MAYBANK Malaysia Open: It's Nineth for Chong Wei

Final day of Maybank Malaysia Open 2013 saw local hero, Lee Chong Wei retain his title to 9th after easily up hand Indonesian Sony Dwi Kunchoro in straight games 21-7, 21-8 in 32 minutes. 

While the local mix double Chang Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying down to the Danish pairs Nielsen Fischer Joachim-Christina Pedersen 13-21, 18-21 in earlier games.

New women double from China Bao Yixin-Tian Qing upset the Japanese duo Miyaki Matsutomo-Ayaka Takahashi also in straight games 21-16, 21-14.

Tournament begun 15 Jan 2013 was the second Super Series of the year after Korean Open last week. For the world number one player, Chong Wei, it was his 9th title for the Malaysian Open. Other results as below:

Women Single: Tai Tzu Ying (TPE) bt Yao Xue (CHN) 21-17, 21-14
Men Double: M Ahsan-Hedra Setiawan (INA) bt Ko Sung Hyun-Lee Yong Dae (KOR) 21-15, 21-13

Umpire Madam Wong receives BWF Meritorious Award

IT is fun being a badminton umpire. Just ask the sweet-smiling Wong Mei Peng or fondly known as Madam Wong.
Yesterday, the 58-year-old Mei Peng, who has been a prominent Malaysian woman umpire in the international scene for more than two decades, was awarded the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Meritorious Award for her contribution to badminton as a chair umpire.
Although being on the “hot seat” sometimes draws flak from players and coaches, Mei Peng said she loved her job in upholding fairness on the badminton court.
The headmistress of Methodist Primary School (ACS) in Seremban, remembers one particular incident when China’s head coach Li Yongbo was fuming mad at her.
“It was the 2010 Asian Games and I was the umpire in the match involving Lin Dan and Park Sung-hwan. The shuttle touched the line but the linesman said it was out. I overruled the decision but Yongbo was not happy at all,” said Mei Peng.
”He kept shouting at me but I stuck to my decision. It was my last major assignment. But there have been so many other good memories,” recalled Mei Peng, who started with a Grade 1 coaching certification in 1992.
“In this line of duty, one needs to be disciplined and make decisions without fear or favour. And it is important to have good communication with the players.
“I do not have a favourite player but I like Taiwanese Chen Hung-ling for his calm demeanour even if he is unhappy with our decision. Then, there is Wong Choong Hann’s (former Malaysian international) remarkable attitude on court.”
Despite retiring as BWF umpire in December, 2010, the secretary of the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP), has not stopped encouraging others to venture into umpiring. In fact, she on her own accord, had been grooming others to become one and her “students” is already officiating local tournaments.
“I really miss umpiring but locally, I am still active. I am sad that the number of Malaysian international umpires have been dwindling. We are only left with three BWF umpires. We used to have big numbers in the past. I hope more will qualify as BWF umpires. Trust me, it is enjoyable,” added Mei Peng, who knows the rules and regulations of badminton by heart.

Chong Wei faces tough challenge in bid to make history

IT is going to be just like the old times.
Two seasoned campaigners – Lee Chong Wei versus Sony Dwi Kuncoro. Two rival camps – Malaysia and Indonesia.
Welcome to what can be dubbed as an explosive men’s singles final in the Maybank Malaysian Open badminton at Putra Stadium today as local hero Chong Wei sets out to carve a piece of history as he bids to become the home champion for a record nine times.
Yesterday, Chong Wei fended off a fiery challenge from Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark before pulling off a 21-13, 17-21, 21-12 win in a 56-minute battle.
Sony also had to come through a harrowing time as he recovered from a brief spell of inconsistency to beat a gritty Kenichi Tago of Japan 21-12, 19-21, 23-21 in a one-hour and 13 minutes energy-sapping semi-final match.
Sony has been a spoiler for Chong Wei before and the Malaysian knows it.
In their 12 head-to-head meetings, the Indonesian has beaten Chong Wei five times and his memorable wins over the Malaysian came during major tournaments – the 2007 World Championships in Kuala Lumpur and 2009 World Championships in India.
And based on his resurgent form, the 28-year-old Indonesian has the ability to prevent Chong Wei from becoming the most successful player in the Malaysian Open by winning his ninth crown. Last year, Chong Wei had equalled late Wong Peng Soon’s feat of winning eight.
Chong Wei, who lost focus in the second game against Jorgensen yesterday, acknowledged Sony’s revival but did not want to be too worried about it.
“Sony came through a great fight against Tago today. He has improved and showed that he has fully recovered from his injuries. I would rather focus on my game right now,” said Chong Wei.
“Today, Jorgensen really gave me a good fight. He is confident and the top players will have to be wary of him. Fortunately, after trailing 0-4 in the decider, I managed to find my touches again.”
The 25-year-old Jorgensen said: “Chong Wei is just so good in his attacking game. One has to be in a such a high level all the time to beat him. I am happy with my game though because I managed to steal one game from him at home. Next, my goal is the All-England (March 5-10).”
Meanwhile, despite being pushed to all corners by Tago yesterday, the 28-year-old Sony said that he had enough energy in the tank to give Chong Wei a run for his money.
“It will be a heavy task against Chong Wei because the Malaysian is really in a good shape now but I promise to play to my maximum ability,” said Sony.
The world No. 5 and 2007 World Championships runner-up Sony said that his form had been inconsistent due to his back problem but things had turned out to be better since early last year.
“I am physically much stronger now and playing with better technique and style. This is my first Malaysian Open final and I am ready to give my best,” said Sony, who is expecting his second child soon.

V Shem-Khim Wah storm into semis

GOH V Shem-Lim Khim Wah continued their outstanding form since renewing their partnership recently by reaching the men's doubles semi-finals in the Maybank Malaysian Open while top seeds Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying followed suit in the mixed doubles yesterday.

Ranked World No 30, V Shem-Khim Wah brushed aside South Korea's World No 53 Kang Ji Wook-Lee Sang Joon 21-14, 21-16 in 30 minutes to make their second Super Series semi-final appearance since last year's India Open.
Today, the unseeded pair will have a chance to avenge their quarter-final defeat to South Korea's Lee Yong Dae-Ko Sung Hyun in last week's Korea Open.
Yong Dae-Sung Hyun, the World No 6, blanked Japan's Hirokatsu Hashimoto-Noriyasu Hirata 21-14, 21-7 in yesterday's quarter-finals.
V Shem-Khim Wah, who were paired with others following a string of poor results in June but reunited earlier this month, will move into the top-20 bracket in next week's rankings for making the semi-finals here.
"We are almost certain of qualifying for the World Championships in August with this result, provided that we maintain our form in the following events," said V Shem yesterday.
"We played well today but we can play better. Yong Dae-Sing Hyun are strong but we will try our best to upset the Koreans to reach our first Super Series finals."
Peng Soon-Liu Ying had wanted a tough match but all they got was an effortless win in 30 minutes over their nervous teammates in the mixed doubles quarter-finals yesterday.
The World No 3 hardly raised sweat in their 21-13, 21-14 win over World No 30 Tan Aik Quan-Lai Pei Jing to qualify for a second straight semi-final in the event.
"Aik Quan-Pei Jing gave us too much respect and thus did not play well. If they had played their true game, we would have had a good fight," said Peng Soon yesterday.
"They have talent and spirit but lack experience. They need to play more difficult matches in tournaments to improve."
Pei Jing, in response to their average game, said Peng Soon-Liu Ying were just too strong.
"We knew it would be tough to match them as we are their training partners. Anyway, we did not play good today. But I can see a good future with Aik Quan and maybe we will get better soon," said Pei Jing.
Peng Soon-Liu Ying face Poland's World No 8 and European champions Robert Mateusiak-Nadiezda Zieba, who thrashed Singapore's Danny Bawa Chrisnanta-Vanessa Neo 21-11, 21-12 yesterday, for a place in the final.
Peng Soon-Liu Ying have not met the Polish pair since beating them twice in the China Masters and the Hong Kong Open in 2011.
"It will be a difficult semi-final as they have improved so much since our last meeting. They are strong and have good smashes... we need to be patient and play our game," he added.

Goh V Shem (front) and Lim Khim Wah. Pic by Goh Thean Howe

New Straits Times

Sony keeps fighting

SONY Dwi Kuncoro is a fighter on and off the court. On the brink of retirement due to career-threatening injuries a few years ago, the 29-year-old Indonesian shuttler has staged a miraculous comeback and returned to his best.

