Coach expects Daren to train harder and prove he is no flash in the pan

KUALA LUMPUR: Shuttler Liew Daren’s breakthrough win in the French Open has been like a breath of fresh air for a nation so heavily dependant on world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei for so long.
It’s good to have someone other than Chong Wei winning international titles but national coach Tey Seu Bock prefers to temper his enthusiasm and excitement until Daren can prove that his win is not a flash in the pan.
Seu Bock hopes that the 25-year-old late bloomer will ride on his success and continue with his exploits at the last two Super Series events – in China (Nov 13-18) and Hong Kong Open (Nov 20-25).
On Sunday, Daren completed a good week in Paris with a strong finish – beating Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen for the title.
It was his first international title since joining the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) set-up nine years ago. Seu Bock is happy with Daren’s breakthrough but doesn’t want to make the mistake of going overboard in celebrating his victory – not yet, at least.
“Daren has finally won ... and he deserves the plaudits. He must now work even harder and show that he is not a one-time wonder,” Seu Bock said before leaving home with the team yesterday.
“His next mission will be to continue with his positive attitude and winning ways at the China Open and Hong Kong Open.”
The win in Paris is expected to catapult Daren, currently ranked 24th in the world, into the top 20 for the first time. Seu Bock is glad that the regular sparring with Chong Wei over the last two years has sparked off a revival of sorts for Daren.
“He has learnt to be more focused, like Chong Wei, in tournaments. I believe he has also learnt how to stay on top of his game during crucial stages – just like Chong Wei – and win points despite coming under tremendous pressure,” said Seu Bock. “Daren still has a lot to learn before he can be considered an established player.
“This is a small step and he must now learrn to maintain this level of play – and emulate the top players’ ability in maintaining consistency at the highest level.”
Chong Wei Feng too has shown a positive attitude in his game and, hopefully, will be able to overcome his lack of consistency so that Malaysia can count on its second echelon of players for honours.
The attention will now shift to the men’s singles back-up players at the Bitburger Open Grand Prix Gold in Germany beginning tomorrow.
Malaysia will be hoping that more young stars will step up. All eyes will be on reigning Pahang Open champion Misbun Ramdan Misbun, Mohd Arif Abdul Latif, Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, Goh Soon Huat and last year’s world junior champion Zulfadli Zulkifli.

The Star

Axelsen may face yet another Malaysian jinx in Japan

KUALA LUMPUR: Can another Malaysian spoil the party for Denmark’s rising star Viktor Axelsen for the third consecutive week?
If everything goes according to the formbook, top national junior Soong Joo Ven could very well be the guy to do it – he’s drawn to take on Axelsen in the semi-finals of the boys’ singles individual event in the World Junior Championships in Chiba, Japan.
The individual events begin today.
In the draw released by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) yesterday, joint third-fourth seed Joo Ven is in the same half as top seed Axelsen.
In the last two weeks, the 19-year-old Axelsen has lost to two Malaysian shuttlers. He lost 8-21, 18-21 in the opening round of the Denmark Open at his birth place – Odense – to world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei two weeks ago.
On Sunday, the lanky Danish shuttler was made to eat humble pie by Liew Daren in the French Open final in Paris.
Malaysia’s national junior programme manager Hau Kim Tho said that fatigue could derail Axelsen’s bid for his second world junior title.
“Viktor has raised his game since winning the 2010 world junior title and will be the favourite. However, there could be added pressure on him as he has already made his mark at the senior level,” said Kim Tho.
Axelsen showed that he is the future for Denmark and an able replacement for Peter-Gade Christensen when he became his country’s first world junior champion in 2010. Last year, however, he lost to Zulfadli Zulkifli in the final.
“He has also been playing in back-to-back European tournaments, so I’m not sure if he is physically ready for his third consecutive tournament,” said Kim Tho.
“Besides Viktor, Japan’s Kento Momota is another player capable of winning the world junior title. The shuttlers from China, South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand may not be highly ranked but they cannot be underestimated either.
“They do not compete in many international tournaments, so we do not know their strength.”
Axelsen will have to be in a tip-top shape as he has to play four rounds before he can reach the last eight of the 128-player boys’ singles event.
He faces tricky ties against China’s Xue Song, Malaysia’s Tan Kian Meng and India’s Rohit Yadav in his quarter.
In Asian junior runner-up Joo Ven’s quarter are Thailand’s Thammasin Sittikom and Indonesia’s Akbar Panji – both tough customers.
Second seed and reigning Asian junior champion Kento Momota of Japan is in the lower half with Hong Kong’s Ng Ka Long, Thailand’s Khosit Phetpradab and Malaysia’s Soo Teck Zhi.
Malaysia will be hard-pressed for podium finishes in the other events, although the likes of Tan Wee Gieen-Tai An Khang, Darren Isac Devadass-Ong Yew Sin (boys’ doubles); Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yeah (girls’ doubles); and Wee Gieen-Mei Kuan (mixed doubles) could defy the odds in the prestigious event.

Daren belum layak ganti Chong Wei - Rashid

DAREN meraih kejayaan pertamanya dalam Kejohanan Siri Super selepas muncul juara pada Terbuka Perancis kelmarin.

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MASIH terlalu awal untuk melabel Liew Daren sebagai pengganti jaguh No. 1 negara, Datuk Lee Chong Wei.
Demikian tegas ketua jurulatih badminton perseorangan negara, Ra- shid Sidek (gambar kecil) semalam.
Kelmarin, Daren merekodkan kejuaraan pertama dalam kariernya apabila melakar kejutan menjuarai Kejohanan Badminton Siri Super Terbuka Perancis 2012.
Kejayaan itu hadir selepas dia menumbangkan bekas juara remaja dunia, Viktor Axelsen dari Denmark 21-18, 21-17 pada final yang berlangsung di Paris.
Ekoran kejayaan itu, peminat-peminat sukan badminton tanah air sudah pastinya boleh menarik nafas lega kerana selama ini mereka bimbang mengenai ketiadaan pemain berkualti bagi menggantikan Chong Wei yang juga merupakan pemain No. 1 dunia.
Bagaimanapun Rashid berkata, masih banyak yang perlu diperbaiki oleh Daren yang kini merupakan pemain perseorangan kedua terbaik negara di belakang Chong Wei bagi mengekalkan konsistensi dalam setiap kejohanan yang disertainya selepas ini.
"Daren perlu lebih fokus dan komited lagi semasa sesi latihan bagi meningkatkan prestasi permainannya. Jadi, masih terlalu awal untuk kita menilai dia sebagai pengganti Chong Wei.
"Sukar untuk saya jelaskan apa kelemahan yang perlu diperbaiki Daren tetapi yang pasti masih banyak yang perlu dilakukannya untuk berada dalam kelompok elit dunia.
"Namun secara keseluruhan, prestasinya pada Terbuka Perancis kali ini sangat membanggakan. Tiada siapa pun jangka yang dia boleh menjadi juara," kata Rashid ketika dihubungi Kosmo! di Paris kelmarin.
Menurut Rashid, kejuaraan yang dilakar Daren pada Terbuka Perancis kali ini bakal menjadi tonik terbaik untuk dia melakarkan lebih banyak kejayaan pada masa akan datang, sekali gus berada dalam kelompok pemain terbaik dunia.
"Ini (kejayaan bergelar juara Terbuka Perancis) adalah permulaan untuk Daren menjadi pemain yang lebih disegani pada masa akan datang.
"Saya harap kejayaan kali ini akan menjadi suntikan semangat buat Daren melakukan yang lebih baik dalam kejohanan seterusnya. Dia perlu bekerja keras bagi meningkatkan prestasinya.
"Jika dia mampu melakukannya, saya percaya dia boleh menjadi salah seorang pemain terbaik dunia," jelas Rashid.
Sebelum ini, Rashid mendedahkan bahawa Daren mempunyai kelemahan dari aspek mental kerana masih belum mampu mengatasi tekanan yang dihadapinya apabila berdepan situasi kritikal dalam perlawanan.
Namun, berdasarkan corak permainannya kelmarin, Daren membuktikan bahawa dia kini sudah lebih matang dan secara berperingkat-peringkat telah memperbaiki kelemahannya itu.
Lebih menarik, sepanjang laluannya ke pentas final, Daren berjaya menewaskan tiga pemain pilihan iaitu, Hu Yun (Hong Kong) pada pusingan kedua, pemain Jepun, Sho Sasaki (suku akhir) dan Jan O Jorgensen dari Denmark (separuh akhir).
Kejohanan Terbuka Perancis kali ini merupakan kemuncak terhadap peningkatan prestasi yang dipamerkan Daren dalam saingan tahun ini bermula dengan kejayaan mara ke peringkat suku akhir Seluruh England, diikuti suku akhir Terbuka Switzerland, suku akhir Terbuka Singapura dan suku akhir Terbuka Denmark minggu lalu.

