World Badminton Sport

BAM need to prove they are still relevant, says minister

2011-08-23T10:27:00.002+08:00

KEMAMAN: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have to prove that they are still a relevant body to ensure continuing excellence in national badminton, said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

He said if more players decided to follow the footsteps of Zakry Abdul Latif and Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari (pic), who left the national elite squad, it could be construed that the association was no longer relevant.

Expressing his shock over the departure of the duo, Ahmad Shabery said the development would tarnish BAM’s integrity as it was not able to retain players under its ambit.

“BAM had been given the mandate to develop players, and if more players decided to leave, we are worried old wounds will bleed again as in the departures of Muhammad Hafiz Hashim and Misbun (Datuk Misbun Sidek), much to the detriment of all quarters,” he said before presenting aid to the needy from the Ayer Puteh state constituency here yesterday.

BAM president Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh told a news conference on Saturday that BAM had accepted the resignation of Zakry and Fairuzizuan after 15 years of service without any conditions.

Ahmad Shabery said the National Sports Council (NSC) would get to the bottom of the matter as the ministry was concern on the backlash if more players decided to leave BAM or whether the incident was merely an isolated case.

Zakry, 29, and Fairuzizuan, 28, sent their resignation letters to BAM on Aug 17 stating their intention to become independent players.

They were former second-ranked pair before coach Rexy Mainaky decided to split them and pair them up with Hoon Thien How and Ong Soon Hock respectively. – Bernama

Yee Khan: After Chong Wei, the future looks scary for Malaysian badminton

2011-08-22T14:15:00.000+08:00

PETALING JAYA: There is great hope on Lee Chong Wei to deliver the first gold medal for the country at the London Olympics but former badminton doubles great Datuk Tan Yee Khan felt there is a more urgent need for Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to immediately look into what lies after that as the future looks scary indeed.

Chong Wei was on the verge of making history as the first world champion for the country but his hopes ended with a 22-20, 14-21, 21-23 defeat to Lin Dan of China at the World Championships in London last Sunday and that was the only bright talking point the Malaysian badminton team brought back.

And Yee Khan, the two-time former All-England champion, felt it is time the powers-to-be get working from now on to prepare for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

A class of one: Lee Chong Wei was the only Malaysian shuttler to shine at the recent World Badminton Championships in London. – AFP

“We can still hope on Chong Wei for the next two years at the most but there is no single promising player I see at the moment and this should not happen considering our badminton tradition.

“We need to start grooming up the right group of players for the future and you need about two years to get things right before you can see them challenging for the big titles.

“And we have to start looking at the younger set of players as it is too late for the current group to make changes.

“We already have a proven champion at home and the best way to come up, in my opinion, is to learn from the champion.

“That’s why I am surprised why no player in the national team is following the playing style of Chong Wei.

“Chong Wei, in fact, has observed how Lin Dan is playing and you can see he has changed his playing style to resemble his rival.

“It’s one of the reason why it’s so close this time between both of them.

“In fact, I praise Chong Wei for coming so close to winning the world title.

“If he can maintain his current condition, I believe Chong Wei holds a better chance to win if they meet again at the Olympic Games next year,” said Yee Khan, who played in the 1967 Thomas Cup winning team and also guided the Sidek brothers – Razif and Jalani – to the All-England men’s doubles title in 1982.

Yee Khan added it is easier said than done to produce another top player in the mould of Chong Wei as they must have the physical and mental strength in place first.

“That is why we have to start looking now into the future and not wait until Chong Wei is no longer around.”

Zakry and Fairuzizuan decide to become independent players

2011-08-22T14:14:00.005+08:00

PETALING JAYA: Two of the longest serving doubles players Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif and Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari have left the national badminton team.

It was revealed at the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) exco meeting last night that Zakry and Fairuzizuan have left the national elite squad after 15 years of service.

The departure of Zakry and Fairuzizuan will not be good news to doubles head coach Rexy Mainaky, who is currently on holiday, with the London Olympic qualifying campaign in full swing.

The qualifying campaign began in May and it has narrowed down to Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong as the only strong candidate to represent the country in men’s doubles at the London Olympics next year.

On their own: Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari and Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif have left the national team set up.

It has also left BAM without a capable second or third doubles pairing as they prepare for the Thomas Cup Finals in China next year.

BAM president Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh said they have accepted the resignation of the duo without setting any conditions.

“Zakry and Fairuziziun sent their resignation letters to BAM on Aug 17 stating their intention to become independent players.

“We took into account their contributions to the country all this while, including the Thomas Cup, World Championships and SEA Games.

“The exco decided to let them go without tying them to any conditions,” he said.

Fairuzizuan was partnering Ong Soon Hock while Zakry’s last partner was Hoon Thien How.

Fairuzizuan and Zakry savoured the best moments of their career when they won back-to-back titles – the Singapore and Indonesian Super Series not long after they were teamed up by Rexy in 2008.

The pair reached as high as No. 4 in the world rankings but they struggled to find their footing on the international scene after that and Rexy subsequently split them.

Fairuzizuan-Soon Hock did not qualify for the recent World Championships in London but Zakry-Thien How were invited to take part and reached the second round.

On the positions of Thien How and Soon Hock, Nadzmi added he will leave it to the training and coaching committee to decide.

The BAM exco also decided yesterday that any independent players who qualified for the London Olympics on merit will be assured of participation.

BAM secretary Ng Chin Chai said it is two separate criterias when it comes to the world meet and the Olympics.

“BAM can decide on whom are the more suitable players to carry the challenge for the country at the world championships but at the Olympics, the rules are clear – who makes the cut, they will go regardless of whether they are in the national team or not.”

Koo and Tan to stay together until after 2012 London Games

2011-08-22T14:14:00.002+08:00

PETALING JAYA: The top men’s doubles pair of Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, who did not perform to expectations at the recent World Championships in London, will be left alone to carry on playing together until after the Olympics next year.

Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh maintained yesterday that they will not make major changes as the London Olympics will be taking place eleven months from now.

“The most important aspect we have to focus on is to find ways to overcome the weaknesses in their game and making sure they will place themselves in the top four at the end of the qualifying period in April next year.

“We have decided not to do anything drastic with the Olympic Games now less than a year away but we leave it to the coaching and training committee to decide on ways to bring them up again,” said Nadzmi.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong were seen as one of the contenders for the world title aside from top singles player Lee Chong Wei but instead they suffered a tame defeat at the hands of South Korean bogey pair Ko Sung-hyun and Yoo Yeon-seong in the quarter-final stage at the world meet.

The former All-England champions and world No. 1 pair have dropped a spot to fifth position in the latest world rankings, with their place in the top four taken by their conquerors in the world meet Sung-hyun-Yeon-seong.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong will compete in the China Masters and Japan Open next month.

