD when he defeated LCW in Swiss Open. THe difference was, BCL's smashes are not as fast as LD"
"So, what I'm focused on when watching LCW's early rounds is not to watch him win. I'm confident of him winning early rounds but I'm more focused on his footwork to see if he is able to move fast when attacked as such."

Semua itu sebenarnya satu penghormatan buat Chong Wei kerana dia dilihat selaku, mungkin, dua pemain - selain Taufik Hidayat yang bagaimanapun kian dibelenggu kemerosotan - mampu menghalang impian China untuk mengungguli pingat emas acara perseorangan lelaki pada Sukan Olimpik nanti.

This is a compliment to LCW cos he is seen as one of two players (maybe), other than Taufik Hidayat who are able to stop China's dream of winning OG god for MS.

Malah Misbun sendiri tidak menafikan betapa dia awalnya rasa terkejut melihatkan China menghantar semua empat pemain utamanya - Lin Dan, Chunlai, Chen Jin dan Chen Yu - untuk saingan ABC yang sebelum ini kurang jadi keutamaan kem negara Tembok Besar itu.

"Mereka tentu ada strategi tersendiri untuk kejohanan kali ini kerana selama ini, tidak ramai pemain utama China akan menyertai kejohanan ini seperti sebelumnya," katanya. Lin Dan, Chunlai dan Chen Jin tidak hadir bersaing, tahun lalu.

Antara spekulasinya ialah usaha China memastikan kedudukan Chen Jin pada ranking keempat dunia ketika ini kian kukuh menerusi pungutan mata daripada ABC supaya China dapat memaksimumkan tiga wakil acara perseorangan lelaki pada Sukan Olimpik nanti.

Juga pastinya memastikan Chong Wei gelisah dalam usaha membenam satu persatu cabaran China sebelum mampu mengulangi pencapaian juara kejohanan yang diunggulinya, dua tahun lalu itu.

Remaining paragraphs on CHina sending all their top 4 MS, speculation that it's to ensure CJ gets the 3rd MS slot.

As per your request : :D

On LCW's close call with Zhu Wei Lun :
...


Thanks for the article. Didn't know it's a close call to LCW. I don't remember seeing Zhu Wei Lun's video before and know nothing about him. Did anyone report why ZB/GL lost?

Thanks for the article. Didn't know it's a close call to LCW. I don't remember seeing Zhu Wei Lun's video before and know nothing about him. Did anyone report why ZB/GL lost?

go to China Badminton website, since you can read Chinese, I think they cover it there. Msia press cover more on Msia players.

You can get the vid from yesterday's highlights, see if Aerotus or Takeshi has uploaded it. It has last few min of LCW vs Zhu.

go to China Badminton website, since you can read Chinese, I think they cover it there. Msia press cover more on Msia players.

You can get the vid from yesterday's highlights, see if Aerotus or Takeshi has uploaded it. It has last few min of LCW vs Zhu.

They did upload something, but I haven't got them all yet. In Chinese website http://www.chinabadminton.com/ it has not got any news, already checked.

And more for my birdy friend :

The Star Online (http://www.thestar.com.my/default.asp) > Sports
Thursday April 17, 2008


Badminton: Top seeds Lin Dan and Chong Wei struggle for wins
By RAJES PAUL

IT was the last but, definitely, the most anticipated match of the day and Lee Chong Wei almost broke the hearts of the local fans at the Bandaraya Stadium.

Yesterday, the country’s top men’s singles shuttler had to come back from the brink of defeat to tame China’s Zhu Weilun 17-21, 21-16, 21-6 in a 48-minute battle.
http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/4/17/sports/s_70lindan.jpg Close call: China’s Lin Dan makes a backhand return to Vietnam’s Nguyen Tien Minh in the second round yesterday. Lin Dan won 19-21, 21-14, 21-16.

There were anxious moments when he was trailing 1-5 and 8-11 in the second game but the second seed came up with the goods to claw his way up to level at 12-12 and 15-15.

Then, spurred on by the fans, Chong Wei stepped up a gear to force the rubber, winning it 21-6 to seal the match.

Today, he will take on Thailand’s Boonsak Ponsana in the third round.