French Open: Daren makes breakthrough with Super Series title triumph

Flying high: Liew Daren beat Dane Viktor Axelsen 21-18, 21-17 in the French open final in Paris to seal his first major title yesterday.

National elite shuttler Liew Daren finally achieved the breakthrough he badly desired by stunning Viktor Axelsen of Denmark 21-18, 21-17 in just 42 minutes to win the French Open Super Series yesterday.
That victory ensured the 25-year-old Daren’s first major title in the international senior scene.
It was a sterling performance from Daren considering the fact that in the past he always choked when it mattered most.
But the KL-born shuttler has been in tremendous form in Paris. He found his mojo in the famous city and defeated higher ranked opponents such as Sho Sasaki of Japan, Hu Yun (Hong Kong) and Jan O Jorgensen (Denmark) en route to the final.
And the lanky Daren, with his confidence soaring high, got off to a best possible start against the former world junior champion by winning the first game 21-18.
Although Axelsen showed some initiative to force a comeback in the second set, Daren was not to be denied as he sealed his first major victory crown winning 21-17.
This win could also mean a new beginning for the shuttler as it is a good sign that he is stepping out of Lee Chong Wei’s shadow, Malaysia’s and the world No. 1 ranked player.
Daren, however, was speechless over his win.
“I’m really happy right now because I can’t believe that I actually won. I’m quite speechless at the moment,” said Daren when contacted in Paris.
“I want to thank all those who had been supportive of me throughout these years … especially my coaches.
“Most important, I also want to thank my parents. They were not here to witness my first win so this is for them.”
National singles coach Rashid Sidek praised Daren’s performance and believed that it is the kick start he needs in his career.
“He really played well and his performance was something to be proud off,” said Rashid.
“No one expected him to win but he did just that. This is the start he needs to go on and become even better."
“For all the years that I’ve trained him, this was definitely one of Daren’s best ever performance,” added Rashid.
Meanwhile, in women’s doubles, Ma Jin-Tang Jinhua delivered a double Danish misery by beating top seeds Christinna Pedersen-Kamilla Rytter Juhl 21-12, 23-21.
Courtesy of The Star

World Junior: Malaysia no match for Taiwan

MALAYSIA had their worst ever finish in the World Junior Championships after losing 3-0 to Taiwan in the fifth-placing play-off in Chiba, Japan yesterday.
Malaysia made a tactical move by fielding their fringe players comprising mostly 16-year-olds for the mixed team event, but failed to pose a threat.
Wu Hsiao Lin-Wang Chi Lin got the ball rolling for Taiwan by notching a 21-14, 21-18 win over Simon Marcel-Ryan Philip Dede in the boys' doubles before Lee Hsin Chia overcame Yap Rui Chen 21-11, 24-22 in the girls' singles.
Wang Tzu Wei earned Taiwan's winning point when edged Chong Yee Han 21-11, 16-21, 21-12 in the boys' singles.
"We tested new players today (yesterday) and although they lost, we are happy with their performance. We hope the exposure will help them become better players," said BA of Malaysia (BAM) junior development coordinator Haw Kim Tho.
"Our top shuttlers were rested as we want them to be fresh for the individual competition which starts on Tuesday (tomorrow)."
On Malaysia's medal hopes in the individual competition, he said it will depend on the draw.
"It is unpredictable in junior events as some nations do not expose their players regularly. China and Japan are among the contenders," Kim Tho added.
China, led by boys' singles shuttler Song Xue, regained their mixed team title by edging Japan 3-2. South Korea thrashed Indonesia 3-0 for the bronze.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Daren Gah Lakar Sejarah

Paris: Liew Daren melakar sejarah apabila julung kalinya memenangi badminton Terbuka Perancis menewaskan pemain muda Denmark, Viktor Axelsen 21-18, 21-17 dalam aksi final, malam tadi.

Dengan kemenangan itu, pemain berusia 24 tahun kini melakar nama sebagai pemain perseorangan lelaki Malaysia yang pernah menjuarai Terbuka Perancis sebaris dengan Chong Wei (2011, 2007), Foo Kok Keong (1990) dan Oon Chong Jin pada 1964.

Secara keseluruhan ia juga menambah rekod kemenangan pemain itu kepada 22 kemenangan daripada 38 perlawanan yang disertainya tahun ini seterusnya memadam rekod suram dalam tiga kejohanan disertai sebelum ini iaitu Terbuka Denmark, Terbuka Taiwan dan Terbuka Jepun.

Pada set pertama, Daren hanya perlu mengambil masa 20 minit untuk menjinakkan pemain berusia 18 tahun itu dan terus melebarkan sayap kejayaan di set kedua untuk menamatkan saingan dalam tempoh singkat 41 minit.

Daren melangkah ke final selepas menewaskan rakan senegara Axelsen yang juga pilihan keenam kejohanan, Jan O Jorgensen 18-21, 21-17, 21-10 kelmarin tatkala lawannya di final itu menumpaskan bintang Jepun, Kenichi Tago 21-8, 21-17.

Terdahulu, beregu China Jin Ma-Jinhua Tang menjuarai kategori beregu wanita menumpaskan Christinna Pedersen-Kamilla Rytter Juhl dari Denmark, mengharungi dua set mudah 21-12, 23-21.