The BAM exco yesterday also decided to allocate an additional RM1.6mil to strengthen the development programmes for the respective affiliates.

It is the biggest amount allocated for development purposes.

Chong Wei vows to make amends by winning Olympic gold at same venue

2011-08-16T15:58:00.002+08:00

LONDON: The titanic battle between two maestros of world badminton in the men’s singles final in the World Badminton Championships at the Wembley Arena on Sunday has whetted the appetite of lovers of the sport.

And just thinking of a mouth-watering re-match between China’s Lin Dan and Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei at the same venue in next year’s London Olympics is enough to give everyone goosebumps.

Lin Dan

On Sunday, Chong Wei and Lin Dan displayed skills of the highest quality in a heart-pounding final which ended with the latter coming from behind to win his fourth world title with a 20-22, 21-14, 23-21 win.

There was no shame in defeat for Chong Wei as he showed the world and Lin Dan that not much separates them as far as their standard and determination are concerned. Their duel has now narrowed down to who gets luckier during crunch situations.

A visibly disappointed Chong Wei, whose tears ran down his cheeks during the victory ceremony thinking of how close he came to being the country’s first world champion since its inception in 1977, has vowed to make amends at the Olympic Games.

“From now all my preparation will be geared towards the Olympic Games. I will continue to give emphasis in training and look at ways to further improve my game,” said Chong Wei.

“Lin Dan will be the main threat again. I am happy to say that our standards are about the same now. I gave my all because the world title meant a lot to me and this desire to get the better of him will only grow stronger.”

Chong Wei said that China would be out to demoralise him over the next one year. Besides Lin Dan, they also have Chen Jin, Chen Long and Du Pengyu in the fray for Olympic glory.

The 21-year-old Chen Long, despite a shock first round defeat to Guatemala’s Kevin Cordon, is expected to come back stronger from his first world meet debacle.

“China have a big pool of players. They will come after my scalp during the Olympic qualifying period to break my resolve. I will not let that happen,” he said.

“It is also my hope that our younger players will step up. I will help in whatever way I can to raise their standard and confidence”.

None of Malaysia’s back-up shuttlers – Liew Daren, Chong Wei Feng and Chan Kwong Beng – had played in the world championships. And with their world ranking far down the list, they are unlikely to make it for the Olympic Games.

National coach Rashid Sidek hopes that youngsters would be inspired by Chong Wei’s performances at the world meet.

“Chong Wei was far behind Lin Dan’s standard at one stage. But he has put in a lot of hard work to stand at the same level with the Chinese ace. That speaks volumes about his committment and hunger to make a difference,” said Rashid.

“He was mentally strong. If not he could not have taken Lin Dan to the distance. Unfortunately, he was unlucky not to win. Chong Wei will come stronger after this.”

Except for Chong Wei and probably the women’s doubles Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty’s gallant fight before going down to Japan’s Mizuki Fujii-Reika Kakiiwa in the second round, there was nothing much to shout about for Malaysia at the world meet.

The top doubles pair Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong were a letdown after losing tamely to South Koreans Ko Sung-hyun-Yoo Yeon-seong for the fifth time.

National doubles coach Rexy Mainaky has his work cut out for him if he hopes to turn the duo into medal prospects at next year’s Olympic Games.

World No. 1 puts up a brave front to face media upon returning

2011-08-16T15:57:00.005+08:00

SEPANG: A visibly disappointed Lee Chong Wei arrived home yesterday after his heart–breaking final defeat to old nemesis Lin Dan in the World Badminton Championships at London on Sunday.

Chong Wei was bidding to be the first Malaysian to be crowned world champion but saw his dreams went up in smoke after Lin Dan twice fought back from a point down to win the tense rubber game.

Nevertheless, the 29-year-old, was still given a warm reception by fans and media members alike upon arrival at the KLIA yesterday.

In the limelight: Lee Chong Wei arriving at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Monday. - CHAN TAK KONG / THE STAR

Despite clearly looking downtrodden, Chong Wei managed to put up a brave front to answer questions by the media.

“That was my best ever match with Lin Dan throughout the years and I guess I was just unlucky not to win,” said Chong Wei.

“However I will come back stronger for the London Olympics next year and hopefully I will be mentally stronger then,” added Chong Wei

Meanwhile. national coach Tey Seu Bock, has tipped his top charge to overcome this defeat and come back stronger.

“I really feel sorry for him because he has given his utmost best and I don’t blame him at all for not achieving the target,” said Seu Bock. “In fact, he was playing with blisters on his right feet and it was bleeding badly after the match.”

“Lady Luck just decided to desert him at that crucial moment in the match.”

“Both Chong Wei and Lin Dan are of equal standards in terms of skill and physical strength. It is just that Lin Dan always manages to raise his game whenever he is up against Chong Wei and that gives him the psychological edge.”

“Chong Wei is disappointed now but I hope he’ll be able to regain his focus soon because we need to shift our priorities to the London Olympics.”

“Right now, it is important that he remains injury free until the Olympics next year because it is the biggest challenge yet,” concluded Seu Bock.

Chong Wei will now take a well deserved week of rest before resuming training and preparing for the Japan Open from Sept 20-25.

BWF to monitor suspicious withdrawals

2011-08-16T15:57:00.002+08:00

LONDON: Eyebrows were raised when Xu Chen-Ma Jin conceded a walkover to Zhang Nan-Zhao Yunlei in an all-China mixed doubles semi-final match during the World Championships.

It was later proven that Ma Jin was really injured but from now onwards, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) will use measures that they have come out with during their executive board meeting to monitor withdrawals and walkovers between players from the same country.

The BWF said that they would conduct special assessment for any main draw matches between players from the same country by the tournament referee and other BWF officials and it would all be recorded on tape.

This is to ensure that there would be necessary documentation on hand if any irregularities are suspected.

BWF’s chief operation officer (COO) Thomas Lund also said that a local doctor would be appointed to diagnose and certify whether the players are fit or unfit to compete.

If there were evidences found of any regularities, Lund said: “The matter will be treated with the utmost gravity by the BWF and severe penalities will be imposed.”

The BWF hope that the players would exercise the highest level of professionalism to protect the interests of the viewing public.

For the record, Zhang Nan-Zhao Yunlei went on to beat Chris Adcock-Imogen Bankier of England and Scotland in the final on Sunday.

Four-time world champ Cai Yun gives the thumbs down to Wembley Arena

2011-08-16T15:56:00.002+08:00

LONDON: China’s Cai Yun went four up in winning the world’s title with his partner Fu Haifeng on Sunday but it was thumbs down from him on the venue for the next year’s Olympic Games.

The World Championships at Wembley Arena was a test event for next year’s London Olympic Games but there were some teething problems that did not go too well with the players, officials and media.

On Sunday, Cai Yun-Haifeng ended the gallant run of South Koreans Ko Sung-hyun-Yoo Yeon-seong with a 24-22, 21-16 win.

