XD, Zheng Siwei/Chen Qingchen (CHN) v Lu Kai/Huang Yaqiong (CHN)
H-2-H : 5-2 / WR : 1 v 4
China mixed doubles pairs rule Superseries top podium recently, a rematch of IND Superseries last week will pit Zheng SW/Chen QC against Lu K/Huang YQ, the latter knocked out the Olympic Champion Ahmad/Natsir yesterday. As predicted, the Indonesians couldn't do too much to face the on-fire recent All England champion, Liliyana Natsir is still hampered by knee injury, it's not a good sign for Indonesia campaign in Sudirman Cup next month. The young duo Zheng/Chen awed badminton fans since mid of last year to reach final in seven consecutive tournaments and rocketing their world ranking to number one and pocketing three Superseries crown including Dubai Finals while Lu/Huang look unstoppable after won All England last month.
WS, Tai Tzu Ying (TPE) v Carolina Marin (ESP)
H-2-H : 3-4 / WR : 1 v 3
The exciting clash between two players with different character and style of play. The world number one Tai scores impressive result since late last year to bag HKG Superseries top prize, Dubai Finals crown and followed by prestigious All England title. The cool and skillful Taiwanese young lady had hard times against reigning World Junior Champion Chen Yufei in last eight and dropped first game to Sung Ji Hyun despite she led 20-16, fortunately she kept focus to take next two games. As usual she exhibited creative shots several times that frustrated Sung at front area. Reigning World & Olympic Champion Carolina Marin with her screaming celebration trademark edged out Nozomi Okuhara, 23-21 / 21-19 and has big ambition to take her revenge in last two encounters over Tai TY at back to back CHN & HKG Open 2016. The Spanish sensation also through in India Open final last week but lost to home favourite P.V. Sindhu there.
MS, Lee Chong Wei (MAS) v Lin Dan (CHN)
H-2-H : 11-24 / WR : 1 v 6
Eleven years ago Lee-Lin final showdown happened in Kuching that coloured by dramatic turnaround at that time when Lin Dan just one point away from victory, 20-13 then Lee Chong Wei made magical comeback to seal the match 23-21. From 2006 to 2017, all badminton fans will look forward to the legendary battle and dream final between two badminton greats in contemporary era. Malaysian hero Lee has very easy path as none of seeded players en route to final, only had little trouble against Rajiv Ouseph at opening round then demolished Hu Yun, Jeon Hyeok Jin and Vincent Wong Wing Ki in three consecutive rounds. In contrary his nemesis, two-time Olympic Champion Lin has tougher road to last round as he stretched into three games by Praneeth, Jonatan Christie and the hardest one 5th seed Son Wan Ho in semifinal that spent 84 minutes of play. Just wondering whether Lin has full energy to face fresher Lee who eyes 12th title at homeground event. Lee won last three meetings including the most memorable and emotional moment, Rio Olympic Games semifinal when Lee hold his nerves and finally beat Lin in major event despite once again he failed to capture gold medal in final.
WD, Yuki Fukushima/Sayaka Hirota (JPN) v Huang Yaqiong/Tang Jinhua (CHN)
H-2-H : 1-1 / WR : 18 v 26
A maiden Superseries final for Fukushima/Hirota who defeated more favoured opponents Matsutomo/Takahashi yesterday and Chen QC/Jia YF at quarterfinal. The well-improved Japanese pair had collected two GP Gold titles so far, NZL Open 2016 and recent GER Open and no impossible to clinch title here. Huang/Tang partnerships showed impressive performance in their early career to bag French Superseries 2015 and look slowly back to their top form after skipped tounaments since mid of last year due to Tang Jinhua injury.The Chinese WD battled hard to eliminate All England winner Chang YN/Lee SH last night. Both pairs faced each other last week in New Delhi with Japanese combination prevailed in three games.
MD, Fu Haifeng/Zheng Siwei (CHN) v Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo (INA)
H-2-H : 0-0 / WR : - v 2
A surprising run by Olympic Champion Fu Haifeng who paired up with junior partner Zheng Siwei who through to finale and they have uphill task to meet the hot favourite Gideon/Sukamuljo. Third Chinese hurdle for the Indonesians after passed Liu C/Zhang N in last sixteen and Li JH/Liu YC at quarterfinal who delivered stiff resistance for current world number two. They outmaneuvered Kamura/Sonoda in two straight-games with fast furious attacking style and acrobatic display by talented Sukamuljo. It's a sigh of relief for Indonesia as Gideon/Sukamuljo started to show consistency and become reliable pair to contribute glory lately. On paper scenario, current All England winner is favoured to add their title collection but it's still tricky test to face unfamiliar rival, a warming up preparation for the vast experienced Fu Haifeng as China will bring him in Sudirman Cup squad.