Sumber: Berita Harian

Daren Liew Slam Axelsen For French Victory

Latest From Paris; Daren Liew beat Viktor Axelsen (Denmark) in straight set 21-18, 21-17 in 42 minutes just now. It was after games between Chinese Women Double Ma Jin-Tang Jinhua beat another Danish Double Christina Pedersen-Kamilla in also straight set 21-12, 23-21 in 44 minutes.

Congratulation to Daren Liew!!! Below is overall performances by him at French Open 2012

Salam Aidiladha 1433H

National elite shuttler Daren edges Jorgensen to move into the final

National elite shuttler Liew Daren (pic) is now just one step away from achieving the breakthrough he has been craving for all these years after marching into the final of the French Open in Paris.
Daren, who qualified for his first-ever semi-final of a Super Series event by beating Japan’s Sho Sasaki 21-17, 21-18 on Friday, gave another smashing show yesterday to oust sixth seed Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark 18-21, 21-17, 21-10.

This will be Daren’s first-ever final appearance and it is evident that he is slowly coming out of world No.1 Lee Chong Wei’s shadow.

And Daren could well go on and win his first title when he faces former world junior champion Viktor Axelsen in today’s final.

The 18-year-old Dane had earlier outclassed fifth seed Kenichi Tago of Japan 21-8, 21-17 in the other semi-final.

But the day definitely belonged to Daren, who continued to show great hunger and determination en route to ousting Jorgensen.

Daren did not get the start he must have wished for as the steady Jorgensen dictated the early pace to take game 21-18.

But Daren, who recently reached a career-high world No. 24 in the ranking, stepped up a gear to win the second game before taking full control of the decider – leading 11-4 and 13-9 at one point.

He only allowed Jorgensen another point before wrapping up the match.

In yesterday’s other semi-final matches, rising Japanese youngster Mitani Minatsu stunned her older compatriot Eriko Hirose 21-19, 21-10 to make the final of the women’s singles event.

The top seeded women’s pair of Christinna Pedersen-Kamilla Rytter Juhl also made the final by beating third seeds Shizuka Matsuo-Mami Naito of Japan 24-22, 21-18.

French Open: Day 5 - Nehwal Eyes Fifth Title of 2012

Saina Nehwal’s dream run showed no sign of abating as the world No. 3 entered her third straight Superseries final at the Yonex French Open today.

The Indian beat Germany’s Juliane Schenk 21-19 21-8 in the Women’s Singles semi-finals. Having won the Swiss, Thailand, Indonesia and Denmark Opens this year, Nehwal is now in line for her fifth title of 2012. She will go into tomorrow’s final as favourite over Japan’s Minatsu Mitani, against whom she has a 3-0 record. Mitani overcame her senior compatriot Eriko Hirose 21-19 21-10.

Through the early part of the semi-final, Schenk battled hard against Nehwal in her typical bustling style. Nehwal’s accuracy seemed to be off as she found herself down 9-13. She fought back to level at 16-all, whereupon Schenk, having won a demand for a slower shuttle from tournament referee Torsten Berg, immediately went ahead 19-16 and seemed to have sealed the first game.

It was at this point that Nehwal shifted gears. The Indian seemed to go into a ‘zone’; playing flawlessly, getting the shuttle to die off the net cord a couple of times and winning five straight points to take the first game.

Schenk appeared deflated as her best efforts had failed to prevent Nehwal from going ahead, and the Indian reeled off point after point to make it 8-0 – she had won 14 points in a row. Nehwal was able to find the winning shot no matter how long or hard Schenk rallied, and eventually the German’s shoulders began to sink.

Meanwhile, in Men’s Singles, Malaysia might be tempted to celebrate the arrival of a new talent. Daren Liew (left), who has had only moderate international success in his young career so far, entered his first international final when he beat sixth seed Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark 18-21 21-17 21-10. After surrendering the first game, Liew staged an impressive recovery in the second and third. The Malaysian smashed everything that was marginally short and Jorgensen found it hard to return the barrage. The third game was Liew’s all the way -- Jorgensen’s clears were just not deep enough to prevent Liew from getting under the shuttle, and his smashes found no answer from the Dane.

Liew’s opponent in the final, Viktor Axelsen of Denmark, was a comfortable winner over Kenichi Tago (Japan, 5) 21-8 21-17.

In the first final of the day, the Women’s Doubles top seeds Christinna Pedersen/Kamilla Rytter Juhl of Denmark (right) take on Chinese pair Ma Jin/Tang Jinhua. That will be followed by the Men’s Singles, the Women’s Singles, and then the Mixed Doubles final, which will be an all-China affair, with Qiu Zihan/Bao Yixin facing top seeds Xu Chen/Ma Jin. The last match will be the Men’s Doubles, featuring Lee Yong Dae/Ko Sung Hyun of South Korea against Thailand’s Bodin Issara/Maneepong Jongjit.

French Open: Daren stuns Hu Yun to make quarter-finals

The breakthroughs keep coming for Malaysian singles shuttler Liew Daren.
Yesterday, the 25-year-old stunned crafty world No. 15 Hu Yun of Hong Kong 21-18, 21-19 in the second round to march into the quarter-finals of the French Open in Paris.
It was his first win in four meetings against Hu Yun. The Malaysian had bowed out tamely when their met at last year’s Denmark Open.
Daren will take on the Japan’s hard-working Sho Sasaki, a player he had just defeated for the first time in the second round of the Denmark Open in Odense last week.
His stunning win in Denmark saw him move five rungs up to 24th in the world – a career high.
Daren is the sole Malaysian men’s singles survivor after the exits of Chong Wei Feng and Tan Chun Seang. It shows that he can be counted on in the absence of world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei.
Daren was elated with his latest win.
“I am thrilled with my first win over Hu Yun. I got the better of him because of my correct tactical move,” said Daren.
“I attribute my better overall performances in these two Europe tournaments to my improved speed.
“I have an even chance against Sasaki, having beaten him last week. Still, I’ll be wary as he will surely want to bounce back.”
Malaysia enjoyed a good day in the men’s doubles when Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boong Heong and Tan Wee Kiong-Hoon Thien How made it to the quarter-finals in convincing styles.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong downed England’s Chris Adcock-Andrew Ellis 21-16, 21-17 to set up a re-match against South Koreans Lee Yong-dae-Ko Sung-hyun.
The Malaysians defeated the Koreans in the opening round en route to their runner-up finish in Denmark.
Wee Kiong-Thien How justified their status as the country most improved pair when they ended the hot run of Indonesia’s old and young partnership of Hendra Gunawan-Mohd Ahsan with a 21-16, 21-17 win in 33 minutes.
Just a day earlier, Hendra-Ahsan stunned top seeds Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen of Denmark 21-16, 21-17.
Today, world No. 20 Wee Kiong-Thien How will seek to maintain their consistent run with a win over China’s Hong Wei-Shen Ye.
Courtesy of The Star