“It feels good to win the world title again. We did not take it for granted although we have won many titles before. This Korean pair lacked the experienced compared to Lee Yong-dae-Jung Jae-sung and we took advantage of it,” he said.

On Saturday, Cai Yun-Haifeng had ended two-time runners-up Yong-dae-Jae-sung’s run with a 21-18, 21-14 win in the semi-finals.

“This tournament was important because it is the venue for the Olympic Games. The playing hall is good but not some of the other facilities,” said Cai Yun.

“They spent millions to renovate this place but it did not have a proper changing room for the players. We have to use the toilets and it was quite cumbersome.

“They also lacked proper facilities for players to stretch and warm-down. I hope they will look into it.”

The organisation at the media room was also quite a letdown – without an efficient way to hold press conferences, crowded mixed zone areas and poor lighting. One would have expected the same professionalism shown at Birmingham where the All-England is held annually.

A Malaysian official also questioned the rationale of the court arrangement on the final day in the 12,500 capacity crowd.

“Usually, the final matches should have been on the centre court but it was pushed right to a corner. It felt awkward,” he said.

The hosts however, should be commended for doing a great job with their presentation of the events – by having something special everyday to get the fans excited prior to the matches and by placing a unique double decker bus for the players to make their entrance.

It is good to look presentable outside but it would be better to re-look at some of the weak spots inside so that next year’s badminton event at the London Olympic Games will be efficiently run.

Lin Dan downs Chong Wei to win world title

2011-08-15T16:57:00.005+08:00

LONDON: Lin Dan defeated Lee Chong Wei 20-22, 21-14, 23-21 after a hard-fought 81 minutes to win the men’s singles title in the World Badminton Championships here on Sunday.

Chong Wei won the first set 22-20 in 26 minutes against Lin Dan. But the Chinese ace forced the rubber after winning the second set 21-14, also in 26 minutes.

The rubber was closely fought but Lin Dan prevailed 23-21.

Earlier, China's Wang Xiaoli-Yu Wang beat compatriots Tian Qing-Zhao Yunlei 22-20, 21-11 to win the women's doubles title.

RESULTS (All finals)
Men's singles: Lin Dan (Chn) bt Lee Chong Wei (Mas) 20-22, 21-14, 23-21.

Women’s doubles: Wang Xiaoli-Yu Wang (Chn) bt Tian Qing-Zhao Yunlei (Chn) 22-20, 21-11

Chong Wei suffers frustrating end to inspired run

2011-08-15T16:57:00.002+08:00

IT was a magical moment at the Wembley Arena yesterday but it did not belong to Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei.

Yesterday, China’s superstar Lin Dan shattered Chong Wei’s dream of becoming Malaysia’s first world champion when he came from behind twice in the decider to troop home with a sensational 20-22, 21-14, 23-21 win in an adrenaline-pumping, one-hour-and-22 minute men’s singles final.

The 29-year-old Chong Wei had held the upper hand at 16-12 and 20-18 in the decider in the dream final of the World Championships between the two greatest men’s singles players but luck deserted him at the crucial state.

And to add misery to his agonising defeat, Chong Wei, who put up a sombre face during the victory ceremony, rushed out with cramps on both his legs and was lying in a corner with tears in his eyes.

Dejected: Lee Chong Wei making a call back stage after his loss to Lin Dan in the final.

It was truly a sad end for Chong Wei, who had been so convincing and confident in his play throughout the week, sparking a great hope for Malaysia to produce a first winner since the tournament’s inception in 1977.

On Saturday, he had reached his first final in his sixth attempt in the world meet to become only the second Malaysian after Wong Choong Hann to do so.

After a good rub-down, Chong Wei said that he was disappointed with the outcome but vowed to move forward – with his focus on next year’s Olympic Games.

“I had two chances to end the game but it did not happen for me ... Lin Dan took a great gamble at the crucial stage and I was quite unlucky,” said Chong Wei.

“I gave my all. This is my best and closest match against Lin Dan. It hurts to lose by two points in this manner.

“I may have lost to him but I showed that nothing much separates us. I made some mistakes today but I will be ready for him the next time.

“I am still happy with my achievement of reaching my first final here. It has been a good season. I have reached every final since the start of this year.

“I will shift my attention to the Olympic Games. It is 11 months away and I want to better prepared.

And he gave the Malaysian fans some good news: “I may have lost the opportunity to become the country’s first champion but I am coming back. I will be back in 2013 to get it right,” added Chong Wei, who left for home yesterday.

It started with three quick easy points for Chong Wei following Lin Dan’s unusual poor service return shots.

Then, the real battle began with Chong Wei and Lin Dan trying to outfox each other with their blistering pace, punishing smashes, unbelievable netplays and incredible retrieves.

The Malaysian stayed ahead to take a 20-18 lead but Lin Dan was always dangerously snapping at his heels. Lin Dan’s brilliance at the net saw him levelling at 20-20 but a quick recovery saw the Malaysian taking the first game at 22-20.

The second game went on in the same fashion but this time, Lin Dan dictated the pace until 11-9. A brief nervy spell by a slower Chong Wei saw Lin Dan taking a 17-10 lead and eventually forcing a rubber game with a 21-14 win.

Both came back recharged and determined to outdo each other and what a fight it was.

The decider was a thriller with both displaying class and quality but it was Lin Dan who had a better finish to nick his fourth world title to emerge as the world’s greatest player.

First WBC final for Chong Wei

2011-08-15T09:59:00.002+08:00

LONDON: World No. 1 Datuk Lee Chong Wei qualifies for his first ever World Badminton Championship final by defeating China's Chen Jin 21-13 21-9 at the Wembley Arena Saturday.

He took 44 minutes to subdue the No. 6 ranked Chen Jin.

The win saw Chong Wei moving into his first final since 2005. He will meet the winner of Lin Dan-Peter Gade match (starting at 3am Malaysian time) in a bid to win the elusive title.

Chong Wei, who started the match on a cautious note, moved into top gear as the match progressed and gave Chen Jin little or no room to dictate the pace or rhythm.

Using his exquisite net play and powerful cross court smashes to good effect, Chong Wei seemed to cast a spell on Chen Jin which the latter found difficult to overcome.

At times Chong Wei sent Chen Jin sprawling from one end of court to the other, trying to retrieve some unbelievable shots.

Chen Jin who had beaten Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia in the final at the last World Championships in Paris, looked shocked by Chong Wei's exuberance.

Veteran Wong Choong Hann was the only other Malaysian to have qualified for the World Championships final in 2003. BERNAMA.

A pain to watch Koo-Tan but now is not the time to break ’em up

2011-08-15T09:58:00.005+08:00

THOSE who watched Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong in action on Friday would have either walked out in utter disappointment or in utter disbelief.