Boonsak had earlier dashed Yeoh Kay Bin’s hopes of strengthening his claim for a place in the Thomas Cup Finals by beating the Malaysian 21-10, 21-13.
Chong Wei attributed his poor start to his inability to read Weilun’s game. The two last met during the Asian Junior Championships in Japan eight years ago.

“I was 18 years old when I last played against him. He is hardly sent out for international tournaments.

“Now, his game has changed a lot. I knew it would be tough but he certainly surprised me with his improved performance,” said the 26-year-old Chong Wei.

“I was not used to his style of play and took a while to get into rhythm. I knew that I needed to break his rhythm and, fortunately, I managed to do that when I was tied at 15-15.

“This is not the start that I had expected. But I promise I will bounce back with better performances. I want to keep my unbeaten record against Boonsak.

“Hopefully, I will be able to reach the semi-finals for a possible meeting with Bao (Chunlai of China),” added the 2006 Asian champion.

Besides Chong Wei, three other Malaysians – Wong Choong Hann, Mohd Hafiz Hashim and Tan Chun Seang – also made it to the third round.

Choong Hann, who hurt his finger during a hard-fought 21-17, 21-14 win over former Asian junior champion Kenichi Tago, said he expects a great fight against Chen Yu of China today.

“I have a good record against Chen Yu although it has been a while since we last met. It is going to be an interesting match and I expect it to go down to the wire.”

Hafiz, who snuffed out a fiery challenge from his younger compatriot Mohd Arif Abdul Latif with a 21-16, 21-17 win, will take on Chunlai today.

Chun Seang, the nation’s top back-up shuttler, also has a tough task today as he will take on South Korean Park Sung-hwan.

Said national singles coach Misbun Sidek: “The matches will only get tougher from now on. It will be tough for the players who are facing Chinese opponents but we hope for a good showing from the Malaysians.”

Meanwhile, top seed Lin Dan of China also got off to a jittery start. He came back from a game down to beat Vietnam’s Nguyen Tien Minh 19-21, 21-14, 21-16 to set up a meeting with Singapore’s Ronald Susilo.

On Msia's youngster WS Lydia Cheah :

The Star Online (http://www.thestar.com.my/default.asp) > Sports
Thursday April 17, 2008


Lydia knocks Japan’s Kaori out again in Johor Baru

IT was a case of deja vu for national women’s singles shuttler Lydia Cheah at the Asian Badminton Championships yesterday.

Lydia, the world No. 85, scored an upset win when she knocked out seventh seed Kaori Mori of Japan 21-14, 21-14 in 25 minutes in the second round.
The irony is that it was at this tournament last year, and on the same court, that she had beaten the world number 21-ranked Japanese.

Her breakthrough performance was indeed a timely boost to her confidence as she prepares for the Uber Cup Finals, which will be held in Jakarta from May 11-18.

“It is my first upset win in a year. In fact, I had beaten Kaori in this same tournament here at the same court last year,” said a jubilant Lydia.
“This win has certainly given me a little more confidence ahead of the Uber Cup Finals. There is a possibility that Malaysia may meet Japan.”

In the Uber Cup Finals, Malaysia must win against Denmark if they hope to emerge as group champions in order to take on Germany in the quarter-finals. If they beat Germany, they may face Japan in the semi-finals.

“But I do not want to underestimate my next opponent, Japan’s Kaori Imabeppu, although there is a chance for me to reach the quarter-finals. Last year, I made the mistake of raising my hopes too high and I crashed out in the second round,” said Lydia.

Besides Lydia, two other Malaysians – Julia Wong and Wong Mew Choo – also marched into the second round, albeit in contrasting fashions.

While Julia fought tooth-and-nail to beat eighth seed Saina Nehwal of India 21-15, 16-21, 21-17, Mew Choo blew away Vietnamese Le Ngoc Nguyen Nhung 21-10, 21-6.

Julia will face Japan’s Ai Goto while Mew Choo will take on Thailand’s Porntip Buranaprasertsuk for places in the quarter-finals.

Lee Chong Wei was served a rude shock by China's Zhu Weilun before battling his way into the third round of the Asian Badminton Championships in Johor Baru last night. Chong Wei, the second seed, trailed 8-12 after losing the first game but regained his touch at the right time to earn a 17-21, 21-16, 21-6 win in 48 minutes.