French Open: Koo-Tan get chance to end two-year drought

It was an all too familiar story at the Denmark Open last week, with Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong again letting victory slip from their grasp against newly-formed South Ko­­rean pair Shin Baek-cheol-Yoo Yeon-seong in the final.
But Kien Keat-Boon Heong did put up a creditable performance, although they failed to end their two-year Super Series title drought.
The pair did well to beat the more fancied Ko Sung-hyun-Lee Yong-dae and home favourites Mathias Boe-Carsten Morgensen.
So, the world No. 6 do stand a chance of winning the French Open, which begins today.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong are seed­ed second – due to the absence of several top pairs – and drawn to meet a qualifier in the first round.
They should advance to face compatriots Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari in the second round.
The real test should come in the quarter-finals, where they are expected to again face Sung-hyun-Yong-dae while a potential semi-final against another Korean pair – fourth seeds Kim Ki-jung-Kim Sa-rang – looms large as well.
Besides Kien Keat-Boon Heong, the other pairs in the fray are national No. 2 Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong and the professional duo Gan Teik Chai-Ong Soon Hock.
Both these pairs, however, face a tough challenge. Thien How-Wee Kiong are set to face top seeds Boe-Morgensen in the second round while Teik Chai-Soon Hock will be up against seventh seeds Bodin Isaara-Maneepong Jongjit of Thailand in the first round.
In the men’s singles, the absence of top players like world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei and China’s Lin Dan and Chen Long should provide the second stringers – Chong Wei Feng and Liew Daren – a chance to come good.
Wei Feng faces a qualifier in the first round and should be up against Japan’s Kenichi Tago next in a rematch of their Japan Open encounter which Wei Feng won.
Daren, on the other hand, takes on Taiwan’s Chou Tien Chen first and a win should see him go up against in-form Hu Yun of Hong Kong.
The other singles shuttler in the fray is the Apacs-sponsored Tan Chun Seang, who will meet top seed Simon Santoso of Indonesia in the first round.
Meanwhile, reigning world junior champion Zulfadli Zulkifli qualified for the main draw of a Super Series event for the first time.
The lanky 19-year-old first defeated Austrian Michael Lahnsteiner 21-13, 21-12 before easing past homester Matthieu Lo Ying Ping 21-11, 21-13.
Courtesy of The Star

Denmark Open: World No 1 overcomes Pengyu for title as top pair falter

Lee Chong Wei beat China’s Du Pengyu 15-21, 21-12, 21-19 at the Denmark Open in Odense yesterday.

LEE Chong Wei proved he is a player for all seasons as he came out tops in the Denmark Open but a tired looking men's pair Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong had nothing to celebrate as another golden opportunity slipped by in Odense last night.
Chong Wei wasn't at his best physically but his quality and confidence helped him to secure a 15-21, 21-12, 21-19 win over Du Pengyu of China for his second premier super series title of the year in 71 minutes.
Pengyu fought valiantly and threatened to inflict on Chong Wei a rare defeat but the Malaysian remained calm and won the close battle to make up for Kien Keat-Boon Heong's fumble in the men's doubles.
Chong Wei was delighted to be able to celebrate his 30th birthday with the Denmark Open title yesterday.
"It was a tough match, but I won and it's on my birthday and I am very happy," said Chong Wei.

"I made it tough for myself, my movement was slow and my smashes did not have power. But after this, I will take a break, won't play in France and China and hope to come back stronger."
Meanwhile, Kien Keat-Boon Heong's exhausted faces said it all as they lacked the physical strength to complete the final lap, allowing South Korea's new combination Shin Baek Cheol-Yoo Yeon Seong to snatch a 19-21, 21-11, 21-19 win in 66 minutes.
The defeat left the Malaysian No 1 pair still searching for their first super series title in 33 months. The Malaysia Open crown in January 2010 was Kien Keat-Boon Heong's last notable success, and they have only managed to seal victories in lesser known grand prix gold events since then.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong gave a creditable show in the Denmark Open, including victories over top Korean combination Ko Sung Hyun-Lee Yong Dae in the first round and World No 2 Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen of Denmark in the last four.
However, Kien Keat-Boon Heong's lack of fitness was exploited by Baek Cheol-Yeon Seong who sealed victory in their first tournament together, leaving the Malaysians licking their wounds.
Boon Heong was so frustrated when he sent a drop into the net when the score was 19-19 in the deciding game that he hurled his racquet to the ground, and was shown a yellow card by the umpire.
"I made a mistake at 19-19 and that cost us dearly. I was trying to play it safe instead of going for a full smash. But we will try harder in the French Open," said Boon Heong.
Kien Keat remained positive despite the defeat and wants to maintain their momentum in the French Open which begins in Paris tomorrow.
"We are very tired but overall, I believe we played well in this tournament and we want to carry on the momentum to France. The performance here will only serve to inspire us. It has been a hard week as we had doubled our efforts to stay focused in the tournament as we were not fully prepared," said Kien Keat.
RESULTS -- (All Finals) Men's Singles: Lee Chong Wei bt Du Pengyu (Chn) 15-21, 21-12, 21-19; Doubles: Shin Baek Cheol-Yoo Yeon Seong (Kor) bt Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong 19-21, 21-11, 21-19.
Women's Singles: Saina Nehwal (Ind) bt Juliane Schenk (Ger) 21-17, 21-8; Doubles: Ma Jin-Tang Jinhua (Chn) bt Misaki Matsutomo-Ayaka Takahashi (Jpn) 21-8, 21-12.
Mixed Doubles: Xu Chen-Ma Jin (Chn) bt Ahmad Tantowi-Liliyana Natsir (Ina) 23-21 24-26 21-11.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Lates Fron Denmark Open

Men Double
Koo Kien Kiat-Tan Boon Heong  (MAS)[3]  v Shin Baek Choel- Yoo Yeon Seong (KOR)
                                                       21-19, 11-21, 19-21

Mix Double
Chen Xu-Jin Ma (CHN) [1] v Tontowi Ahmad-Liliyana Natsir (INA) [4]
                            23-21, 24-26, 21-11
                           

Denmark Open: Chong Wei aims to win Denmark Open title on his 30th birthday

Uninspiring match: Lee Chong Wei took 31 minutes to take down Liew Daren to win in the quarter-finals. — AFP

World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei will celebrate his 30th birthday tomorrow and he’s got his eyes set on a perfect gift – the Denmark Open title.
Yesterday, he held back his punches but was still good enough to beat compatriot Liew Daren 21-16, 21-16 in an uninspiring 31-minute match.
The top seeded Chong Wei will take on the winner of the match between Wong Wing Ki of Hong Kong and Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark in today’s semi-finals.
Chong Wei admitted that he was hardly challenged throughout the match, saying he was just having fun against Daren.
“I enjoyed myself. I know Daren’s game too well and it was not too difficult to beat him. It is, however, good to note that Daren’s game has evolved. He plays with better strategy now,” said Chong Wei, who won the Denmark Open title in 2005.
But the two-time Olympic Games silver medallist is still hungry to add one more title to his collection.
“Usually, my birthday falls during the Denmark Open but, for the first time, it will be on the same day as the final. I hope to go all the way to the title – that will indeed be a special present for me,” he said.
Daren was clearly disappointed with his defeat.
“I just couldn’t get past his solid defence and my attack was toothless against him. After a while, I was frustrated and worn out and could not push myself,” said Daren.
“I still have some catching up to do. I’ll be heading for the French Open next and may meet Chou Tien Chen of Taiwan. I lost to him before and my goal is to beat him.”
It was the end of road for Apacs-sponsored Tan Chun Seang. After a superb start, the 26-year-old Chun Seang ran out of gas and went down 19-21, 8-21 to China’s Du Pengyu.
In the men’s doubles, Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen gave the home fans plenty to cheer about when they beat South Korea’s Kim Ki-jung-Kim Sa-rang 24-22, 22-20.
Courtesy of The Star