It was heart-wrenching to see the way the country’s best doubles players – Kien Keat-Boon Heong – collapse halfway through the game against their bogeymen – Ko Sung-hyun-Yoo Yeon-seong of South Korea – in the quarter-finals at the Wembley Arena.

What has gone wrong with this pair – who had once won the hearts of the entire nation with their tricky formation, explosive moves and dynamic styles?

Sheer happiness: Yoo Yoon-seong throwing his racquet in the air while Ko Sung-hyun looks on. The South Koreans beat Indonesia’s Mohd Ahsan-Bona Septano 21-19, 21-17 to reach the men’s doubles final.

They were dubbed “the gladiators of the game” when they ruled the world for almost a year after winning the 2006 Asian Games in Doha.

They won seven titles in 2007, including the All-England title.

Now they are just another pair battling with inconsistency.

They reached the finals of three major events over the last one year – last year’s World Championships in Paris, the Asian Games in Guangzhou and this year’s All-England – but choked all three times.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong have always made their way up after every fall – but it only lasts for a brief period before they head back south.

Has the partnership turned stale? Is it time for Kien Keat and Boon Heong to finally part ways?

Maybe it is time for Kien Keat to team up with a younger player from coach Tan Kim Her’s back-up squad. It could be a good move for the experienced Kien Keat and it could also lift the standard of his younger partner.

Boon Heong has done it before with his former world junior champion partner Hoon Thien How. Remember how the duo combined superbly to upset Lee Yong-dae-Jung Jae-sung of South Korea in this year’s Sudirman Cup in Qing Dao?

But are the players the problem?

What about their coach Rexy Mainaky?

Credit should be given to Rexy for bringing Kien Keat-Boon Heong together in late 2006 that culminated in the duo winning the country’s gold medal at the Doha Games.

He had vowed to turn Kien Keat-Boon Heong into world and Olympic champions, like him, but to no avail in the last five years.

In fact, Rexy, had twice threatened to quit, after similiar setbacks to his players, only to be coaxed back into the fold by the BA of Malaysia (BAM).

The BAM’s coaching and training committee should have the courage to set targets and time frames for their players and coaches. And, if they do not meet these goals, then they will have to pay the price.

Unfortunately, removing Rexy or splitting up Kien Keat-Boon Heong does not seem to be the right thing to do now – just 11 months away from the Olympic Games, which will be held at the same venue, next year.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong are still the best bets to qualify for next year’s Olympics.

A change in the format has resulted in only the top 16 pairs in the world being assured of places in the Olympics and, apart from world No. 1 Kien Keat-Boon Heong, there are only three other pairs within sight of making the cut – Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Ong Soon Hock (18th), Gan Teik Chai-Tan Bin Shen (24th) and Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Thien How (25th).

And that leaves BAM with only one option. Rexy and Kien Keat-Boon Heong should be given a final chance – at least another year to prove their worth.

Rexy has to come up with new ideas to re-invent Kien Keat-Boon Heong’s game.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong have to re-evaluate their commitment to the game and start afresh.

They have to discard their defensive approach and add more sting to their attack.

And, if they still fail to make any headway and play below expectations at the London Olympic Games, then they had better be prepared to face the consequences.

Chong Wei to meet Lin Dan in final

2011-08-15T09:58:00.002+08:00

SURELY England must be a place of breakthroughs for Malaysia’s singles players in the World Championships.

Yesterday, world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei did a jig and punched the air in sheer delight after finally making it to his first final of the World Championships at the Wembley Arena in incredible fashion.

In a 44-minute show of sheer power, steely determination and world-class badminton, Chong Wei dethroned China’s Chen Jin with a 21-13, 21-9 win in the semi-finals.

He is the second Malaysian to reach the men’s singles final after Wong Choong Hann, who made the breakthrough when he lost to China’s Xia Xuanze in Birmingham in 2003.

China’s Lin Dan, however, could spoil the party for Chong Wei as he seeks to become the country’s first world champion in the final today.

Lin Dan, who has won the world title three times, overcame 34-year-old former No. 1 Peter Gade Christensen 22-24, 21-7, 21-15 in the Dane's last world championship.

Afterwards, the sport's biggest name again cast doubt on his desire to win a fourth world title.

"I don't care about the result of tomorrow's (Sunday's) final," Lin Dan claimed.

"It's more important just to try to win as many ranking points as possible to qualify for the Olympics, and to get used to the venue. I think Lee Chong Wei is in really good form."

A delighted Chong Wei, who only has a bronze from his world meet debut in Anaheim in 2005, was thrilled to bits.

“Finally, I am in the final in my sixth attempt at the world meet. I am so happy that I kept my focus throughout the match and did not stumble,” said Chong Wei.

There were no signs of Chong Wei muffing up this time, especially after he managed to overcome a tight battle in the opening game to race into an 11-8 lead.

After that, it was all Chong Wei as he began to mix it up with slicing cross-court smashes, a touch of deception at the front and incredible returns.

This slowly, but surely, weakened Chen Jin’s resolve. But credit to Chen Jin as he fought back to take a 6-3 lead in the second game. But the brief battle lasted only until 8-8 as Chong Wei got back into the groove to take nine points in a row for a deserving win.

“Both of us are aggressive players but I stayed on top of my game today to break his momentum. He tried to engage me in rallies but I did not give him the room to do it,” said Chong Wei.

Now that he is in the final, Chong Wei said he would go the extra mile to end the country’s elusive chase for the world title.

“This win against Chen Jin has given me a lot of confidence. I have come this far and I am going to go all out,” said Chong Wei.

“I have worked very hard to reach this stage. It could be Lin Dan or Peter (in the final) but I will be ready for anyone. I want to win the world title and, I think, this is the best time to do so.”

Chen Jin was demoralised with his loss, admitting that he simply had no answer to Chong Wei’s fiery, fiesty and power-packed game.

“I lost to a better player. He played so well and it was frustrating when he was able to return all my shots. I tried to slow down the tempo but it was quite impossible,” said a dejected Chen Jin.

Chen Jin thus becomes the second world champion to bite the dust in the world meet after Indonesian Taufik Hidayat’s sad exit in the third round.

National singles coach Tey Seu Bock was proud of Chong Wei’s achievement.

“He did everyone proud today. He used to choke but, this time, he played with so much confidence,” said Seu Bock.

“Chong Wei used the right strategy to beat Chen Jin. He kept changing his strokes and powerful movements and that really did the damage to Chen Jin. Our goal is to win the title here. He has made the personal breakthrough and, now, it is time to make the breakthrough for the country.”

RESULTS

QUARTER-FINALS

Men’s singles: Chen Jin (Chn) bt Hans-Kristian Vittinghus (Den) 21-17, 21-13; Peter-Gade Christensen (Den) bt Nguyen Tien Minh (Vie) 17-21, 21-19, 21-13.

