Get it right. I will pay but Loh has not claimed.
I think X Ball is much subdued now and this could be one good reason why LCW deserves to win this AE, barring unforeseen circumstances.
Having acquired the experience through so much international exposure and his recent QF 3-game encounter with Korea's new find, Shon Wan Ho, who also helped to knock out China's Chen Long, I hope LCW will not underestimate the young Kenichi Tago.
After many long lean years I believe, Japan can at last claim a place in the AE MS final in Tago, who has created shock waves in the badminton world with his daring performance. His elimination of China's top players, Chen Jin in the QF and Bao Chunlai yesterday, resulted in China not being able to provide a men's singles finalist, unlike in previous years. And this has paved the way for LCW to claim his first noteworthy title, where the world's best players are being paraded.
When BCL himself shocked Lin Dan in the QF, I think even Li Yongbo must be shocked that his favourite son was left out in the MS final line up by his own countryman. LD is supposed to create some sort of history in this centennial anniversary of the AE! Alas, it may never happen again. And LCW does not have to meet his nemesis in this auspicious year of the AE. He needs not worry about his mental capacity in dealing with LD anymore. But he must now refocus his energies on the unlikely finalist, Kenichi Tago, whose mother was an AE WS champion, I heard! I hope coach Misbun has done all the necessary homework to mount another victory, a final and most important one, though not necessarily as tough as the SF victory over Peter Gade.
But Denmark has already been assured of a MD crown and may spoil China's chance in the WS through Tine Rasmussen, who demonstrated her superiority over young and tenacious Saina Nehwal. On the other hand pre-tournament favourite China, has only secured the WD and has lost the MS and MD. Hopefully INA will triumph over China and return home with the XD title at least. So if Tine and Nova/Natsir win, China will have to be contended with only a single title. It must then be a disastrous AE outing for China and Li Yongbo's position may be at stake.
Just like last night, I shall stay glued to the TV to watch the proceedings. But unlike last night when I tested my endurance until the early hours of this morning, I'm sure I could retire to bed much earlier! But many thanks to RTM1 which provides the telecast. Singapore has to wait a long, long time before any of our players will appear on Badminton TV again.
I will celebrate with X Ball, maybe not in person but in spirit at least, when the datuk finally receives the AE trophy (and the cheque that goes with it), thus bringing back the prestigious silverware to Msia last won by sporadic Hafiz Hashim.
Before u go lash out on PAWers for not pawing Tago, i see you didn't PAW at all.