Denmark Open: Koo-Tan in final

MEN'S doubles Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong stunned local hopefuls Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen to reach the final of the Denmark Open, their best achievement in a premier super series this year, in Odense yesterday.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong notched a 19-21, 21-11, 26-24 victory over Boe-Mogensen, the World No 2, in 71 minutes to reach their second consecutive final after the London Olympics.
The Malaysians also ended their three-match losing streak to Boe-Mogensen and will meet South Korea's Shin Baek Cheol-Yoo Yeon Seong who beat Indonesia's Muhammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan 21-17, 21-15, in the final today.
Boon Heong said their preparation had not been ideal after the London Olympics and was glad to have beaten Boe-Mogensen whom they have an overall 7-4 record going into the last four yesterday.
"Our preparation was less than ideal after the Olympics as there has been a lot uncertainty over our partnership and future. We have a good record over them (Boe-Mogensen) and although we never beat them this year, we had a good strategy and we are happy it paid off," said Boon Heong.
"They looked tired as well and our plan was to reduce our errors and not be too hasty in our attack. We are glad that we got it right."
Kien Keat said the expectations will be high for them to win the title but they don't want to put any pressure on themselves.
"They are very strong coming to the net and mid court, so our plan was to push them back. We also did not play an all-out attacking game but varied our game and seize the opportunities when it came. Sometimes plans don't work but this time, it worked for us," said Kien Keat.
"It is good to be in the final of a Premier tournament and although there will now be expectations of us winning, we don't want to think about it. In the past, whenever we were expected to do well, we have not done so well and we don't want to fall into that trap."
In the men's singles, top seed Lee Chong Wei played Denmark's Jan Jorgensen in a late semi-final clash last night while his rival Chen Long of China crashed out when he lost 21-14, 21-10 to compatriot Du Pengyu.
Meanwhile, mixed doubles Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying ended their campaign in the semi-finals after losing 21-7, 21-16 to Xu Chen-Ma Jin of China.
"We could not get our game together as they read our game very well and anticipated our shots. We took some time to adapt and get back into the game and that made the difference," said Peng Soon.
"Although we lost tamely in the first game, we did not allow that to affect our concentration in the second. We tried harder and played better in the second game but they were too good."
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Denmark Open: Chong Wei downs Jorgensen for final date with Pengyu

World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei broke the hearts of the home fans when he snuffed out the fire of the last Dane standing – Jan O Jorgensen – in the semi-finals of the Denmark Open yesterday.
Chong Wei lived up to top billing with a classy 22-20, 21-15 win over Jorgensen in 45 minutes to set up a showdown with surprise finalist Du Pengyu of China.
Pengyu defeated his more illustrious compatriot Chen Long 21-14, 21-10.
Chong Wei, who turns 30 today, gave Jorgensen credit for putting up a spirited fight.
“Jorgensen really lifted his game in the opening match and played confidently at the net.
“I had to step up a gear to overcome his strong challenge,” said Chong Wei.
“He was fired up because of the home crowd and he was the last Dane standing (Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen had lost to Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong in an earlier match).
“He, however, could not last the pace and I’m happy with the good ending.”
Chong Wei is thrilled to make the final for the second year in a row but this time, he is determined to nail it. He lost to Chen Long last year.
“I did not expect Pengyu to be in the final but maybe Chen Long is injured – I am not sure. But I will be ready for Pengyu,” he said.
“It will be my birthday and I hope to celebrate with a win.”
National coach Tey Seu Bock saw Chen Long’s defeat as a strategy by China to push their younger and least exposed player up the rankings.
Pengyu took just 39 minutes to upset second seed Chen Long.
“China can afford to bank on their younger players because they can still push their opponents – no matter who they are – to the limit. It speaks about their quality,” he said.
“Sometimes, they use their youngsters to step up and it gives them the room to rest their top players."
“We cannot do the same because our back-up players are still not up to that level although they have improved.”
Courtesy of The Star

Denmark Open: Chun Seang comes good to join Chong Wei and Daren in last eight

Superb form: Liew Daren and Tan Chun Seang (inset) advanced into the quarterfinals. — AFP

A two-year ban from competing in Asian tournaments has not dampened former international shuttler Tan Chun Seang’s aspiration to make it big.
Yesterday, the 26-year-old professional, who just joined Austria as their assistant national coach, finally flourished in the picturesque city of Odense with his best career win when he upset fourth seed and world No. 5 Simon Santoso 21-14, 21-19 win in 36 minutes.
He joins world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei and Liew Daren in what could be described as a memorable day for Malaysia’s men’s singles department.
Malaysia have never had three singles players in the quarter-finals of a Super Series event.
But the spotlight truly belonged to southpaw Chun Seang, who squealed in delight after his breakthrough win yesterday. He had never made it past the second round of the Super Series event when he was under Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) banner. BAM, however, banned him in 2010 when he decided to turn pro. The ban limited him to participating in non-Asian countries only.
Chun Seang said that as an independent player “I was able to enjoy the game without having to deal with any form of pressure” and is grateful to two parties – his sponsor Apacs and the Austria BA.
“I was on the verge of quitting after BAM banned me in 2010. But Apacs came to my rescue and gave me an opportunity to play in Europe and America. Without a sponsor, I would have given up,” said Chun Seang.
“To live in Europe is expensive. Then Austria’s national coach John Dinesen asked me if I wanted to become his assistant. I accepted the offer and now I have a decent income.
“The win over Simon makes it even more wonderful.”
Chun Seang will take on the winner of the match between China’s Du Pengyu and Germany’s Marc Zwiebler.
Asked to rate his chances, he said: “I don’t look that far. I hope to do well.”
It was also a moment of reckoning for Daren when he finally subdued Japan’s Sho Sasaki after five long years.
Daren’s 21-17, 21-14 win was his first over the Japanese in four attempts.
“I spent some time analysing Sasaki’s match and today I was faster and quicker at the front court,” said Daren, who will unfortunately meet Chong Wei next.
Top seed Chong Wei made short work of Boonsak Ponsana – winning 21-11, 21-16 in 33 minutes.
“I am quite satisfied with my game today. It was just another ordinary day at work for me,” said Chong Wei, who, a day earlier had broken the hearts of home fans with a 21-8, 21-18 win over Viktor Axelsen in the opening round.
It was also a good day for Malaysia in the doubles department.
Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying, however, marched into the quarter-finals of the men’s doubles and mixed doubles in contrasting fashions.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong did not have to break sweat after being given a walkover by Denmark’s Jonas Rasmussen-Joachim Fischer Nielsen following an injury to Nielsen.
Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong failed to make the last eight after going down fighting 21-19, 13-21, 17-21 to Japan’s Hiroyuki Endo-Kenichi Hayakawa.
Reigning Japan Open champions Peng Soon-Liu Ying struggled for one hour and three minutes to beat the unheralded Danish pairing of Anders Kristiansen-Julia Houmann 19-21, 22-20, 21-14 and set up a meeting with Indonesia’s Mohd Rijal-Debby Susanto.
Courtesy of The Star

Chong Wei skips French Open as it is too close to his wedding

Gunning for a Danish delight: Lee Chong Wei will compete in the Denmark Open but not the French Open.