Men’s doubles: Jung Jae-sung-Lee Yong-dae (Kor) bt Hong Wei-Shen Ye (Chn) 21-12, 26-24;

Women’s singles: Wang Yihan (Chn) bt Pi Hongyan (Fra) 21-14, 21-16.

Women’s doubles: Wang Xiaoli-Yu Yang (Chn) bt Shizuka Matsuo-Mami Naito (Jpn) 21-13, 21-12.

Mixed doubles: Chris Adcock-Imogen Bankier (Eng-Sco) bt Tao Jiaming-Tian Qing (Chn) 21-16, 21-18.

SEMI-FINALS

Men’s singles: Lee Chong Wei (Mas) bt Chen Jin (Chn) 21-14, 21-15; Lin Dan (Chn) bt Peter Gade Christensen 22-24, 21-7, 21-15.

Men’s doubles: Ko Sung-hyun-Yoo Yeon-seong (Kor) bt Mohd Ahsan-Bona Septano(Ina) 21-19, 21-17.

Women’s singles: Wang Yihan (Chn) bt Wang Xin (Chn) 21-14, 21-15; Cheng Shao-chieh (Tpe) bt Juliane Schenk (Ger) 21-18, 21-6.

Women’s doubles: Wang Xiaoli-Yu Yang (Chn) bt Miyuki Maeda-Satoko Suetsuna (Jpn) 21-8, 21-15;

Mixed doubles: Zhang Nan-Zhao Yunlei (Chn) bt Xu Chen-Ma Jin (Chn) 21-17, (retired).

Kien Keat-Boon Heong outclassed by Korean bogeymen

2011-08-15T09:57:00.002+08:00

DOUBLES shuttlers Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong walked through a unique entrance of a double decker bus into the Wembley Arena yesterday – all smiles.

But after just 39 minutes, they walked out of the arena looking dazed, with their hopes of going one step better in their fourth World Championships shattered by bogeymen Ko Sung-hyun-Yoo Yeon-seong of South Korea.

The fourth-seeded Kien Keat-Boon Heong, who were last year’s runners-up, trooped out with their tails between their legs after losing 17-21, 13-21.

They simply had no answer to Sung-hyun-Yeon-seong’s clever moves and punishing attacks in the quarter-finals.

Overstretched: Malaysia’s Tan Boon Heong fails to return a shot as Koo Kien Keat looks on during their men’s doubles quarter-final match against South Korea’s Ko Sung-hyun-Yoo Yeon-seong yesterday.

It was the Malaysians’ fifth defeat to South Korea’s second-ranked pair.

A dejected Kien Keat, who played below par, admitted that the Koreans were the better pair.

“The Koreans just did not allow us room to play our attacking game. They knew every detail of our game and anticipated all our moves at every turn. It was disappointing,” said Kien Keat.

“I am clueless as to why this pair always show strong character whenever they play against us. They were quite clever to put pressure on us.”

The opening game started in a drab manner, with both pairs capitalising on each other’s mistakes, until they were locked at 13-13.

Then, the Koreans raised the tempo and began to move even faster to set up opportunites to smash home winners against the Malaysians, especially against Kien Keat, to pull away for a 21-17 win.

Hopes of a Malaysian fightback in the second game were dashed, no thanks to their own limp attack, poor placing and weak returns.

With Sung-hyun covering the front court with his hawk-eyed sharpness, it was obvious there was no way back for the Malaysians as the Koreans took the second game 21-13.

A disappointed Boon Heong promised to come out of the defeat stronger as the pair shift their attention to next year’s Olympic Games.

“It is disappointing to lose in the quarter-finals, especially after having reached the final last year. But we will not let it crush our spirit,” he said.

Asked if it was time for them to go separate ways or to look for a new coach, Boon Heong said: “This is not for me to decide. It is up to the management. But one should not be judged on one tournament ... competition in the doubles event is very stiff and close.”

Kien Keat said that they might have to look at new ideas to overcome their nearest challengers.

“We must find ways to come out of any situation when under attack. Maybe we need more quality sparring or find something extra to pull away from others,” he said.

National doubles chief coach Rexy Mainaky said that the Malaysians lost out in speed and power.

“I am trying to figure out the cause behind the Malaysians’ defeat to the Koreans.

“They can play well aginst the top stars but they tend to come up short against the second-ranked players. I do not have an answer right now,” said Rexy.

“Maybe, I am not good enough ... I will talk to the players. The Olympic Games are just 11 months away and it’s time for us to fine-tune their game.

“They have gone through ups and downs under me. Now, I need to do something to get their confidence back.”

MEN’S SINGLES

Third round: Kevin Cordon (Gua) bt Pablo Abian (Spa) 21-19, 19-21, 21-17; Nguyen Tien Minh (Vie) bt Boonsak Ponsana (Tha) 21-11, 21-15.

Quarter-finals: Lee Chong Wei (Mas) bt Kevin Cordon (Gua) 21-7, 21-13; Lin Dan (Chn) bt Sho Sasaki 21-14, 21-16.

MEN’S DOUBLES

Third round: Mohd Ahsan-Bona Septano (Ina) bt Chai Biao-Guo Zhengdong (Chn) 22-20, 21-16; Hong Wei-hen Ye (Chn) bt Fang Chieh-min-Lee Sheng-mu (Tpe) 18-21, 21-17, 21-15.

Quarter-finals: Mohd Ahsan-Bona Septano (Ina) bt Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen (Den) 21-18, 18-21, 24-22; Ko Sung-hyun-Yoo Yeon-seong (Kor) bt Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong (Mas) 21-17, 21-14; Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng (Chn) bt Mads Conrad-Petersen-Jonas Rasmussen (Den) 21-10, 21-13; Jung Jae-sung-Lee Yong-dae (Kor) bt Hong Wei-Shen Ye (Chn) 21-12, 26-24.

WOMEN’S SINGLES

Quarter-finals: Wang Xin (Chn) bt Saina Nehwal (Ind) 21-15, 21-10; Cheng Shao-chieh (Tpe) bt Wang Shixian (Chn) 21-16, 21-17. Juliane Schenk (Ger) bt Tine Baun (Den) 21-9, 21-11.

WOMEN’S DOUBLES

Quarter-finals: Tian Qing-Zhao Yunlei (Chn) bt Mizuki Fujii-Reika Kakiiwa (Jpn) 21-16, 21-10; Miyuki Maeda-Satoko Suetsuna (Jpn) bt Meiliana Jauhari-Greysia Polii (Ina) 21-15, 21-17; Jwala Gutta-Ashwini Ponnappa (Ind) bt Vita Marissa-Nadya Melati (Ina) 17-21, 21-10, 21-17.

