NEWS : It’s all over for Malaysia

Discussion in 'Thomas/Uber Cups 2004' started by kwun, May 13, 2004.

  1. kwun

    kwun Administrator

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    New Straits Times » Sport

    It’s all over for Malaysia

    S. Selvam in Jakarta

    May 13:


    MALAYSIA failed to erase the bitter disappointment and memories of 1994, and end Indonesia's 10-year reign as Thomas Cup champions when they were defeated 3-1 by the hosts in the quarter-finals of the Thomas Cup at the cauldron of Istora Senayan Stadium in Jakarta last night.


    The night started on an ominous note as Malaysia conceded both the first two singles to force themselves into a corner, and needing a super-human effort to salvage the situation.

    Although the heroics of veteran pair Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah offered a glimmer of hope for the Malaysians, the defeat of Wong Choong Hann, Roslin Hashim and a yo-yo outing from the scratch combination of Chew Choon Eng-Koo Kien Keat proved to be Malaysia's downfall.

    With the defeat, Malaysia were left without any representation in the semi-finals after the Uber Cup team were also defeated 3-0 by China.

    Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah rose above the deafening roar of a partisan crowd to keep Malaysia in the hunt for a semi-final berth with a clinical display of attacking badminton and strong defence to beat Luluk Hadiyanto-Alven Yulianto 15-12, 15-6 to level the score.

    The pair played like men possessed and never lost the initiative against the Indonesians as they showed great tactical discipline to silence the 8,000 strong home fans.

    Choong Hann was unceremoniously dumped by Sony Dwi Kuncoro but Tan Fook-Wan Wah lifted the hearts and spirits, when it mattered most, of the small band of Malaysian supporters with a performance worthy of champions.

    But the burden of delivering the first point, however, was too much for Choong Hann to shoulder as he lost the plot midway through his match to concede defeat, losing 15-12, 2-15, 6-15 against Sony.

    While Sony, two-time Asian champion, played well, it was Choong Hann who threw the match away when he fell into the trap of lifting the shuttle and engaging the Indonesian in long rallies.

    Sony seized full advantage of the situation to use his cross court smashes to devastating effect as Choong Hann was left shaking his head in disbelief as Malaysia trailed 1-0.

    The loss only added the pressure on Tan Fook-Wan Wah but they never let the team and nation down.

    Up next was Roslin Hashim, but he too failed to put Malaysia in front after bowing out 15-10, 15-10 to reigning Asian champion Taufik Hidayat.

    Malaysia's campaign looked headed for an early exit and Choon Eng-Kien Keat, more so the former than the latter, hardly did themselves or the team any favours with a roller coaster display to succumb to a 9-15, 15-13, 12-15 defeat to Flandi Limpele-Eng Hian, leaving the match between Mohamed Hafiz Hashim and Simon Santoso meaningless.

    In other quarter-final ties, China, Korea and Denmark booked their places in the semi-finals with contrasting wins over their respective opponents.

    While China had it easy in their 3-0 win over Japan, Denmark and Korea had to overcome first game setbacks to register 3-1 wins over Germany and Thailand respectively.

    In the semi-finals, China will take on Korea while Indonesia will play Denmark tomorrow.
     
  2. Totoro

    Totoro Regular Member

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    Some how I felt that it is better that we came back earlier, looking at the way the players play especially player like Roslin, we have no hope against China. Our third single also no match for China third single. So, instead of wasting those hotel money, might as well, we save those money for more local badminton development. ;)
     

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