<b>Asia Cup Draw:</b> Group A Indonesia (holders) Singapore Korea Hong Kong Group B Malaysia India China Japan <b>Asia Cup Fixtures:</b> Wednesday, 2 May Ct. 1: Indonesia vs. Singapore Ct. 2: Korea vs. Hong Kong Ct. 3: Malaysia vs. Japan Ct. 4: China vs. India Thursday, 3 May Ct. 1: Indonesia vs. Hong Kong Ct. 2: Korea vs. Singapore Ct. 3: Malaysia vs. India Ct. 4: China vs. Japan Friday, 4 May Ct. 1: Indonesia vs. Korea Ct. 2: Hong Kong vs. Singapore Ct. 3: Japan vs. India Ct. 4: China vs. Malaysia
is it a foregone conclusion that Indonesia, Korea, China & Malaysia would be the semi-finalists? gopichand is a disappointment.initially he was reported as a participant. now reports in India say he intends to skip the event & concentrate on the WC instead. difficult to predict the victor....as Taufik & Hendrawan have not been heard for some time ........also are the Korean singles are really hovering at the top???????? ........Choon Hann & Ewe Hock have been known to be blowing hot & cold lately........Chen Hong & Xiao Hui have also not been consistent. so it's anyboby's guess who would walk away with the Cup & US$80 000.
Yeah, I think it's a foregone conclusion that these 4 teams are gonna make the semis... hey, they'd better okay!!! After I spent 16 bucks on the tickets... fine, it ain't that much really. But you're right, it's anybody's guess who will walk away with the title.
Here is my analysis on the top of table clash for each group: Group A: Indonesia vs Korea Ist Singles: Taufik vs Lee Hyun-Ill Taufik, being the more talented player has slight edge. However, the Korean is in good form judging from his performance in Tokyo. 55-45 match for Indonesia. Doubles: Chandra-Sigit vs Dong soo-Yong sung Chandra-Sigit shall win for Indonesia. The Koreans are quite erratic and not as consistent as the Indonesian. They are fast players but error-prone. Point for Indonesia. 2nd Singles: Hendrawan vs Shon Seung-moo Expect a close match. Hendrawan is getting old and may find the going tough against the energetic Korean. A match of brain vs brawn. 50-50 match. Overall, Indonesia has a slight edge. Group B: China vs Malaysia 1st Singles: Chen Hong vs Ong Ewe Hock Chen Hong is clearly the better player. Ewe Hock is no longer the force he used to be 2 years ago. Point for China. Doubles: Zhang Wei-Zhang Jun vs Chan Chong Ming-Chew Chun Eng The fast improving young Msian pair will be going all out to prove that their victory over the Chinese is no fluke. Being a fast and strong attacking pair, Chan-Chew shall bring a point for Msia. 60-40 in Malaysia's favour. 2nd Singles: Xiao Hui vs Wong Choon Hann Choon Hann shall bring a point for Msia, if he has regained his touch and fitness. The Chinese is still young and lack of experience. Point for Malaysia. Malaysia has slight edge if Wong Choon Hann managed to regain his fitness. Predicted semi-finals showdown: Indonesia vs China Malaysia vs Korea
Msia will have delayed telecast of semis on 5/5/01 at midnite local time and 3rd & 4th placings live at 10am local time on 6/5 and finals live at 1 pm local time on 6/5 on NTV7.Astro will have all the matches telecast delayed after 15/5 on Supersport, for those interested.