MIXED DOUBLES

Quarter-finals: Xu Chen-Ma Jin (Chn) bt Chayut Triyachart-Yao Lei (Sin) 21-16, 21-7; Tantowi Ahmad-Lilyana Natsir (Ina) bt Joachim Fischer Nielsen-Christinna Pedersen (Den) 21-12, 21-13

Choong Hann and Pei Tty-Eei Hui bid farewell

2011-08-12T15:05:00.005+08:00

OLD hands Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui and Wong Choong Hann bade farewell to their last World Championships campaign after losing in the second round at the Wembley Arena on Wednesday.

But they still deserve a pat on their backs for their long services, strong determination and fighting spirit over the many years that they have served the country in the world meet.

Pei Tty-Eei Hui did not give up even when the chips were down against Japanese Miyuki Fujii-Reika Kakiiwa.

The Malaysians fought valiantly but lady luck deserted them at the crucial stage and they went on to lose 16-21, 24-22, 20-22 in 88 minutes – the longest match of the third day’s action.

The defeat ended their hopes of winning their first-ever medal since playing for the country at the 2003 world meet in Birmingham.

Their best results in the series were the quarter-final finishes in Anaheim (2005) and Hyderabad (2009).

Team manager Ng Chin Chai applauded Eei Hui-Pei Tty’s will to outdo themselves.

“We analysed their match and most of their rallies were stretched to 15 exchanges. They displayed remarkable fightbacks. Both were totally crushed after the defeat but we want to commend them for their good attitude on the court,” said Chin Chai.

“We hope more youngsters will show the same kind of determination and commitment on court.”

The self-funded Choong Hann went down 13-21, 18-21 to Thailand’s Boonsak Ponsana but not before staging mini-fightbacks during the match.

“I am just happy to be part of this world meet here at Wembley. I can now look back and be proud of what I have achieved in the world meet,” said Choong Hann, who has competed in every world meet since the 1997 edition in Glasgow.

Prior to the Wembley series, Choong Hann was Malaysia’s best performer when he became the first Malaysian to reach the final at the 2003 edition in Birmingham.

Said national coach Rashid Sidek: “He deserves a standing ovation. He may not be at his best at this year’s world meet but he has done us proud all these years.

“He will always be a true fighter to all of us.”

Kien Keat-Boon Heong aim to break losing jinx against Korean pair

2011-08-12T15:05:00.002+08:00

NATIONAL suttlers Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong will be out to get the monkey off their backs when they take on South Koreans Ko Sung-hyun-Yoo Yeon-seong in the quarter-finals of the men’s doubles event in the World Badminton Championships today.

Yesterday, fourth seeds Kien Keat-Boon Heong were slow off the starting block but found their rhythm quick enough to beat Taiwan’s Chen Hung-ling-Lin Yu-lang 21-13, 21-14 in the third round.

Thanks a million: Tan Boon Heong (left) and Koo Kien Keat acknowledging the crowd after defeating Taiwan’s Chen Hung-ling-Lin Yu-lang 21-13, 21-14 in the World Badminton Championships third round match at the Wembley Arena in London Thursday.

It was their fourth straight win against the Taiwanese pair.

Today, they will take on Sung-hyun-Yeon-seong, whom they have never beaten before. The Koreans tamed their younger compatriots Cho Gun-woo Kwon Yi-goo 21-15, 21-17 in another third round match.

Kien Keat said that they were ready to take down the Koreans for the first time.

”It was a good win for us against the Taiwanese. I do not think we were in danger against them at any point during the match,” said Kien Keat.

The two pairs were tied at 6-6 in the opening game before the Malaysians pulled away for a win. In the second game, they traded points until 11-11 before Kien Keat-Boon Heong broke away.

“It will be tougher against the Koreans tomorrow. We have lost to them four times before this, but we do not fear them. We have worked hard for the world meet and Boon Heong and I will be there to score a first victory and march into the semis,” added Kien Keat.

They Malaysians have lost to the Koreans three times last year at the Switzerland, China and Singapore Opens. This year, they were beaten in the BWF Super Series Masters Finals.

Boon Heong said: “We played quite well today and hopefully, we will be able to raise the standard higher against the Koreans.”

At last year’s world meet in Paris, Boon Heong-Kien Keat played beyond expectations when they ended a two-year losing streak against Korea’s top-ranked pair Jung Jae-sung-Lee Yong-dae in the quarter-finals enroute to a runners-up finish.

And they will be hoping to achieve a similiar breakthrough against the second-ranked Korean pair today.

World Badminton Championships results

2011-08-12T15:04:00.006+08:00

Men’s singles

Second round: Boonsak Ponsana (Tha) bt Wong Choong Hann 21-13, 21-18; Derek Wong Zi Liang (Sin) bt Taufik Hidayat (Ina) 21-17, 21-14; Du Pengyu (Chn) bt Kazushi Yamada (Jpn) 21-12, 21-14.

Third round: Lee Chong Wei (Mas) bt Park Sung-hwan (Kor) 21-10, 21-5; Lin Dan (Chn) bt Lee Hyun-il (Kor) 21-16, 21-13; Hans-Kristian Vittinghus (Den) bt Derek Wong Zi Liang (Sin) 21-16, 21-10; Peter-Gade Christensen (Den) bt Simon Santoso (Ina) 21-18, 14-21, 21-14; Sho Sasaki (Jpn) bt Du Pengyu (Chn) 10-21, 24-22, 21-10; Chen Jin (Chn) bt Ajay Jayaram (Ind) 18-21, 21-12, 21-11.

Men’s doubles

Second round: Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen (Den) bt Adrian Liu-Derric Ng (Can) 21-5, 21-10; Ko Sung-hyun-Yoo Yeon-seong (Kor) bt Chris Adcock-Andrew Ellis (Eng) 18-21, 21-13, 21-13; Hirokatsu Hashimoto-Noriyasu Hirata (Jpn) bt Ruud Bosh-Koen Ridder (Ned) 21-14, 18-21, 21-12;

Mads Conrad-Petersen-Jonas Rasmussen (Den) bt Alven Yulianto-Hendra Gunawan (Ina) 22-20, 13-21, 21-18; Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng (Chn) bt Naoki Kawamae-Shoji Sato (Jpn) 21-17, 15-21, 21-14; Jung Jae-sung-Lee Yong-dae (Kor) bt Hiroyuki Endo-Kenichi Hayakawa (Jpn) 21-14, 21-5; Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong (Mas) bt Chen Hung-ling-Lin Yu-lang (Tpe) 21-13, 21-14; Ko Sung-hyun-Yoo Yeon-seong (Kor) bt Cho Gun-woo-Kwon Yi-goo (Kor) 21-15, 21-17.

Heavyweights Chong Wei and Lin Dan score superb wins to enter last eight

2011-08-12T15:04:00.003+08:00

ARCH-rivals and crowd-pullers Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan of China marched into the men’s singles quarter-finals with superb wins over their South Korean opponents at the Wembley Arena here yesterday.