World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei will not compete in the French Open from Oct 23-28 as it too close to his wedding with Wong Mew Choo early next month.
It is believed that the 29-year-old Chong Wei and former national player Mew Choo will get married on Nov 10-11, thus his pullout from the French meet.
The withdrawals of his close friends and rivals – Lin Dan, Chen Long and Chen Jin of China and Indonesia’s Taufik Hidayat – from the Paris meet have added credence to the wedding rumours.
Chong Wei, however, will still compete in the Denmark Open, from Oct 16-21. He is the top seed.
Despite the withdrawals of several top stars, the French Open will not be short on quality as Indonesian world No. 5 Simon Santoso has been given top billing, followed by Japan’s Sho Sasaki.
It has also presented the likes of Chong Wei Feng and Liew Daren the chance to continue their improvement on the international stage.
The duo, who are also competing in the Danish meet, have a realistic chance to make at least the quarter-finals in Paris.
The 25-year-old Wei Feng will be up against a qualifier in the first round and a rematch against Japanese ace Kenichi Tago in the second.
Wei Feng beat Tago in the Japan Open last month and is high on confidence.
An upset over the fifth seed will see the Kedahan facing fourth seed Du Pengyu of China in the last eight.
Daren will take on Taiwan’s Chou Tien-chen in the first round, with seventh seed Hu Yun of Hong Kong waiting for him in the next round.
The other singles shuttlers in the fray are Mohd Hafiz Hashim, a former All-England champion, and Tan Chun Seang.
In the men’s doubles, second seeds Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong could be in for another tricky ride as they are drawn to meet South Korea’s Ko Sung-hyun-Lee Yong-dae in the quarter-finals.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong, who are still struggling for any sort of consistency and form, will face the same Korean pair in the first round of the Denmark meet.
If they reach the semi-finals, they are likely to meet another Korean pair – Kim Ki-jung-Kim Sa-rang, who beat them in the Malaysian Open earlier this year.
Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong, meanwhile, should have an easy first round against Germany’s Peter Kaesbauer-Josche Zurwonne but should run into Danish top seeds Carsten Morgensen-Mathias Boe next.
Courtesy of The Star

Kien Keat-Boon Heong avoid Paris banana skin

MEN'S doubles Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong will have some breathing space when the French Open starts in Paris on Oct 23-28 as they have avoided South Korea's dangermen Ko Sung Hyun-Lee Yong Dae until the quarter-finals.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong, given another year by the BA of Malaysia (BAM) to resurrect their career, will meet South Korea's new combination Sung Hyun-Yong Dae in the first round of next week's Denmark Open in Odense.
Sung Hyun-Yong Dae are South Korea's bets for gold in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and Kien Keat-Boon Heong will be severely tested by them in both Denmark and France.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong, the second seeds in Paris, open their campaign against a qualifying pair before a likely meeting with compatriots Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari or England's Chris Adcock-Andrew Ellis.
Sung Hyun-Yong Dae have a tough second round encounter against China's Liu Xiaolong-Qiu Zihan but should come through to play Kien Keat-Boon Heong.
The opening round in the Denmark Open will give some indication on how well Kien Keat-Boon Heong can fare against Sung Hyun-Yong Dae in Paris.
Should the Malaysians survive, they are likely to play another Korean pair in the form of Kim Ki Jung-Kim Sa Rang, winners of the Japan Open and Indonesia Open grand prix gold last month, in the semi-finals.
Ki Jung-Sa Rang have beaten Kien Keat-Boon Heong in two previous meetings.
National No 2 Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong have an easy first round meeting against Peter Kaesbauer-Josche Zurwonne of Germany but face an uphill task against either top seeds Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen of Denmark or Indonesia's Mohammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan of Indonesia in the second round.
The absence of Lee Chong Wei, who has withdrawn from the event as he will be getting married to Wong Mew Choo on the weekend of Nov 11-12, will see attention shifting to Chong Wei Feng and Liew Daren.
Wei Feng will play a qualifier, most likely Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk of Thailand, in his opening round and is expected to meet Japan's fifth seed Kenichi Tago, whom the Malaysian beat in the Japan Open last month, in the second round.
If Wei Feng advances to the last eight, he will either play struggling top seed Simon Santoso of Indonesia or China's Wang Zhengming.
Daren has a tricky first round meeting against Taiwan's Chou Tien Chen, who finished runner-up in the Taiwan Open on Sunday, and if he advances could play Hu Yun of Hong Kong in the second round.
The quarter-final clash against second seed Sho Sasaki is the hurdle Daren would love to overcome after having lost all three previous meetings to the Japanese shuttler.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Chinese Taipei Open: Zakry-Fairuzizuan need just 27 minutes to end title drought

Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari showed that they still have much to offer at the highest level after beat­ing Indonesia’s Angga Pratama-Ryan Agung Sa­­putra 21-12, 21-14 to win the men’s doubles title in the Taiwan Open GP Gold in Taipei yesterday.
Many had written the pair off since they left the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) fold last year to join KLRC. In only their second final appearance since the Thailand Open in June, Zakry-Fairuzizuan were brilliant from the start against their top seeded opponents and needed just 27 minutes to seal victory.
It was their fourth career title since winning the back-to-back Singapore Open and Indo­ne­sia Open in 2009 and the India Open in 2010.
It was also the experienced Zakry-Fairu­zizuan’s first career title since striking out on their own about a year ago.

Rising to the occasion: Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari (left) and Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif beat Indonesians Angga Pratama-Ryan Agung Saputra 21-12, 21-14 in the final.

Zakry-Fairuzizuan, currently ranked 27th in the world, will certainly be boosted by this result, having crashed out in the first round of four tournaments since the Thailand meet.
“Thank goodness we finally won! I’m really happy with this win because this is one the best performances we’ve produced in the past year,” said Zakry.
“Result-wise, this is certainly the best that I have achieved alongside Fairuzizuan since the Thailand Open earlier in June. Hopefully, we’ll be able to carry on playing like this ... but we’ve got to work on our consistency.”
In the men’s singles final, second seed Nguyen Tien Minh broke the hearts of local fans when he beat local ace Chou Tien Chen 21-11, 21-17 for his second title of the year.
But the Taiwanese fans still had much to rejoice when teenage sensation Tai Tzu Ying put up a gritty performance to beat Indonesia’s Lindaweni Fanetri 21-19, 20-22, 22-20 in the women’s singles.
Indonesia ended the day with two titles – through Pia Zebadiah Bernadeth-Rizki Amelia Pradipta and Muhammad Rijal-Debby Susanto in the women’s and mixed doubles.
Courtesy of The Star

BAM rancang guna kesempatan

SELEPAS membiarkan peruntukan RM30 juta untuk penubuhan Pusat Kecemerlangan Badminton begitu saja pada 2008, Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) mahu bertindak pantas kali ini, untuk memastikan projek itu terlaksana secepat mungkin apabila memohon secara rasmi peruntukan RM80 juta dalam pembentangan Belanjawan 2013, baru-baru ini.

