12 June 2008 - Thursday Coming into the draw, India's Anup Sridhar and Czech Republic's Petr Koukal looked exceptional. Their flags flew high until they met the Malaysian variety of the game. Sridhar's flat drives and cross-court drives were killed off by Malaysian Sairul Amar Ayob's steady hands (17-21, 13-21)... and Koukal sank into a fatal panic when facing Englishman Andrew Smith's Malaysian game (13-21, 19-21). Reach and speed were no match for consistency and method.
Thanks, madbad. I'm trying to deliver a bit more than just what's in the picture... especially since it's all too obvious that my pictures aren't too good. In any case, neither the little camera I have nor the photographer in me is equipped to shoot action pictures. And, believe me, it's quite humbling to discover that I have a pretty good idea who that is Um, shouldn't you be sleeping?
12 June 2008 - Thursday After crushing Taipei's Chou Chia Chi & Lee Tai An, China's cheerful duo Du Jing & Yu Yang headed straight for the stringers' corner. That's nothing new - a fresh string-job for every match is a priority for most players. Carlton, Forza, Victor, Gosen, Yonex - these brands dominate the Singapore Open. While the most preferred strings remain Yonex's BG-66, BG-65Ti and BG-80, there were a few who opted for the Titan Ti-68X and Ashaway's MicroPower. String tensions ranged from a relatively mild 26 pounds to a whopping 36 pounds. Before his match against Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei, Japan's Sho Sasaki had a new ARC-10 and three new AT-700s strung at 33 pounds - well, he never needed any of them. Denmark's Thomas Laybourn asked for his NS-8000 to be armed with BG-80 strings at 36 pounds. And, yes, it was done. Unfortunately, his Mixed Doubles campaign ended in the first round.
Thanks for sharing the pics.. ..netasia, Oldhand, Loh & weijin!...And to Oldhand for sharing the side commentaries and quick reviews of the matches....Seems like you're enjoying your new digicam.. ..who's that??..is that our Sealman??..
Maybe that's why he doesnt change shirt in 3rd set like TBH. And also our Samuel? Thanks Weijin for the photos. Misbun also happy KBH finally winning over top 15 player. And I'm always happy to see our semi-uncles in action. No coach to guide them on court, still can beat seeded pair.
ayob was doing ok until he reaches 3rd set. 2nd set also puffing already. Got good height and skill, but cannot tahan. Same for the vietnamese; couragous fight against Gade. TBS and Khoo also cannot tahan against fuzzy. Zakry got good reflexes, but stamina may be an issue against top players. LCW is a class of his own. Toying JP around the court. Definitely a OG gold contender. Need to keep match fit and form on check. Well done!