Sony, a former World Championships silver medallist, was among the game's elite before injuries to his back and ankle affected his career. He dropped more than 100 places to World No 117 in August, 2011.
But Sony, a bronze medallist at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, managed to recover before making successful return last year.
Now, he is not only better than before but has also achieved one of his career best rankings of World No 5 recently.
"It was a difficult moment then but I was determined to return as I had unfinished business. It is everyone's dream to become the world's best and I've not given up hope on that," said Sony at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
"My immediate target is to progress accordingly and qualify for the 2016 Olympics. I want to win another Olympic medal before I retire.
"I will be 33 in four years but age is only a number. It does not mean I can't achieve this dream."
Sony is currently the only Indonesian capable of winning titles on the Super Series tour. Former Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat is unfit and plans to retire after the Indonesian Open in June while Simon Santoso has not played since last year's French Open due to a throat infection.
The Surabaya-born trains diligently under former world champion Joko Suprianto, who has accepted an offer to coach the Indonesian team recently, for the past few weeks.
"I was under Joko when I won a bronze at the Athens Olympics before he left in 2005. He is a disciplinarian and I am confident he will help me with my game," he said.
Sony continued his form from last season's wins in the Indonesia Open GP and the Thailand Open, by reaching the semi-finals of last week's Korea Open.
"I am getting the results but of course, I need to improve several aspects of my game. I need to work on my fitness and court movements."

Sony Dwi Kuncoro wants to win another Olympic medal before retiring.

 New Straits Times

Peng Soon-Liu Ying intai gelaran sulung

BEREGU campuran negara, Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying melakar sejarah tersendiri apabila mara buat pertama kalinya ke final Kejohanan Badminton Siri Super Terbuka Malaysia 2013 semalam.
Kejayaan tersebut hadir selepas beregu yang menduduki ranking ketiga dunia itu menewaskan Robert Mateusiak-Nadiezda Zieba 12-21, 21-18, 21-16 pada aksi separuh akhir di Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.
"Ya, ini kali pertama kami mara ke final pada Terbuka Malaysia. Kejayaan terbaik kami sebelum ini adalah mara separuh akhir tahun lalu selepas tewas kepada beregu China (Zhang Nan-Zhao Yun Lei).
"Tahun ini mereka (beregu China) tidak datang tetapi halangan untuk menang juga sukar kerana pasangan Denmark (Joachim Fischer Nielsen-Christinna Pedersen) sangat kuat," kata Peng Soon semalam.
Peng Soon-Liu Ying dipaksa bekerja keras dan mengambil masa satu jam tiga minit untuk menundukkan pasangan Poland itu.
Meskipun bermula agak hambar pada set pertama, Peng Soon-Liu Ying berjaya mengembalikan rentak permainan sebenar mereka sebelum menyingkirkan beregu yang menghuni ranking kelapan dunia itu.
"Mungkin kami rasa terlalu yakin pada set pertama sehingga menyebabkan mereka menguasai permainan.
"Kami terlalu tergopoh-gapah sehingga menjadikan perlawanan ini agak tertekan," kata Peng Soon.
Liu Ying turut mengakui corak permainan mereka tidak mencapai standard sebenar pada set pertama.
"Saya rasa saya yang terlalu cemas, perlawanan juga sukar dan mereka menjadi semakin kuat dan selesa.
"Jadi saya cuba mengurangkan tekanan supaya Mateusiak-Zieba lebih mengikut rentak permainan kami," tambahnya.
Peng Soon-Liu Ying akan menentang Nielsen-Pedersen yang turut mara ke final selepas mereka menundukkan Preveen Jordan- Vita Marissa dari Indonesia 21-14, 21-17 semalam.

Kosmo

Malaysia Open: Day 5 - Tai Tzu Ying Steamrolls Saina Nehwal

Top seed Saina Nehwal was undone by the craft of Tai Tzu Ying in a 35-minute Women’s Singles semi-final defeat at the Maybank Malaysia Open today.

Men’s Singles top seed, Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia, briefly looked in danger against Jan O Jorgensen (Denmark, 6), but asserted himself in the third game and ensured his place in yet another championship final. Lee, who boasts eight Malaysia Open titles, came through against Jorgensen 21-13 17-21 21-12, and will face Sony Dwi Kuncoro (Indonesia; top right).

Home fans will have plenty to cheer tomorrow – apart from Lee, they can urge on local favourites Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying (left) in the Mixed Doubles final against Joachim Fischer Nielsen/Christinna Pedersen (Denmark).

It was the trickery of Chinese Taipei’s Tai (BWF home page) that scuttled the chances of India’s world No. 2 Nehwal. Tai’s deception and range of strokes left Nehwal chasing the shuttle throughout the match which ended 22-20 21-14 in favour of the 18-year-old. Tai’s reward is a final against China’s Yao Xue who got the better of Korea’s Bae Yeon Ju 21-15 21-18 in the other semi-final.

Nehwal was in trouble early as she struggled to read Tai’s strokes. The Chinese Taipei player unleashed some unusual shots, both from the back court and at net, to leave the Indian guessing. Nehwal looked sluggish and was often left standing in the middle of the court as the shuttle found vacant spaces. To her credit, Nehwal fought back from 12-17 and 15-20 down to make it 20-all in the first game. However, another delicate net shot gave Tai her sixth game point which she converted.

The second game was Tai’s all the way. Nehwal’s accustomed fluid movement deserted her and, though she tried to smash her way out of trouble, Tai’s defence was solid and the Indian was left bereft of ideas.

In the Men’s Singles semi-final, Jorgensen threatened to ruin the day for home fans as he won the second game and went up 4-0 in the third. Things changed dramatically from there as Lee turned on his explosive game, smashing everything the Dane lifted. The Malaysian won 17 of the next 20 points to shut Jorgensen out of the match.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Men’s Doubles final will feature Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan (Indonesia) against Ko Sung Hyun/Lee Yong Dae (Korea, 6). Ahsan/Setiawan surprised China’s Chai Biao/Liu Xiaolong 21-12 21-11, while Ko/Lee won their semi-final against local hopes Goh V Shem/Lim Khim Wah with equal ease, 21-11 21-15.

• Bao Yixin/Tian Qing (China, 5) will face Ayaka Takahashi/Misaki Matsutomo (Japan, 2) in the Women’s Doubles final. Both semi-finals were straight-games affairs, with Bao/Tian beating Vita Marissa/Aprilsasi Putri Lejarsar Variella 21-13 21-17, and Takahashi/Matsutomo (bottom right) getting the better of Yao Lie/Shinta Mulia Sari (Singapore) 22-20 21-14.

• The closest match of the day was the Men’s Singles semi-final between Sony Dwi Kuncoro (Indonesia, 8) and Kenichi Tago (Japan, 2) which lasted 73 minutes. Kuncoro was a game up and in control at 19-16 in the second, but Tago won the next five points to take the match to a third game. The Japanese second seed had the advantage at 19-17, but a gritty Kuncoro equalised and finally clinched his third match point.

MAYBANK Malaysia Open: No problem for Chong Wei

LEE Chong Wei effortlessly secured a place in the last four but Liew Daren's lack of concentration came to haunt him again as he crashed out in the quarter-finals of the Maybank Malaysia Open at Putra Stadium yesterday.
Chong Wei, aiming for a record ninth title, thrashed Hu Yun of Hong Kong 21-12, 21-19 in 24 minutes.
Daren, hoping to book a semi-final berth against Chong Wei, allowed Jorgensen to snatch a 19-21, 21-13, 21-17 victory in 62 minutes.
However, Chong Wei faced a different "battle" as he was up against a player who was not interested in providing strong resistance.
Chong Wei, at times, slowed down to engage Hu Yun in rallies to satisfy the fans who had been left frustrated after the World No 1 received a walkover from Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand in the second round on Thursday.
Chong Wei, looking forward to locking horns with Jorgensen, said: "Hu Yun didn't play well compared to the Korea Open but I just want to be prepared for the semi-final against Jorgensen who is in good form.
"Although I haven't had a good warm-up, as long as I can concentrate, I will be able to give my best against Jorgensen.
"I really thought Daren could beat Jorgensen after having beaten him twice but maybe the pressure of playing at home got to him. He should learn from this experience."
Jorgensen was delighted to have survived a tough match and said he would try his best against Chong Wei.
"It was really a tough match which could have gone either way at 17-17. I was lucky that Daren made a lot of errors at that stage," said Jorgensen.
"In the semi-finals, it's like playing a superhero here. Playing Chong Wei here is just like playing Lin Dan in China and I promise to give my best shot against him."
Daren again had problems with his focus as he lost a match he could have wrapped up in straight games.
He managed to come back from 12-15 down in the first game to win 21-19 and in the second game, he led 5-0 and 9-5 before allowing Jorgensen to carve out a 21-13 win.
"It was really disappointing to lose as I had a good chance to make it to the semi-finals. I often lose focus, especially when I am leading and end up making a lot of mistakes after that," said Daren.
Second seed Kenichi Tago of Japan also sailed into the last four, beating Hans Kristian Vittinghus of Denmark 22-20, 21-19 and will play Indonesia's Sony Dwi Kuncoro, who defeated another Japanese, Sho Sasaki 21-15, 21-12, today.