Peruntukan besar itu bagaimanapun perlu dibahagikan kepada dua, bagi penubuhan Akademi Kecemerlangan Badminton dan Veledrom Tertutup itu.

“Kami tetap perlu membuat permohonan peruntukan untuk mengubah suai dan membina Pusat Kecemerlangan Badminton di Bukit Kiara dan kami baru memohon secara rasmi kepada kerajaan,” kata Presiden BAM, Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Salleh.
Meskipun tidak jelas dengan pembahagian peruntukan untuk sukan badminton dan basikal, difahamkan BAM bakal menerima RM50 juta sementara bajet pembinaan velederom tertutup di Negeri Sembilan, RM30 juta.

“Saya pasti kita akan dapat membina Pusat Kecemerlangan ini secepat mungkin kerana kerajaan sudah memberi lampu hijau, kompleks sukan di Bukit Kiara untuk tujuan pembinaan. Dengan 18 gelanggang sedia ada di tempat latihan semasa, kita akan bangunkan satu lagi bangunan yang memuatkan 18 gelanggang, asrama dan trek latihan,” kata Nadzmi lagi.

Beliau juga mahukan reka bentuk canggih bersesuaian dengan nama Pusat Kecemerlangan serta ingin pastikan persekitaran gelanggang latihan dan asrama, jauh berbeza bagi mengelakkan pemain bosan berada di tempat sama.

 

Nadzmi memberi jaminan projek kali ini tidak akan tertangguh seperti 2008 kerana pihaknya kini menjalankan proses untuk projek ini berjalan secara intensif.

Joo-bong set to return as director of coaching

KUALA LUMPUR: South Korean Park Joo-bong is set to make a comeback to Malaysia in January as the director of coaching, rather than a project manager, with the BA of Malaysia (BAM).
After a meeting between BAM’s top brass and National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong, it appears that Joo-bong will be on the first flight to Malaysia come January.
But BAM president Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Salleh stopped short of revealing the name of the candidate they are looking to hire, although there were enough hints to confirm that Joo-bong is their man.
Joo-bong, who is contracted to the Japan BA as head coach until next March, had earlier revealed his interest to take up a position with the BAM.
He also became the frontrunner for the position after several local candidates failed to win any favours during the last BAM exco meeting, headed by Nadzmi.
But instead of a project manager who will oversee three squads – singles, doubles and the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) – to produce world beaters for the Olympics in 2016, 2020 and 2024, Joo-bong now seems likely to land the position of director of coaching – equivalent to the previous high performance director’s role.
“We had a good discussion with the NSC on several issues that require their approval and the position of a director of coaching was one of them,” said Nadzmi after the meeting.
“We have basically zeroed in on one prime candidate and we will announce his appointment when the time is right.
“What we can say is that he’s an excellent choice to be the director of coaching, with a good background in badminton and has already shown indications that he’s interested in the job.
“There will be more discussions with him because he’s still under contract with another country until early next year.
“We are looking to hire him as early as in January next year and are willing to pay off the remainder of his existing contract.”
Joo-bong, the national chief coach from 2000-2003, is likely to be offered a three-year contract with an option for extensi on.
BAM will also be using the Denmark Open (Oct 16-21) and the French Open (Oct 23-28) to further negotiate with Joo- bong.

Out-of-sorts Koo-Tan face another tough time in Odense

KUALA LUMPUR: The erratic Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong are in for another tough ride after being drawn to meet the new South Korean combination of Ko Sung-hyun-Lee Yong-dae in the first round of the Denmark Open, which starts from Oct 16-21 in Odense.
The national pair, ranked sixth in the world, have failed to impress since being given a second chance by the BA of Malaysia (BAM) last month.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong, who have until the World Championships next year to prove themselves, were disappointing in the Japan Open, their first tournament since the London Olympics.
Although they did well to make the final, they lost tamely to Korean youngsters Kim Ki-jung-Kim Sa-rang.
But national doubles coach Tan Kim Her believes that Sung-hyun-Yong-dae are beatable, “provided Kien Keat-Boon Heong drop their defensive mentality”.
“This new Korean combination is just as dangerous,” said Kim Her.
“I believe Kien Kean-Boon Heong can pull off a win because Sung-hyun is not as stable as Yong-dae’s previous partner – Chung Jae-sung.
“Unlike Jae-sung, who is very solid defensively, Sung-hyun is a more attacking player. Together with Yong-dae, they make a very strong offensive pair.
“That is why I want my boys to play a smart game ... go on the offensive instead and put the Koreans on the backfoot.”
If Kien Keat-Boon Heong can get past the Koreans, they may have a clear path to the semi-finals, with only Thailand’s Bodin Isaara-Maneepong Jongjit and Indonesia’s Angga Pratama-Ryan Agung Saputra the potential spoilers.
Malaysia’s other pairs – Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong and professionals Gan Teik Chai-Ong Soon Hock – face easy first round games.
Japan Open semi-finalists Thien How-Wee Kiong face Russia’s Vladimir Ivanov-Ivan Sozonov while Teik Chai-Soon Hock meet Dutchmen Jorrit De Ruiter-Dave Khodabux.
In the men’s singles, world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei will have to wait a little longer for a rematch with arch rival Lin Dan as the Chinese ace is not competing following his wedding recently.
However, top seed Chong Wei will have to be wary of defending champion Chen Long, the second seed.
The other Malaysian singles shuttlers are Chong Wei Feng, Liew Daren, Mohd Hafiz Hashim and Tan Chun Seang.

Denmark Open: Chen Long stands in Chong Wei's route to the title

LEE Chong Wei looks good to reach the final of the Denmark Open in Odense on Oct 16-21 but men's doubles Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong face a first round exit.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong don't look like they can make it past South Korean new but dangerous combination of Koh Sung Hyun-Lee Yong Dae.
Chong Wei will open his campaign against former world junior champion Viktor Axeslen of Denmark and is expected to meet Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand in the second round.
Sho Sasaki of Japan is likely to be his quarter-final opponent and Chong Wei should meet third seed Chen Jin of China in the last four.
Second seed Chen Long of China faces a tougher draw where he has to play the likes of Hu Yun of Hong Kong, compatriot Wang Zhengming, Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia and Chinah Du Pengyu.
If Chen Long wins all these matches, he should face Chong Wei in a repeat of last year's final.
Chen Long upstaged Chong Wei last year but the Malaysian looks lethal this time and will be the player to beat in Odense.
Liew Daren should get past Rajiv Ouseph of England in the first round before taking on Sasaki in the second round but Chong Wei Feng is braced for a tough opener against Simon Santoso of Indonesia.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong, struggling to raise their game, are hoping for better fortunes in Denmark but playing Sung Hyun-Yong Dae, who are South Korea's gold medal bets for the 2016 Olympics, will be an acid test.
National doubles chief coach Tan Kim Her said Kien Keat-Boon Heong must be prepared to play aggressively against Yong Dae-Sung Hyun.
"This match will be very tactical and Kien Keat-Boon Heong must be really prepared. Attack is the best way to overcome the pair as Sung Hyun is not very solid in defence.
"Although they are a strong combination, Kien Keat-Boon Heong must be positive and go all out."
Tan Wee Kiong-Hoon Thien How have an easier draw where they will meet Vladimir Ivanov-Ivan Sozonov of Russia in their opening round and are expected to play Hiroyuki Endo-Kenichi Hayakawa of Japan in the second round.
They could meet Indonesia's new combination of Mohammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan in the last eight.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Wei Feng wants Gold