"It has been eight years since I played him. I could only find my rhythm at the latter stages of the second game," said Chong Wei.



.
eaglehelang... Thank you for that article. :)

It must to scary for LCW when he trailed 8-12 in the second game, after losing the first 17-21. We can say that LCW is mentally tougher/stronger now? :confused: Once he has won the second game, the third was a breeze. :):):)
.

but lee chong turn onn his turbo during the 2nd set at 15-15 to win that set:)

NST
17 April

Asian Badminton Championships: Misbun: Chen Jin the danger man
...


In this interview, Misbun talked mostly about CJ in ABC 08 and OG 08. Looked like he's laying the ground work in case LCW fails to get baddy gold medal: it's all because of the presence of 3 Chn players.

And Birdwood, the "new strategy' thingy was mentioned again by Misbun, hmmm :
Berita Harian, 17 April
(translation for relevant portions only)

http://www.bharian.com.my/Current_News/BH/Thursday/Sukan/20080417052226/Article/print_html

Misbun dapat 'hidu' misi khas kem China

Misbun smells China's special mission

...
But the coach detailed what is considered as China's 'special mission' to arrange various tactical plans to be used to run down LCW's challenge in OG.
...
"Everyone is focused on the climax between LCW & LD. But for me, there are other dangers awaiting LCW cos he has to get pass BCL in Semis."
"From my observation, there is obvious efforts to change normal playing styles of China players when facing LCW. I saw BCL just now, he sent the shuttle more to the back of court."
...
"This is where LCW has to struggle/work harder. This strategy has been used by LD when he defeated LCW in Swiss Open. THe difference was, BCL's smashes are not as fast as LD"
"So, what I'm focused on when watching LCW's early rounds is not to watch him win. I'm confident of him winning early rounds but I'm more focused on his footwork to see if he is able to move fast when attacked as such."
...
This is a compliment to LCW cos he is seen as one of two players (maybe), other than Taufik Hidayat who are able to stop China's dream of winning OG god for MS
...
Remaining paragraphs on CHina sending all their top 4 MS, speculation that it's to ensure CJ gets the 3rd MS slot.

Sorry troubling you for the translation. Thanks again.

The quotes in black were odd to me. The first one as BCL sending shots to the rear court did not seem to me anything new from BCL. Second one, focusing on LCW's footwork as the counter measure for Chn "new strategy" looks not to be a new strategy from LCW at all. I could hardly understand what Misbun was getting at :confused: Maybe he did not want to reveal what he's really thinking :rolleyes:

In this interview, Misbun talked mostly about CJ in ABC 08 and OG 08. Looked like he's laying the ground work in case LCW fails to get baddy gold medal: it's all because of the presence of 3 Chn players.

Sorry troubling you for the translation. Thanks again.

The quotes in black were odd to me. The first one as BCL sending shots to the rear court did not seem to me anything new from BCL. Second one, focusing on LCW's footwork as the counter measure for Chn "new strategy" looks not to be a new strategy from LCW at all. I could hardly understand what Misbun was getting at :confused: Maybe he did not want to reveal what he's really thinking :rolleyes:

In the 1st place, CJ must get to final 1st to get his ticket to OG, he he.

As for 'new strategy', maybe the other BCers who can read Malay could interpret Misbun's statement better.
And yes, in public, Misbun answers without really saying in detail, supposed to be secret mah. But since this is 2nd time he said it, though I think it was different Malay press....could be sthing or nothing.:confused:

I think it's over hyped for the ABC showdown between LD and LCW. First of all, I doubt they will meet in Final because LCW has BCL at the bottom half. And for LD, he has no track records playing in Msia, so I dont expect him to clinch the MS title. I think CJ or BCL will win... more likely CJ :eek:

I think it's over hyped for the ABC showdown between LD and LCW. First of all, I doubt they will meet in Final because LCW has BCL at the bottom half. And for LD, he has no track records playing in Msia, so I dont expect him to clinch the MS title. I think CJ or BCL will win... more likely CJ :eek:

That would play right into the hands of conspiracy theory ;)