Courtesy of New Straits Times

MAYBANK Malaysia Open: V Shem-Khim Wah storm into semis

Goh V Shem (front) and Lim Khim Wah. Pic by Goh Thean Howe

GOH V Shem-Lim Khim Wah continued their outstanding form since renewing their partnership recently by reaching the men's doubles semi-finals in the Maybank Malaysian Open while top seeds Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying followed suit in the mixed doubles yesterday.
Ranked World No 30, V Shem-Khim Wah brushed aside South Korea's World No 53 Kang Ji Wook-Lee Sang Joon 21-14, 21-16 in 30 minutes to make their second Super Series semi-final appearance since last year's India Open.
Today, the unseeded pair will have a chance to avenge their quarter-final defeat to South Korea's Lee Yong Dae-Ko Sung Hyun in last week's Korea Open.
Yong Dae-Sung Hyun, the World No 6, blanked Japan's Hirokatsu Hashimoto-Noriyasu Hirata 21-14, 21-7 in yesterday's quarter-finals.
V Shem-Khim Wah, who were paired with others following a string of poor results in June but reunited earlier this month, will move into the top-20 bracket in next week's rankings for making the semi-finals here.
"We are almost certain of qualifying for the World Championships in August with this result, provided that we maintain our form in the following events," said V Shem yesterday.
"We played well today but we can play better. Yong Dae-Sing Hyun are strong but we will try our best to upset the Koreans to reach our first Super Series finals."
Peng Soon-Liu Ying had wanted a tough match but all they got was an effortless win in 30 minutes over their nervous teammates in the mixed doubles quarter-finals yesterday.
The World No 3 hardly raised sweat in their 21-13, 21-14 win over World No 30 Tan Aik Quan-Lai Pei Jing to qualify for a second straight semi-final in the event.
"Aik Quan-Pei Jing gave us too much respect and thus did not play well. If they had played their true game, we would have had a good fight," said Peng Soon yesterday.
"They have talent and spirit but lack experience. They need to play more difficult matches in tournaments to improve."
Pei Jing, in response to their average game, said Peng Soon-Liu Ying were just too strong.
"We knew it would be tough to match them as we are their training partners. Anyway, we did not play good today. But I can see a good future with Aik Quan and maybe we will get better soon," said Pei Jing.
Peng Soon-Liu Ying face Poland's World No 8 and European champions Robert Mateusiak-Nadiezda Zieba, who thrashed Singapore's Danny Bawa Chrisnanta-Vanessa Neo 21-11, 21-12 yesterday, for a place in the final.
Peng Soon-Liu Ying have not met the Polish pair since beating them twice in the China Masters and the Hong Kong Open in 2011.
"It will be a difficult semi-final as they have improved so much since our last meeting. They are strong and have good smashes... we need to be patient and play our game," he added.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Japan’s Okuhara proves she’s more than just a petite girl on court

STANDING at just 1.55m tall, Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara does not look like a typical badminton player.
But her height and cute looks are deceiving as Okuhara is one of the most promising women’s singles player to emerge from Japan.
She has the makings of a top player in future, based on her impressive track record.
In 2011, at the age of just 16, she captured her first senior title – the Austrian International Challenge – in only her fifth international tournament.
The same year, she became the youngest ever national champion, defeating a string of more experienced players before her opponent in the final Eriko Hirose withdrew due to acute gastroenteritis.
That feat prompted Japan’s head coach Park Joo-bong to rope her into the national team and since then Okuhara has gone from strength to strength.
She picked up a second title, the Canadian Open GP Gold last July, before notching her career best, so far, by winning the World Junior title, beating compatriot Akane Yamaguchi in the final.
Now ranked No. 33 in the world, the tiny Okuhara has little fear taking on the rest of the world, although she wants to play catch-up first.
“I was really happy with winning the World Juniors. That was definitely the best achievement in my career,” said Okuhara.
“But I’m not too satisfied with what I’ve achieved so far because there’s still a lot of catching up to do, against the likes of China’s Sun Yu and Thailand’s Busanan Ongbungrumpan.
“Then there’s Taiwan’s Tai Tzu Ying but she’s too far ahead at the moment. Thus this year, I’m aiming to win at least one more GP Gold title, while also trying to do well in Super Series events in order to push for a spot in the World Championship,” added Okuhara.
She has certainly done well enough in the ongoing Maybank Malaysian Open by reaching the quarter-finals, the first time she has ever progressed so far in a Super Series event.
However, the plucky lass came a cropper in the quarter-finals because of an injury. The pint-sized Okuhara who was forced to retire after suffering a knee injury against top seed Saina Nehwal of India. The score was 11-21, 21-14, 0-2 when the pain forced her to pull out.
Courtesy of The Star

MAYBANK Malaysia Open: Chong Wei wants BWF to act as withdrawals hit world badminton again

I’m so sorry: Lee Chong Wei waving to the fans after receiving a walkover from Boonsak Ponsana in the second round yesterday. — S.S.KANESAN / The Star

A SPATE of withdrawals marred the Maybank Malaysian Open at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday and it led to world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei questioning the World Badminton Federation’s (BWF) international tournament calendar.
Yesterday, the eight-time Malaysian Open champion Chong Wei was given a free ride into the men’s singles quarter-finals after a no-show by his opponent Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand because of illness.
Daren also did not raise his racquet as former Olympic and world champion Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia had also withdrawn due to an injury.
Top seeds Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, who last won a Super Series title at the 2010 Malaysian Open, also conceded a walkover to their compatriots Lim Khim Wah-Goh V Shem as Boon Heong was down with high fever.
The announcements of the withdrawals yesterday was greeted with boos from a frustrated group of fans, who had waited patiently for their country’s top players to be in action.
Chong Wei, who had warmed up ahead of his match, said it was unfortunate for the fans not to get their money’s worth.
“I did not know about Boonsak’s withdrawal until later. Taufik also withdrew because of injury. Our doubles player Boon Heong was also very sick,” said Chong Wei.
Last week, the Korean Open in Seoul was also hit by retirements and withdrawals.
“There are just too many tournaments and it is taking its toll on the players. I was playing in December (World Super Series Finals). Then two weeks later, I was back again playing in the Korean Open. Maybe, it is time for BWF to review their calendar.
”It will be good if the BWF give us a one-month break before the start of the new season. It will give time for players to rest and re-group. In tennis, we don’t hear of similiar complaints because their tournaments are well spread out throughout the year,” added Chong Wei.
Chong Wei however, promised to give the fans their money’s worth in today’s quarter-finals.
The Malaysian, who is gunning for a historic ninth title, will take on Hu Yun of Hong Kong while his compatriot Liew Daren will meet Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark.
“Good matches are in store in the quarter-finals today. Hopefully, I can meet Daren in the semi-finals. Daren has been doing well and after missing out the Korean Open, he wants to prove a point. I hope to see him win the match,” said Chong Wei.
Meanwhile, national doubles coach Tan Kim Her said that Boon Heong’s misery was a blessing for world No. 30 Khim Wah-V Shem.
“Boon Heong was already sick coming into the tournament and his condition worsened after the opening round. We decided it was best to pull him out,” said Kim Her.
”Khim Wah-V Shem now have a good chance to qualify for the World Championships (in August in Guangzhou). By making it to the quarter-finals here, their world ranking will likely improve to 21.”
A country can have a maximum of three pairs for the World Championships if all of them are ranked in the top 24 by the end of the qualifying period in April.
“Khim Wah-V Shem are the only pair left in the tournament and we hope that they will go far,” said Kim Her.
Khim Wah-V Shem will take on Kang Ji-wook-Lee Sang-joon of South Korea today. The unseeded Koreans played brilliantly to beat world No. 9 Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong 17-21, 21-11, 21-16.
Courtesy of The Star

MAYBANK Malaysia Open: Lee a title shoo-in, but fans want to see doubles success too

IT’S a shoo-in for Lee Chong Wei to win his record ninth men’s singles title at the Maybank Malaysian Open, which begins at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.
But what the Malaysian fans want is more than one title on home turf. They hope to see men’s doubles stars Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying make it a glorious week for the nation.
Malaysia have been starved of a Super Series success in the men’s doubles for the past two years. The last triumph came through Kien Keat-Boon Heong at the Malaysian Open in 2010.
National doubles chief coach Tan Kim Her believes it is time for Kien Keat-Boon Heong to win back the fans.
“It will certainly boost the morale of the other doubles players if Kien Keat-Boon Heong can win the title again. It will also inspire the back-up pairs to follow in their footsteps and show that the doubles department can also produce results,” said Kim Her.
“Keat Keat-Boon Heong have been showing improvements of late. All they need is confidence to pull off the task. The competition is still an open affair although pairs from South Korea and Denmark have achieved better results,” added Kim Her.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong, the world No. 2, will take on Indonesians Yonathan Suryatama Dasuki-Hendra Gunawan in the first round. They are in the same quarter with compatriots Lim Khim Wah-Goh V Shem and Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong’s main challengers for the title, however, will be reigning Korean Open champions Lee Yong-dae-Ko Sung-hyun in the top half of the draw.