World No. 1 Chong Wei showed his class by whipping Park Sung-hwan 21-10, 21-5 in just 29 minutes of their World Badminton Championships third round match.

Floating on air: Lee Chong Wei hardly raised a sweat during his 21-10, 21-5 win over South Korea’s Park Sung- hwan in the World Badminton Championships third round match at the Wembley Arena in London Thursday.

Chong Wei will take on the winner of the match between Pablo Abian of Spain and Guatemala’s Kevin Cordon today.

The 29-year-old Chong Wei, eyeing his first world title, was totally taken aback by the lack of sting in Sung-hwan’s game.

“It was my easiest win over Park. I am really surprised by how easily I won as I was expecting a stiffer challenge from him,” said a delighted Chong Wei, who confidently blasted his way to victory and hardly giving Sung-hwan any time to plan his moves.

Most of the points the Korean shuttler picked up were mainly due to Chong Wei’s own unforced errors.

The Malaysian showed greater purpose in the second game as he romped home for a convincing win to leave Sung-hwan in a state of shock.

“Sung-hwan neither attacked nor showed any urgency to get back into the game. He lost his confidence quite early in the game,” said Chong Wei.

Masterclass: Three-time world champion Lin Dan of China celebrating his 21-16, 21-13 third round victory over South Korea’s Lee Hyun-il Thursday.

“I feel good. This is my best game of the tournament so far. I just want to keep this rhythm going.”

Although up next is either a Spain or a Guatemala player, Chong Wei refuses to take it easy, saying “I will be prepared for anyone”.

“Whoever it is, he must have done exceptionally well to come this far. I will just be ready for him,” said Chong Wei.

Cordon had upset China’s Chen Long in the opening round while Abian dumped 14th seed Marc Zwiebler of Germany.

Three-time world champion Lin Dan, meanwhile, had to work a little harder to make the third round, but he was still “satisfied” with his game after beating a stubborn Lee Hyun-il 21-16, 21-13 in 37 minutes.

“Hyun-il is a patient and steady player. He is certainly playing better after coming out of retirement. But I am happy that I stayed calm and did my job well,” said Lin Dan.

“I feel good about my game so far and I will give my best.”

Lin Dan will take on Japan’s Sho Sasaki, who beat China’s Du Pengyu 10-21, 24-22, 21-10.

National coach Tey Seu Bock said that both Chong Wei and Lin Dan were on track for a showdown in Wembley.

“It was a good win for Chong Wei. Park looked so tensed today and did not play his game. On paper, the next round’s match seems easy but we will not take it lightly at all,” he said.

“Lin Dan is also looking good. Usually, he will take the first few rounds to toy with his opponents. He is playing more aggressively here ... but we have not seen his best yet.”

Win over English pair fires up Pei Tty and Eei Hui

2011-08-12T15:04:00.000+08:00

WOMEN’S doubles shuttler Wong Pei Tty is feeling upbeat after winning the first match at the World Championships on Monday.

The unseeded Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui silenced the fans at the Wembley Arena when they brushed aside their country’s top pair of Jenny Wallwork-Gabrille White 21-14, 21-12 in 38 minutes.

Today, the Malaysians will take on fourth seeds Mizuki Fujii-Reika Kakiiwa of Japan for a place in the third round.

“I did not compete at the world meet last year because of my injury. It sure feels good to have made a winning comeback here,” said Pei Tty, who was forced out of competition for eight months due to injury.

She has, however, been going great guns since returning to competition in March.

“I was quite tense in the beginning and I wasn’t even confident. Then, slowly I got the hang of it. It is certainly a good start for us,” she said.

Pei Tty is now ready for a more challenging time against the Japanese pair, whom the Malaysians beat at the Australian Open Grand Prix Gold in March.

“This Japanese pair remind us of only one thing – long rallies. We will be prepared to go the distance against them.” she said.

Pei Tty-Eei Hui have never gone beyond the quarter-finals in the world meet since making their debut in Birmingham in 2003.

Koo-l looks not a show-off but for touch of glamour

2011-08-12T15:03:00.005+08:00

DOUBLES shuttler Koo Kien Keat loves to sport a new hairstyle at every tournament. And it’s not because he is vain.

It’s just his way of adding a touch of glamour to the badminton events – especially when he also happens to be the ambassador for a hair salon in Kuala Lumpur.

“I like fashion ... so this is one way that I keep up with the latest trend,” said Kien Keat, with his slightly long hair all pushed up.

“It’s not about attracting attention to myself. It’s my way of playing a part in making the world of badminton more hip and happening.

“I constantly get my hair cut, trimmed and permed according to the latest trend. (Lee) Chong Wei is also an ambassador of this hair salon.”

Kien Keat said that he was not the only one looking to look cool on and off court

He said that South Korea’s Lee Yong-dae, China’s Cai Yun and England’s Nathan Robertson were also making themselves more appealing to the crowd with their own styles.

Yong-dae sports a Justin Bieber-like hairstyle; Cai Yun, dubbed as the Aaron Kwok of badminton, has a stylish short crop; and the heartthrob of English badminton Robertson turns up at tournaments with a goatee.

“Remember coach Misbun (Sidek) with his Mohawk hairstyle? That drew a lot of attention – not only to him but to the game as well. It’s just one way to promote the sport,” said Kien Keat, who will open his men’s doubles campaign in the World Championships with partner Tan Boon Heong today.

The fourth-seeded Malaysians will take on Liu Xiaolong-Qui Zihan of China.

“It will be an important first round match for us. The Chinese pair are not seeded and have nothing to lose. We will brace ourselves for a challenging time,” he said.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong did well last year when they reached the final of the World Championships in Paris.

The duo went down to Cai Yun-Haifeng after a rubber-game defeat.

Choong Hann clears first hurdle

2011-08-12T15:03:00.002+08:00

LONDON: Malaysian pair Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Hoon Thien How crashed out in the second round of the badminton World Championships with a 24-26, 20-21 defeat to Fang Chieh-min-Lee Sheng-mu of Taiwan here on Tuesday

Meanwhile, Spanish teenager Carolina Marin created an upset in the first round of the women's singles in the badminton World Championships when she beat 15th seed Eriko Hirose from Japan 21-23, 21-16, 21-16.

First round results

Men's singles: Wong Choong Hann (Mas) bt Hsieh Yu Hsing (Tpe) 21-7 21-9.

Second round results

Men's doubles: Fang Chieh-min-Lee Sheng-mu bt Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Hoon Thien How (Mas) 26-24, 21-20

Women's singles: Carolina Marin (Spa) bt Eriko Hirose (Jpn) 21-23, 21-16, 21-16.