National singles shuttler Chong Wei Feng has been playing with an extra spring in his step lately.
His rise to No. 27 in the world rankings has made him the national No. 2 and boosted his confidence ahead of the Taiwan Open GP Gold, which starts in Taipei today.
The 25-year-old Wei Feng is one of the most improved shutlers this year and has been playing with an air of confidence since coming through the qualifiers to make the second round of the All-England in March, before losing to world No. 2 Lin Dan.

Dangerman: Chong Wei Feng is confident of a good show in Taiwan.

He has also achieved several creditable results of late, notably making the quarter-finals of the Japan Open last month and the Singapore Open in June.
Wei Feng’s performance in Japan is certainly laudable as he recovered from a terrible start to produce a stunning finish in beating home favourite Kenichi Tago in the first round.
The Kedahan is quietly confident of his chances in Taipei, where he will face seventh seed Alamsyah Yunus of Indonesia, who is now ranked lower than him at No. 29.
“I have played Alamsyah once and lost in three close games. He will still be the favourite because of his experience but I am out for revenge and I believe I can take him out,” said Wei Feng.
“It’s great to finally climb up the rankings ... it has given me more confidence.
“But what matters most is not about being ranked second in the country because my main focus is to continue playing well. I am seeking to do that in Taipei.”
If he beats Alamsyah, Wei Feng will face local lad Chun Shih Kuei in the second round, with Hong Kong’s Chan Yan Kit a potential third round opponent.
Besides Wei Feng, the other Malaysian shuttlers in the fray are Liew Daren, Mohd Arif Abdul Latif, Misbun Ramdan Misbun, Iskandar Zulkarnian Zainuddin, Goh Soon Huat and KLRC’s Zulfadli Zulkifli.
Of the lot, world No. 28 Daren has a clear shot at making the semi-finals at least following the withdrawals of several top players, including world No. 10 Tago and world No. 19 Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka. The only other recognised top player in his half is in-form world No. 15 Hu Yun of Hong Kong, seeded fifth here in Taiwan.
In the men’s doubles, the Malaysian pairs competing are Mohd Lufti Zaim-Teo Kok Siang, Chooi Kah Ming-Ow Yao Han, Nelson Heg-Teo Ee Yi. The professional duo of Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif are also taking part in the tournament.
Courtesy of The Star

Kien Keat stays Koo-l as harsh criticism mounts

National men’s doubles shuttler Koo Kien Keat is taking all the harsh criticism in his stride as he seeks to redeem his partnership with Tan Boon Heong.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have given the duo another year to prove themselves after their failure to win a medal at the London Olympics in August despite calls to split them up.
In their first tournament at the Japan Open last week following BAM’s reprieve, Kien Keat-Boon Heong failed to salvage their pride when they lost to a lower-ranked Kim Sa-rang-Kim Ki-jung of South Korea in the final.
The 27-year-old Kien Keat said he accepted the fact that life was hard when one fell from grace but vowed not to give up.
“The Japan Open was our first tournament after the London Olympics. We were ill-prepared as our future as a pair was uncertain earlier. But despite that, we still reached the final,” said Kien Keat after a training session at Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
Their first final appearance in a Super Series event in a year saw them moving up one rung to No.6 in the world rankings.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong, who won the hearts of Malaysians with their sterling displays en route to the 2006 Asian Games gold and the 2007 All-England title, had been struggling with inconsistent results over the last two years.
“I now understand the life of a badminton player."
“People sing our praises when we are on top and treat us like God’s son."
“But when we lose, no one treats us well,” lamented Kien Keat.
“I accept the criticism although some had been baseless. It’s pointless to get worked up over it."
“All I want to do now is give my best with Boon Heong."
“The experiences over the last few months have taught me one thing – to appreciate my partnership with Boon Heong.
“We have been given a second chance and we want to make the most of it.”
Kien Keat said their next big test will come at the Denmark Open in Odense from Oct 15-21.
“We will be more prepared for this tournament. All the top players will be there and it’s a good platform to see where we stand.”
Besides China’s four-time world champions Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng, who skipped the Japan Open, Kien Keat-Boon Heong will also have to be wary of Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen (Denmark), Shen Ye-Hong Wei (China), Mohd Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan (Indonesia), Shin Baek-cheol-Yoo Yeon-seong and Sa-rang-Ki-jung (South Korea).
National doubles chief coach Tan Kim Her said he had decided against pairing Kien Keat and Boon Heong with younger partners.
“Let’s give them some peace of mind. It would be confusing for them to partner different players."
“Let them focus on their game and do their best to win titles again,” said Kim Her.
Earlier, there were plans to partner Boon Heong with Goh V Shem and Kien Keat with Lim Khim Wah in Grand Prix tournaments – to give them the role of ‘big brothers’ guiding the younger players.
Courtesy of The Star

Mew Choo quits as BJSS coach and sparks speculation of early wedding

Former women’s singles star Wong Mew Choo has quit as Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) coach after only 16 months – sparking speculation that her marriage to Lee Chong Wei may take place sooner than expected.
Yesterday, Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) secretary Ng Chin Chai confirmed Mew Choo has tended her resignation, citing personal reasons.
Mew Choo, the 2007 China Open champion, retired as a player last year due to a string of nagging injuries. She became a coach in BJSS in May.

In the mood for marriage?: Wong Mew Choo tended her resignation as BJSS coach citing personal reasons.

Mew Choo’s resignation, however, will not jeopardise the women’s singles players’ preparations for the World Junior Championships from Oct 25-Nov 3 in Tokyo as China’s Chi Shanrong will take over as coach.
Shanrong had been demoted as the elite women’s singles coach after failing to raise the standard of some players under his care for more than a year.
Said Chin Chai: “Mew Choo has resigned but she did not state her reasons.
“Some coaches have also left the BJSS before this and there are some vacancies. We may bring in some new faces at the end of the year.”
Currently, there is no chief coach for the BJSS programme but China’s Zhou Kejian is expected to be given the mandate.
Boys’ singles coach Kejian has made good progress with the players under his tutelage.
As for Mew Choo, her decision to leave may be seen as a sign of an early wedding as she is expected to tie the knot with her boyfriend Chong Wei.
So far, they have not confirmed a date for their wedding. If it happens this year, it will be the second biggest wedding between badminton stars after China’s Lin Dan and Xie Xingfang recently.
Courtesy of The Star