“Playing against their team-mates will be tricky but if Kien Keat-Boon Heong make it, they may face Yong-dae-Sung-hyun in the semi-finals. This will be a perfect chance to redeem themselves,” said Kim Her.
In the mixed doubles, Peng Soon-Liu Ying are the top seeds in the absence of the world No. 1 Xu Chen-Ma Jin of China and world No. 2 Ahmad Tantowi-Lilyana Natsir of Indonesia.
But the Malaysians still have several strong opponents to be wary like second seeds Joachim Fischer Nielsen-Christinna Peder­sen of Denmark and China’s Qiu Zihan-Zhao Yunlei and Zhang Nan-Tang Jinhua.
“Peng Soon-Liu Ying have done well to put our mixed doubles on the world map. If both of them are in the best of condition, they can bring plenty of cheers to the Malaysian fans,” said Kim Her.
While the two doubles titles are not a certainty, the men’s title is virtually in the bag.
Without the top Chinese players in the field and with only Kenichi Tago of Japan being his main challenger, it should be another rich pickings for the 30-year-old Chong Wei. The top prize is worth US$30,000 (RM90,000).
Chong Wei got off to a blistering start to the season last Sunday by winning the Korean Open. It was worth US$75,000 (RM227,000).
Last year, he equalled the achievement of the late Wong Peng Soon by winning his eighth Malaysian Open.
Based on current form, Chong Wei looks untouchable again. He begins his campaign against former world junior champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark today.
Courtesy of The Star

MAYBANK Malaysia Open: Wee Kiong gets new lease of life

TAN Wee Kiong's career was in the doldrums despite having a regular partner and the player had contemplated retiring from the international stage after being left out of the Thomas Cup qualifying squad last year. But he is now enjoying a new lease of life in the men's doubles with Hoon Thien How.
National doubles chief coach Tan Kim Her, who not only included Wee Kiong in the national squad for the Thomas Cup Finals, but also partnered him with Thien How in June and the pair have exceeded expectations by breaking into the top 10 this year.
Wee Kiong and Thien How are presently ranked World No 9 and the former believes that with more effort and confidence when playing against elite pairs, they can improve further.
Wee Kiong said the focus was not so much on progressing in the world ranking but achieving better results and winning at least a grand prix title which is their objective this year.
"We have done well considering that we have only partnered each other for six months but I believe we can do better. Our main objective is to win at least one grand prix title," said the 23-year-old Wee Kiong.
"Our best result on the super series circuit was reaching the semis in the Japan Open and this year, we want to consistently break into the top four.
"We would love to win a super series title but we are not quite there yet. We must first start beating the top five pairs before thinking about the super series title.
"As for the Malaysia Open, our target is the quarter-finals where we will be playing against Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and we will try to make a breakthrough."
Wee Kiong-Thien How begin their Malaysia Open campaign against Denmark's Christian Skovgaard-Mads Pieler Kolding while Kien Keat-Boon Heong face a tricky first round clash against Yonathan Dasuki Suryatama-Hendra Gunawan of Indonesia.
Another back-up pair, Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah will play Rasmus Bonde-Mads Condrad Petersen of Denmark today.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

MAYBANK Malaysia Open: Youngster Zulfadli finally gets to play in main draw

THERE was a big smile on Zulfadli Zulkifli’s face after the former world junior champion made a breakthrough by qualifying for the main draw of the Maybank Malaysian Open at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil Tuesday.
It will be the 19-year-old’s first appearance in the tournament proper of his home Open. Zulfadli, who won the world junior title two years ago, did not compete in last year’s qualifying tournament as he was ranked a lowly 124th in the world. His only notable result was making the main draw of the French Open in October.
Yesterday, Zulfadli won both his qualifying matches with ease. In the first round, he defeated India’s B. Sai Praneeth 21-18, 21-18 before stepping up a gear to power past Hong Kong’s Wei Nan 21-13, 21-11.
Zulfadli is now looking forward to today’s first round encounter against England’s Rajiv Ouseph.
“I’m really happy because this is the first time I’m going to play in the main draw of the Malaysian Open. It’s also a significant improvement, following my French Open experience,” said Zulfadli.
“I’m really pleased with my performances in both matches as I controlled my opponents and made them follow my rhythm.
“I’m also in great condition, with all those injury problems behind me. As I’m no longer competing in junior meets, I’ve been putting more efforts into my physical training.
“Now I just want to carry on with my great form and try to beat Rajiv. He’s a tough player who is strong mentally and physically, so I need to match him there,” added Zulfadli.
There was, however, no joy for national champion Misbun Ramdan Misbun. He was humiliated 21-15, 21-16 by Chinese youngster Chen Yuekun in the first qualifying round.
In the men’s doubles, the professional combination of Mohd Razif Abdul Latif-Vountus Indra Mawan and national back-up pair Low Juan Shen-Tan Yip Jiun made the main draw by beating their compatriots.
“Our partnership is still quite new and thus we’re happy to make the main draw in our first Malaysian Open as a pair,” said Juan Shen.
Juan Shen-Yip Jiun will take on China’s Qiu Zihan-Zhang Nan in the first round today.
Junior Ho Yen Mei also showed her potential by qualifying for the main draw of the women’s singles and doubles with Yap Rui Chen.
Courtesy of The Star

Chong Wei merendah diri

Pemain nombor satu dunia, Datuk Lee Chong Wei enggan terlalu yakin ketika turun beraksi mempertahankan kejuaraan di bumi sendiri.
Pemain nombor satu dunia itu yang mengaku kembali ke prestasi terbaik ketika menjuarai Siri Super Premier Terbuka Korea hujung minggu lalu berkata, kemerosotan dialami selepas Sukan Olimpik sudah berakhir.

“Dengan menjuarai Terbuka Korea, saya kembali mendapat rentak selepas mengalami kecederaan kaki di Siri Super Final di Shenzhen, China bulan lalu,” kata Chong Wei.

Malah pemain kelahiran Pulau Pinang itu berkata, dia lebih fokus kali ini berbanding selepas temasya Olimpik, apabila memperlahankan pembabitan dalam penyertaan antarabangsa.

“Waktu itu saya betul-betul penat, sibuk mengatur majlis perkahwinan, berkahwin dan mengalami kecederaan.

“Beraksi di Terbuka Malaysia sebenarnya lebih tinggi tekanannya kerana saya perlu melakukan yang terbaik di depan penyokong sendiri. Tapi saya harap dapat mempamerkan aksi lebih baik berbanding di Korea.” Dalam memburu gelaran kesembilan, Chong Wei turut mengharapkan agar pemain lain seperti Liew Daren, Chong Wei Feng dan Mohd Arif Latif menunjukkan persembahan terbaik dengan sekurang-kurangnya mara ke suku akhir.
“Ketiadaan pemain terbaik China seharusnya membuka peluang buat Daren, Wei Feng dan Arif untuk menyerlah.” Hari ini, pemain terbaik negara itu akan berdepan Viktor Axelsen dari Denmark dan dia dijangka tiada masalah mara ke pusingan kedua.

Tahun lalu, Chong Wei muncul juara dengan menewaskan Kenichi Tago dari Jepun 21-6, 21-13.

Metro

Kebangkitan Ramdan dua tahun lagi: Rahman

Rahman Sidek meletakkan sasaran dua tahun untuk anak saudaranya, Misbun Ramdan Misbun berada dalam kelompok terbaik dunia.
Rahman yang melatih Ramdan buat sementara sebelum Datuk Misbun Sidek mengambil alih pada masa yang belum ditetapkan berkata, anak didiknya itu membuktikan dirinya cukup berbakat kerana hanya mengambil masa singkat di bawah Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) untuk muncul juara kebangsaan.

“Dalam masa dua tahun bersama BAM, dia sudah mengatasi pemain yang lebih lama bermain sepenuh masa, itu menunjukkan bakat dan kesungguhannya untuk berjaya lebih tinggi,” kata Rahman.

“Kami di Nusa Mahsuri mempunyai pengalaman melahirkan pemain bertaraf dunia seperti Rashid Sidek, Roslin dan Muhd Hafiz Hashim.

“Sekarang semua terpulang kepada Ramdan, apa yang dia mahu dan tahap yang ingin dikecapinya.” Bagaimanapun ketika ditanya mengenai perancangan Nusa Mahsuri untuk menaikkan prestasi Ramdan, Rahman nyata belum ada jawapan dengan hanya mengulangi tempoh dua tahun dilihat paling sesuai untuk melihat anak saudaranya berada di tahap terbaik dunia.

Ramdan, juara kebangsaan 2012 mencipta kontroversi apabila meninggalkan BAM minggu lalu, tewas kepada pemain China, Chen Yuekun pada perlawanan pertama pusingan kelayakan semalam.
Anak legenda badminton negara, Misbun itu tewas 15-21, 16-21 dan jelas gugup beraksi pada penampilan pertama di kejohanan Siri Super Terbuka Malaysia, semalam.

“Saya memang gugup beraksi buat kali pertama di kejohanan sebesar ini apa lagi di depan penonton sendiri hingga membuatkan permainan saya tidak menjadi,” kata Ramdan yang mensasarkan untuk berada di kelompok 50 terbaik dunia pertengahan tahun ini.
Pada masa ini, dia berada di ranking ke-87 dunia selepas menduduki posisi ke-67 dunia tahun lalu.

Metro

Hari Keputeraan DYMM Yang Dipertuan Besar NSDK

D I R G A H A Y U

Duli Yang Maha Mulia 

Yang DiPertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus

Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir

Sempena Hari Keputeraan 

Tuanku Yang ke-65

Pada 14 Januari 2013
bersamaan
02 Rabiulawal 1434H

Sembah Takzim

Permulaan bergaya

CHONG WEI meraih gelaran pertamanya musim ini selepas muncul juara pada Terbuka Korea semalam.

JAGUH negara, Datuk Lee Chong Wei membuka tirai kalendar 2013 penuh bergaya selepas merekodkan kejuaraan sulung pada Kejohanan Badminton Siri Super Premier Terbuka Korea.
Kejayaan itu hadir selepas dia melakar kemenangan ke atas pemain China, Du Pengyu 21-12, 21-15 pada aksi final yang berlangsung di Seoul, Korea Selatan semalam.
Sebagai rekod, ia merupakan kejuaraan kedua berturut-turut buat pemain No. 1 dunia itu selepas dia berjaya bergelar juara tahun lalu.
Sebelum itu, Chong Wei turut menggenggam trofi kejuaraan Terbuka Korea pada 2010.
Jurulatih perseorangan negara, Tey Seu Bock memuji corak permainan yang dipamerkan Chong Wei yang tampil dengan aksi penuh bertenaga selain fokus terhadap lawannya yang menghuni ranking kelima dunia.
“Chong Wei beraksi dengan baik dan dia berjaya memberikan fokus sepenuhnya dalam perlawanan (final) tersebut. Itu yang membuatkan dia tenang merencanakan serangan ke atas Pengyu,” kata Seu Bock ketika dihubungi Kosmo! di Seoul semalam.
Menurut Seu Bock, kejuaraan tersebut sudah pasti memberi tonik terbaik buat Chong Wei dalam misi merekodkan kejuaraan kesembilan pada Terbuka Malaysia yang akan bermula esok.
“Saya harap dia boleh mengekalkan konsistensinya seperti mana yang ditunjukkan pada Terbuka Korea kali ini. Saya percaya, jika dia boleh melakukannya, dia akan bergelar juara pada Terbuka Malaysia,” kata Seu Bock.
Chong Wei yang tampil pada musim 2013 dengan imej serba putih, sudah lapan kali bergelar juara Terbuka Malaysia bermula pada 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 dan 2012.
Dia yang diletakkan sebagai pilihan pertama kejohanan akan memulakan cabaran pada Terbuka Malaysia menentang Viktor Axelsen dari Denmark pada aksi pusingan pertama.
Terbuka Malaysia akan berlangsung di Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil bermula esok hingga Ahad ini.

Kosmo

Chong Wei gets off to a roaring start by clinching Korean Open title

Malaysia’s world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei got off to a dream and rewarding start to the new badminton season yesterday.
The 30-year-old Malaysian turned on the power to show that he was back in business with a splendid 21-12, 21-15 win over Du Pengyu of China to win the men’s singles title at the Korean Open Super Series Premier in Seoul.
It was Chong Wei’s third Korean Open title but probably the sweetest one. It made up for his disappointment at the BWF’s World Super Series Finals in Shenzhen three weeks ago when he lost in a rubber game to Pengyu before withdrawing from the tournament with a thigh injury.
Yesterday, though, a refreshed Chong Wei showed no signs of injuries or lethargy as he slammed down powerful smashes, showed precision in his tight netplays, entertained the crowd with his delayed drop shots and oozed confidence to prevent the 24-year-old Pengyu from winning his first career title.
The only moment of anxiety was probably during the start of the second game when Pengyu scored four consecutive points to level the score at 8-8. Chong Wei, however, poured cold water on Pengyu’s hot run with a powerful smash to regain the lead. After that, it was Chong Wei back in command all the way to the finish line.
The win in badminton’s richest tournament was worth a cool US$75,000 (RM227,000) to Chong Wei. He was thrilled with his roaring start.
“I am back,” said an overjoyed Chong Wei in a telephone interview.
“It is great to start the year on a bright note. I was tired towards the end of last year and withdrew from the Super Series Finals because of the thigh injury. I have had a good rest and had quality time in training. And today, I was able to avenge my defeat to Pengyu,” he added.
Chong Wei will now shift his focus to the Maybank Malaysian Open Super Series starting at the Putra Stadium on Wednesday.
“Now, I want to win another Malaysian Open title. It is always special to play at home and I will do my best to win it for my home fans.
“The weather is extremely cold in Seoul. When I get back home tomorrow (today), it will be warm and sunny. I will have to make quick adjustments,” said Chong Wei.
In the absence of many top stars from China, the Malaysian has a golden chance to be most successful player in the history of the Malaysian Open. Last year, he equalled the record held by the late Wong Peng Soon when he won his eighth home title.
“We are players from different era and there should be no comparisons. History aside, all I want to do is to focus on my game and go for the title,” said Chong Wei, winner from 2004-2006 and 2008-2012.
National singles coach Tey Seu Bock was pleased as punch with Chong Wei’s early success to the season.
“It was all about playing the right kind of game against Pengyu. After the defeat in Shenzhen, we studied Pengyu’s game. Today, Chong Wei broke Pengyu’s resolve and gave him no room to play his game,” said Seu Bock.
“Three weeks ago, Chong Wei looked jaded and not himself at the Super Series Finals in Shenzhen. Today, he was back to his usual confident self and I foresee a great year ahead for him,” added Seu Bock.
Meanwhile, the season-opener was not a good one for China, as their top women’s singles star Wang Shixian went down 12-21, 20-22 to South Korean Sung Ju-hyun in the final.
China only managed to take home two titles through Wang Xiaoli-Yu Yang (women’s doubles) and Zhang Nan-Zhao Yunlei (mixed doubles).

Korea Open: Doubles freefall continues

LEE Chong Wei cruised confidently in his title defence but a clueless Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong were blown out of the  Korea Open by home favourites Ko Sung Hyun-Lee Yong Dae in Seoul yesterday.
Chong Wei needed just 34 minutes to overcome Wong Wing Ki of Hong Kong 21-11, 21-18 to reach his fifth consecutive final in the Korea Open.
However, Kien Keat-Boon Heong are heading nowhere if their 21-17, 21-11 loss to Sung Hyun-Yong Dae is any indication.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong took a 1-0 lead in the first game but were never in control after that. When the Koreans led 10-1 in the second game, the Malaysians didn't have the stomach for a fightback.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong's performance hardly did any justice to their World No 2 ranking and national men's doubles chief coach Tan Kim Her will have to make some hard decisions if their erratic performance continues.
Their barren run in the Super Series has stretched to three years and they can expect the worst in the Malaysia Open where they are likely to meet Sung Hyun-Yong Dae in the semi-finals.
Kim Her, in an e-mail from Seoul, stated he has not given up hope on Kien Keat-Boon Heong.
"Tactically, Kien Keat-Boon Heong are still better than them (Sung Hyun-Yong Dae). The shuttle is slow in this tournament and our players must be mentally very strong to beat them," said Kim Her.
"Sung Hyun has been getting better in every tournament and Yong Dae doesn't have to cover him so much. They are the pair to watch out for in the major events and also the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
"Hopefully, Kien Keat-Boon Heong can come back strongly in the Malaysia Open next week. Their target is the All England (in March) and the World Championships (in Guangzhou in August)."
Chong Wei, who won the Korea Open in 2010 and 2012, will meet China's Du Pengyu in the final today.
Pengyu, who beat Indonesian Sony Dwi Kuncoro 21-12, 21-17 in 50 minutes, will be in a buoyant mood against Chong Wei after having beaten the Malaysian in the World Super Series Finals last month.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Wei Feng goes into home meet with highest ever ranking

Men’s singles back-up shuttler Chong Wei Feng will go into the Maybank Malaysian Open Super Series at the Putra Stadium on Wednesday as a top 20 player for the first time in his career.
Wei Feng, who moved up two rungs to 19th in the world on Thursday, plans to mark his breakthrough with a memorable outing in his home tournament.
For a start, he’s eyeing revenge against Kenichi Tago of Japan in the opening round.
“I’ve beaten Tago once, but lost to him in our last two meetings. It’s time to set the record straight,” said Wei Feng.
The left-hander defeated the 2010 All-England runner-up for the first time at the Japan Open last year but the Japanese clinched straight-game victories at the French and Hong Kong Opens .
“My best result in our home tournament was a quarter-final finish in 2010. Hopefully, I can justify my new world ranking with a win over Tago.
“It’ll be tough but I hope the home fans will spur me on,” he said.
But first Wei Feng must recover physically from his energy-sapping outing at the ongoing Korean Open.
The 24-year-old Wei Feng did well to reach the quarter-finals after beating China’s Gao Huan 14-21, 21-18, 21-15 in one hour and 14 minutes on Thursday.
A day later, however, the tired Wei Feng went down 5-21, 21-17, 15-21 to Wong Wing Ki of Hong Kong.
“I need to be physically stronger to give a more solid showing,” admitted Wei Feng.
Tago, however, fared worse in Seoul when he suffered a first round loss to Denmark’s Jan O Jorgensen.
A win over the second-seeded Japanese in the Malaysian Open will surely give Wei Feng a timely boost.
Besides Wei Feng, the other Malaysian singles shuttlers in the main draw are defending champion Lee Chong Wei, Liew Daren, Tan Chun Seang and Mohd Arif Abdul Latif.
Courtesy of The Star

New Venue of Badminton Court at Putra Nilai...

Just an information for the badminton guys around Nilai and Sepang..The Kompleks Sukan Airport had starting and offering another choice for the badminton lovers. Bowling also available here. ...

Korea Open: Day 2 - Tai Wins Battle of Teenagers

Chinese Taipei’s Tai Tzu Ying gave further evidence of her talent today, upsetting sixth seed Ratchanok Intanon at the Victor Korea Open Superseries Premier event.

The 18-year-old, who had a promising 2012 winning the Japan Open, continued her recent good form, prevailing 13-21 22-20 21-17 in the first round Women’s Singles match over Thailand’s teen, Intanon. Having lost the first game, Tai was in a precarious position in the second game - 12-17 down to the world No. 9 but inched ahead to clinch the game 22-20. Although the third game again was a tight affair, Tai grabbed four straight points from 17-all to enter the second round, where she faces China’s Han Li. This was Tai’s third straight win over Intanon in seven meetings.

The Women’s Singles saw the retirements of the top two seeds from China, Li Xuerui and Wang Yihan, to Porntip Buranaprasertsuk (Thailand) and Bae Yeon Ju (Korea) respectively. Most of the other favoured players – such as Wang Shixian, Jiang Yanjiao (both China), Tine Baun (Denmark) and Juliane Schenk (Germany) progressed without trouble. However, Saina Nehwal (India) survived a mild scare. The third seed was taken the distance by upcoming Thai, Sapsiree Taerattanachai (left), before eking out a 17-21 21-9 21-19 victory in 58 minutes.

It was a good day for Europe in Men’s Singles. Marc Zwiebler (Germany), Viktor Axelsen, Jan O Jorgensen (Denmark), Vladimir Ivanov (Russia) and Ville Lang (Finland) made the second round. China had a mixed day, with second seed Chen Long retiring, and the loss of Macau Open champion Chen Yuekun (to Russia’s Ivanov, 21-19 21-15). However, fourth seed Du Pengyu eased into the second round with a rout of Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien Chen 21-7 21-12, while qualifier Gao Huan (BWF home page) surprised his senior compatriot Chen Jin 14-21 21-14 21-15. Top seed Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia) was given a three-game workout by China’s Wang Zhengming 17-21 21-14 21-16.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Olympic champions, Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng (Men’s Doubles), retired in their first-round encounter.

• In Mixed Doubles, European champions Robert Mateusiak/Nadiezda Zeiba (Poland) avenged their Bitburger Open loss to Anders Kristiansen/Julie Houmann (right) by beating the Danes 21-13 25-23. They will next play Chris Adcock/Gabrielle White (England).

• In Women’s Doubles, Japan’s Miyuki Maeda, playing with Reika Kakiiwa instead of regular partner Satoko Suetsuna, won her first-round match against Bulgaria’s Petya Nedelcheva/Dimitria Popstoikova 21-15 21-16.

• Russia’s Vladimir Ivanov had a good day. Apart from his singles win, he combined with Ivan Sozonov to win his Men’s Doubles match as well, ousting Markis Kido/Alvent Yulianto Chandra (Indonesia) 21-13 21-15.

 

Korea Open: Early scare for Chong Wei

LEE Chong Wei struggled to advance to the second round but his Korea Open title defence was boosted by the exit of World No 2 Chen Long of China in Seoul yesterday.
Chong Wei dropped a game for the first time in six meetings against Wang Zhengming of China, winning 17-21, 21-14, 21-16 in 65 minutes in the opening round.
The World No 1 will meet Marc Zwiebler of Germany, who defeated Indonesian Tommy Sugiarto 16-21, 21-14, 21-17, in the second round today.
Top China players either conceded walkovers midway through a match or were shown the exit in the first round.
Chen Long, who led 11-4 against Ashton Chen of Singapore, then abruptly conceded the match while men's doubles Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng and women's singles Olympic champion Li Xuerui conceded walkovers.
China's third seed Chen Jin also crashed out, losing 14-21, 21-14, 21-15 to compatriot Gao Huan, who will meet Malaysian Chong Wei Feng in the second round today.
Wei Feng booked his berth after beating Henri Hurskainen of Finland 24-22, 21-16.
Men's doubles Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah resumed their partnership positively when they defeated South Koreans Cho Gun Woo-Kim Dae Eun 15-21, 21-13, 21-17 and will play Hiroyuki Endo-Kenichi Hayakawa of Japan today.
Independent pair Gan Teik Chai-Ong Soon Hock were also through after beating another Korean pair, Kim Jae Hwan-Kim Jung Ho 21-10, 24-22.
They will meet second seeds Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, who outlasted South Korea's Kang Ji Wook-Lee Sang Joon 21-13, 21-17 in 39 minutes, in the second round.
National No 2 Tan Wee Kiong-Hoon Thien How were shown the exit in the first round after a 21-12, 20-22, 21-14 defeat to fourth seeds Hiroyuki Endo-Kenichi Hayakawa of Japan while professional pair Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari also lost 21-14, 21-18 to Thailand's Patiphat Chalardchalem-Nipitphon Puangpuapech.
In the mixed doubles, third seeds Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying advanced to the second round after beating Germany's Oliver Roth-Johanna Goliszweski 21-15, 21-12 while another pair Ong Jian Guo-Lim Yin Loo lost 21-18, 21-12 to Chris Adcock-Gabrielle White of England.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Korea Open: Aging Chong Wei must overcome young guns in Seoul

They are young – and restless. The season-opener Korean Open, which begins in Seoul today, could mark a transition in the world of badminton, with world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei the primary target.
The Malaysian is being viewed as easy prey due to his age and injuries.
The 30-year-old Chong Wei, who has just recovered from a thigh strain that led to him conceding a walkover in the Super Series Masters Finals in Shenzhen, China, last month, faces former world junior champion Wang Zhengming in today’s first round.
Zhengming has never beaten Chong Wei in their last five meetings. But don’t forget that Du Pengyu finally overcame Chong Wei at the seventh time of asking – in Shenzhen last month.
The other aspiring youngsters in the same half with top seed Chong Wei in Seoul are Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia; Viktor Axelsen of Denmark; and Wong Wing Ki of Hong Kong.
Chong Wei will also have to worry about second seed Chen Long, who be baying for the Malaysian’s blood with the likes of Du Pengyu, Chou Tien-chen of Taiwan and Kenichi Tago of Japan from the lower half.
Chen Long has beaten Chong Wei five times out of 12 meetings and has showed that he has the credential to be an able replacement for two-time Olympic Games champion Lin Dan.
National singles coach Tey Seu Bock agreed that it would be a challenging year for Chong Wei, whose goal this year is to become the world champion. The World Championships are in Guangzhou in August.
Chong Wei, who lost to Lin Dan in the final of the London Olympic Games, made eight other final appearances and won five of them. It will be a tall order to repeat that feat.
In the men’s doubles, all eyes will be on Malaysia’s Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong. Can they make a lasting impression this year by overcoming an array of new combinations and live up to the country’s expectations?
They’ll have to, don’t they. Afterall, they’ve been given a chance keep their partnership alive until this year’s World Championships.
They must prove themselves to be worthy opponents against South Koreans Lee Yong-dae-Ko Sung-hyun and Kim Ki-jung-Kim Sa-rang; China’s Hong Wei-Shen Ye and Chai Biao-Zhang Nan; and Indonesia’s Markis Kido-Alven Yulianto and Mohd Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan if they hope to stay together longer.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong will also have to contend with old rivals Cai Yun-Hai Feng of China and Denmark’s Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen, who have not shown any signs of slowing down.
In the mixed doubles, Malaysia’s hopes rest on Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying.
It, however, depends on the condition of Liu Ying, who is battling with a knee injury.
Courtesy of The Star

Shuttler Ramdan cites personal reason for leaving national set-up

Blood is definitely thicker than water.
This adage was proven right when reigning national men’s singles champion Misbun Ramdan Misbun quit the national team yesterday to “rejoin” his father – Datuk Misbun Sidek – under the banner of professional club Nusa Mahsuri.
Ramdan’s shocking action is reminiscent of his father’s own actions two years ago.
Then, just as Malaysia was ushering in the New Year, Misbun dropped a bombshell by walking out of the national team – resigning as the national coach.
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) secretary Ng Chin Chai confirmed yesterday that Ramdan, who will turn 22 on March 16, had handed in his resignation letter citing personal reasons.
Ramdan, however, had the courtesy to meet his coach Hendrawan on Tuesday to personally thank him for guiding him over the last two years.
After all, Hendrawan had played a big part in helping Ramdan achieve several breakthroughs. Ramdan won his first local title, the Pahang Open, last year and defeated two more experienced players in Liew Daren and Chong Wei Feng en route to becoming the national champion for the first time.
“He texted me, asking whether I could meet up with him as he had something important to tell me,” said Hendrawan.
“My suspicion were proven right when he told me that he was leaving. I asked him if he had any problems with me, the BAM’s programme or anything else ... but he said no.
“He said it was time to go. I am glad that we ended it well. He thanked me for all that we’ve gone through together over the last two years. I appreciate his humility.
“Ramdan is one of the talented ones in the group and has the potential to be a world class player. I wish him all the best. I told him that the door is always open if he wants to come back.”
Meanwhile, Chin Chai said that he would bring up Ramdan’s resignation at BAM’s exco meeting on Jan 15. Chin Chai, however, said that they would not stop Ramdan from playing in the Malaysian Open from Jan 16-20 as BAM had already registered his name.
“His resignation came as a surprise to us. I received a letter stating that he was quitting due to personal reasons,” said Chin Chai.
In June 2011, BAM banned back-up shuttler Tan Chun Seang for two years when he left the national team to turn professional. He was not allowed to compete in any international tournaments in the Asian region. The ban was lifted during the BAM’s coaching and training committee meeting in Alor Setar last month.
Will Ramdan be similarly punished?
Chin Chai said: “It’s not for me to decide. Ramdan has left in a good way. Anyway, we’ll notify the exco of his decision.”
Courtesy of The Star

World Championships: Coach wants at least two men's pairs to make semi-finals

MALAYSIA are certain of having a maximum of three men's doubles qualifying for the World Championships but national coach Tan Kim Her's target is to see at least two pairs making the semi-finals in Guangzhou on Aug 4-11.
World No 2 Kien Keat-Boon Heong's goal is to go for the title while second ranked Tan Wee Kiong-Hoon Thien How, the World No 10, have been set a semi-final target.
Kim Her wants to see a revival of Malaysian men's doubles in Guangzhou.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong's best achievement was finishing runners-up in Paris in 2010 but they faltered in the quarter-finals in 2011.
The last time Malaysia had two pairs in the semi-finals was in 2009 but Kien Keat-Boon Heong and Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari failed to progress further.
The fight for the third slot is still open with independent pairs Zakry-Fairuz, ranked World No 23, and Gan Teik Chai-Ong Soon Hock, No 27, and national pairs Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah and Ow Yao Han-Chooi Kah Ming, ranked 35th and 36th respectively, aiming to break into the top 24 by the end of April.
"Kien Keat-Boon Heong have been set by BAM to achieve at least a place in the final and if we can have another pair in the semis, it will show a lot of progress. We have eight months to get the top two pairs into the medal rounds of the World Championships in Guangzhou," said Kim Her.
"Kien Keat-Boon Heong have made the final once and they will be motivated to go for the title although the competition will be stiff.
"They have beaten World No 1 Mathias Boe-Cartsen Mogensen (of Denmark) twice since the London Olympics while favourites Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng (of China) have not been playing regularly.
"The new threats are from South Korea where Ko Sung Hyun-Lee Yong Dae and Kim Ki Jung-Kim Sa Rang have set the early pace in the title race for the World Championships.
"We have a lot of catching up to do but there is sufficient time to focus on the objective and work hard to return with our heads held high.
"About four pairs are in the running for the third slot and we have not set a target for them.
"However, I want to witness one of Malaysia's best performances in the the World Championships, and the coaches and the players are already putting in their efforts.
"Although the super series events are not priority for the top two pairs, they must also do well as the top five pairs will regularly feature in these events."
Kien Keat-Boon Heong and Wee Kiong-Thien How will compete in the Korea Open, which begins in Seoul on Tuesday, and the Malaysia Open on Jan 15-20.
Besides the men's doubles, World No 3 Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying have also been set a target of reaching at least the semi-finals and break their jinx in the major events where they have never gone past the quarter-final stage.
Courtesy of New Straits Time

Korea Open: Chong Wei remains Malaysia's best bet

WHO can Malaysia turn to when the Korea Open, the curtain raiser to the 2013 badminton season, begins today?
Who else but the same old Lee Chong Wei. Nobody else to pick up the cudgel.
But with Chong Wei, the defending champion, not at the height of his powers, it will take additional effort from the World No 1 to nail his third title in Korea.
Success last year was extra sweet for Chong Wei as he had beaten the great Lin Dan of China in the final. This time Super Dan is not around as he is still on holiday after his Olympic triumph in London.
But in Seoul, China will have young pretenders out to steal the thunder from Chong Wei. However, the Malaysian's experience should come in handy.
Wang Zhengming of China, who faces Chong Wei in the first round, has never beaten Chong Wei.
The World No 1 is likely to face Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia or Marc Zwiebler of Germany in the second round. In the quarter-final, Chong Wei is scripted to meet Hu Yun of Hong Kong.
A semi-final meeting against Chen Jin is in store for Chong Wei. The Malaysian should face little trouble as the third seeded Chinese is on the decline.
In the final, Chong Wei should meet second seed Chen Long of China who has beaten the former in the Hong Kong Open final in November.
However, national coach Tey Seu Bock said Chong Wei is better prepared to face Chen Long this time.
Men's doubles Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong are no longer a pair that can intimidate rivals, as time and again, they can lose to lower ranked pairs and new combinations.
They are also increasingly vulnerable playing South Korean combinations.
They have an easy ride to the semis as they will meet a qualifying pair and most likely face compatriots Gan Teik Chai-Ong Soon Hock in the second round.
The quarter-final is expected to be tougher as they will play either China's Liu Xiaolong-Qiu Zihan or Hirokatsu Hashimoto-Noriyasu Hirata of Japan before setting up a semi-final clash against South Korea's Ko Sung Hyun-Lee Yong Dae.
Coach Tan Kim Her will also be hoping for second pair Tan Wee Kiong-Hoon Thien How to make a big impact in the super series but they have a tough task playing Hiroyuki Endo-Kenichi Hayakawa of Japan in the first round.
Should Wee Kiong-Thien How get an upset win, they are expected to meet compatriots Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah in the second round and could face Sung Hyun-Yong Dae in the last eight.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Shuttler will no longer fool around following punishment by BAM

Being a champion is great – more so if you show the right attitude on court. That’s the lesson men’s singles shuttler Liew Daren will take to heart this year after being banned from competing in the Korean Open, which starts in Seoul tomorrow, following his lackadaisical attitude at the National Grand Prix Finals in Alor Setar last month.

The reigning French Open champion was banned by the coaching and training committee (CNT) for the apathetic approach that led to his defeat by eventual champion Misbun Ramdan Misbun in the group stage.
World No. 16 Daren, currently the national No. 2 behind Lee Chong Wei, said that the ban would spur him to get his act right – starting with the Malaysian Open at the Putra Stadium from Jan 16-20.
“I was very tired towards the end of last year – especially after winning the French Open. It must shown in my game during the National GP Finals ... but I did give my best,” said Daren.
“I was disappointed with the decision as I was looking forward to the Korean Open. The incident has taught me a good lesson. I’ll take local tournaments seriously and be more determined on court no matter what.
“I don’t want to be banned from any tournament again ... this is certainly not the way I wanted to start the New Year.”
Daren, who is hoping to make the top 10 by the end of this year, is hoping to put the unfortunate episode behind him by achieving his best result in the Malaysian Open – at least a semi-final spot.
“Since I won’t be going to the Korean Open, I’ll have one extra week to brush up my game at home. My best outing in the Malaysian Open is a quarter-final finish (in 2009) .. I hope to go one step better this time,” he said.
“The crucial part will be in the second round and, hopefully, I can step it up.”
Daren faces Ajay Jayaram of India in the opening round either Indonesia’s Taufik Hidayat and Vietnam’s Nguyen Tien Minh for a place in the last eight.
He is in the same half as top seed Chong Wei and they could meet in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, with Daren banned, Malaysia’s hopes in the men’s singles event of the Korean Open will rest on defending champion Chong Wei and Chong Wei Feng.
Chong Wei will take on China’s former world junior champion Wang Zhengming in the first round. The others in his half are Wei Feng, Viktor Axelsen of Denmark, Chen Jin of China, Taufik and Hong Kong’s Hu Yun.
Those in the lower half with Chen Long are compatriot Du Pengyu, Japan’s Kenichi Tago, Thailand’s Boonsak Ponsana and Denmark’s Jan O Jorgensen.
For the record, the Korean Open and Malaysian Open are the first two legs of the Super Series Tour this season.
The Star

PBSI hire Rexy but BAM still dithering

Perhaps the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) can learn something from the All-Indonesia Badminton Association (PBSI) when it comes to taking decisive action.
While BAM are still dithering over the appointment of a national coaching director, the PBSI have got their man – appointing the popular Rexy Mainaky as the supremo.
The move could see the re-emergence of Indonesia as badminton powerhouses and serve as a warning to Malaysia, and even China.
The PBSI have somehow weaved their magic wand to coax Rexy out of his lucrative job as the national coaching director in the Philippines.
The former Olympic Games champion, who left Malaysia to join the Philippines early last year, began work in Indonesia on Jan 1.
Indonesia have also engaged former world champion Susi Susanti to coach their women’s singles shuttlers.
With mastermind Christian Hadinata as their advisor, Indonesia are clearly on the right path as they seek to restore their nation’s battered pride.
The revamps comes in the wake of Indonesia’s worst-ever year. Last year, none of their players won an Olympic medal in London for the first time and they also failed to make the semi-finals of the Thomas Cup Finals for the very first time.
Malaysia’s national doubles chief coach Tan Kim Her expects Rexy’s return to boost Indonesia’s bid to find able replacements for their aging men’s singles and doubles stars – Taufik Hidayat and Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan.
“Rexy’s coaching expeiences in England and Malaysia will stand him in good stead as he assesses Indonesia’s situation from a different perspective. It’s a good move for Rexy and Indonesia,” said Kim Her.
“These changes should motivate us to strive harder. We must redouble our effort and work as a team.”
And what about BAM’s search for a national coaching director?
According to BAM general manager Kenny Goh there’s been no progress since their failure to hire South Korean legend Park Joo-bong.
“For now, Kim Her and Rashid Sidek have full mandate to manage the singles and doubles departments while we continue our search,” said Kenny

Ujian sulung buat Koo-Tan

TERBUKA Korea akan menjadi penanda aras terhadap kemampuan Kien Keat (kanan) dan Boon Heong musim ini.

BEREGU utama lelaki negara, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong bakal berdepan ujian sulung dalam misi merealisasikan sasaran memburu slot final Kejohanan Dunia 2013 di Guangzhou, China, Ogos depan.
Pasangan No. 2 dunia itu akan turun memulakan aksi kempen dalam saingan tahun ini pada Kejohanan Badminton Siri Super Premier Terbuka Korea yang membuka tirainya hari ini.
Ketua jurulatih beregu negara, Tan Kim Her berkata, meskipun tidak ada sebarang sasaran diletakkan pada kejohanan yang berlangsung di Seoul, Korea Selatan itu tetapi beliau menganggap ia sebagai medan awal untuk menilai prestasi sebenar Kien Keat- Boon Heong.
Katanya, Kien Keat-Boon Heong yang dijangka berdepan dengan beregu Korea Selatan, Ko Sung Hyun-Lee Yong Dae seandainya kedua-dua pasangan tersebut layak ke peringkat separuh akhir bakal menjadi ujian terbaik buat gandingan negara itu.
“Saya tidak meletakkan sebarang sasaran buat Kien Keat-Boon Heong kerana saya tidak mahu mereka beraksi dalam keadaan tertekan.
“Namun, jika mereka berjaya bergelar juara ia bakal memberi suntikan semangat kepada mereka.
“Saya lebih suka menilai prestasi semasa Kien Keat-Boon Heong kerana fokus utama mereka untuk tahun ini adalah Kejohanan Dunia, Seluruh England (Mac) dan Piala Sudirman (Mei).
“Pada Terbuka Korea kali ini, mereka dijangka berdepan Sung Hyun-Yong Dae.
“Jadi, ia adalah medan terbaik untuk menguji tahap kemampuan sebenar mereka dan saya akan membuat penilaian berdasarkan perlawanan itu nanti,” kata Kim Her.
Pada Terbuka Korea kali ini, Kien Keat-Boon Heong mendapat undian mudah sekurang-kurangnya untuk mara sehingga ke peringkat suku akhir sebelum dijangka membuat perhintungan dengan Sung Hyun-Yong Dae pada aksi separuh akhir.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong bakal membuka tirai saingan Terbuka Korea menentang pemain kelayakan esok.
Sebagai rekod, kali terakhir mereka bergelar juara pada kejohanan bertaraf Siri Super adalah pada Terbuka Malaysia 2010

Kosmo

Happy New Year 2013!!!

New national champion Ramdan eyeing more glory

Winning the National Grand Prix Finals title on Sunday was more of a 2013 season opener for back-up singles shuttler Misbun Ramdan Misbun rather than a perfect ending for 2012.
The 21-year-old son of former badminton star Datuk Misbun Sidek landed the national title after beating Chong Wei Feng 13-21, 21-18, 21-18 at the Kedah BA Hall on Sunday.
“There are so many things that I would like to do in 2013. Of course, I want to compete in more Super Series events and improve my ranking. So this is a good start for me,” said Ramdan.
Ramdan grabbed his first local win in 2012 when he bagged the Pahang Open title in October. And if he keeps on producing decent results, he is defintely on the upward trajectory to success.
However, Ramdan, will have to work on his maturity before he becomes a complete player.
“I tend to be hasty on court. That is the biggest mistake that I usually make while playing. I want to kill off my opponents too fast and that has left me vulnerable to attacks from my opponents.
“And being hasty means I make mistakes. I need to learn to be more patient,” he said.
Ramdan said this weakness has led to several losses to juniors during training sessions.
“I thought they were easy meat for me but they beat me because I’m not patient enough. I am still learning to be a better player. I know time is on my side and I want to improve,” said Ramdan, who will play in the qualifying tournament of the Malaysian Open scheduled for Jan 15-20 at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Courtesy of The Star