Zakry and Thien How crash out to Taiwanese in second round

2011-08-12T15:02:00.003+08:00

WORLD BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIPS
WEMBLEY (AUG 8-14)

Photo Gallery

STOCKY doubles shuttlers Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Hoon Thien How walked out of the court at the Wembley Arena with their tails between their legs yesterday.

Easy pickings: Taiwan’s Fang Chieh-min returning the shuttle to Malaysia’s Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif and Hoon Thien How in the men’s doubles second round match Tuesday. Chieh-min and Lee Sheng-mu won 26-24, 21-19.

The duo’s campaign in the World Badminton Championships came to a grinding halt after they suffered a painful 24-26, 19-21 defeat to 10th seeds Fang Chieh-min-Lee Sheng-mu of Taiwan in the second round.

And their excuse was: poor finishing and sloppy service.

Just a day earlier they had knocked out former world champions Tony Gunawan-Howard Bach of the United States in the opening round.

Zakry was disheartened with the manner they lost.

“It was so close between us. In fact, we were leading in both the games but we just could not finish them off. This is disheartening,” lamented Zakry.

Zakry-Thien How were involved in a close fight with the Taiwanese from the start but managed to take a 20-18 lead in the opening game.

Instead of pressing home, they allowed Chieh-min-Sheng-mu to get back into the game. And the Taiwanese grabbed the lifeline and went on to win it 26-24.

The match took a similar pattern in the second game, with the Malaysians looking good to force a decider after taking a 19-16 lead.

Then, Zakry sent the shuttle into the net. And Thien How followed suit.

“We were quite nervous at that stage after our blunders at the net. The Taiwanese then caught us offguard with two flicked serves. It completely messed up the rhythm of our game,” said Zakry.

“Both pairs are of equal standard but they took their chances well.”

Zakry-Thien How had beaten the Taiwanese pair en route to reaching the quarter-finals of the All-England in March.

Debutant Thien How said: “It’s disappointing to lose a close match but we tried our best. I have learnt that we cannot afford to make the slightest mistakes at this level.”

With the defeat of Zakry-Thien How, Malaysia are now left with only fourth seeds Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong to challenge for honours in the men’s doubles event.

Chan Peng Soon-Lim Khim Wah had crashed out to Poland’s Adam Cwalina-Michal Logosz 13-21, 19-21 in the first round on Monday.

Chong Wei and Sung-hwan notch easy wins to set up third round clash

2011-08-12T15:02:00.000+08:00

WORLD No. 1 men’s singles shuttler Lee Chong Wei and South Korean Park Sung-hwan won their second round World Badminton Championships matches in double quick time at the Wembley Arena yesterday.

And they will now lock horns in the third round today.

Yesterday, top seed Chong Wei displayed more urgency in his game to blow away Ville Lang of Finland 21-10, 21-11 in 20 minutes.

Korean No. 1 Sung-hwan was equally impressive, staying on court just a minute longer en route to demolishing compatriot Shon Wan-ho 21-14, 21-10.

On the march: Top seed Lee Chong Wei in action against Finland’s Ville Lang at the World Badminton Championships in Wembley Arena yesterday. The world No. 1 won 21-10, 21-11 and will face South Korea’s Park Sung-hwan in the third round. — By KAMARUL ARIFFIN / The Star

But then that could be because his younger compatriot did not push too hard.

While top seed Chong Wei walked out of the court in an upbeat mood, the Korean preferred to sit quietly in his own corner at the warming down area.

“Yes, Sung-hwan will be a tough nut to crack tomorrow. He is a player who rises to the occasion in major events ... but I am not going to worry about that for now,” said Chong Wei.

Last year, Sung-hwan pulled off the biggest shock of all when he dumped three-time world champion Lin Dan of China in the quarter-finals in Paris.

Down but not out: China’s Du Pengyu was made to slog by Singapore’s Chen Yong before prevailing 21-10, 16-21, 21-12 in the first round of the World Badminton Championships at the Wembley Arena in London on Tuesday.

“I had a good workout today. I was playing against a weaker opponent and I went all out to test all my shots. I am quite happy as I certainly played better than my opening match (against Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk),” said Chong Wei.

“I will go into the match tomorrow focused on beating Sung-hwan.

“He is quite good in counter attacks. I beat him at the Sudirman Cup (in May) and I am confident I can do it again ... but I won’t under-estimate him.”

It was also a great day for Peter-Gade Christensen of Denmark when he charged into the third round with a resounding 21-5, 21-9 win over Stanislav Pukhov of Russia.

Going strong: South Korea’s veteran singles player Lee Hyun-il is expected to take on China’s Lin Dan in the third round today.

He will take on Indonesia’s Simon Santoso for a place in the quarter-finals.

“It was a good quick win for me as I had hoped for. My next match will not be easy.

“I will be counting on the ‘home’ support to go through to the next round,” said the Dane.

Like Chong Wei, the Dane too is hoping to win his first world title at Wembley.

Results

Men’s singles

First round: Du Pengyu (Chn) bt Chen Yong (Sin) 21-10, 16-21, 21-12; P. Kashyap (Ind) bt Dieter Domke (Ger) 21-13, 23-25, 21-11; Stanislav Pukhov (Rus) bt Kaveh Mehrabi (Irn) 21-18, 21-12; Sho Sasaki (Jpn) bt Brice Leverdez (Fra) 19-21, 21-12, 21-11; Simon Santoso (Ina) bt Pedro Martins (Por) 21-10, 21-14; Eetu Heino (Fin) bt David Snider (Can) 21-16, 21-19.

Second round: Lee Chong Wei (Mas) bt Ville Lang (Fin) 21-10, 21-11; Kevin Cordon (Gut) bt Henri Hurskainen (Swe) 21-19, 21-17; Park Sung-hwan (Kor) bt Shon Wan-ho (Kor) 21-14, 21-10; Peter-Gade Christensen (Den) bt Stanislav Pukhov (Rus) 21-5, 21-9; Pablo Abian (Spa) bt Marc Zwiebler (Ger) 21-7, 7-21, 24-22; Hans-Kristian Vittinghus (Den) bt Mathieu Lo Ying Ping (Fra) 21-8, 21-14; Chen Jin (Chn) bt Dicky Palyama (Ned) 21-13, 21-17; Ajay Jayaram (Ind) bt Vladimir Ivanov (Rus) 21-19, 21-17; Nguyen Tien Minh (Vie) bt P. Kashyap (Ind) 24-22, 17-21, 22-20; Simon Santoso (Ina) bt Dmytro Zavadsky (Ukr) 21-19, 21-8; Sho Sasaki (Jpn) bt Tony Penty (Eng) 21-13, 21-13; Lee Hyun-il (Kor) bt Eetu Heino (Fin) 21-10, 21-7; Lin Dan (Chn) bt Scott Evans (Irl) 21-15, 21-16; Boonsak Ponsana (Tha) bt Wong Choong Hann (Mas) 21-13, 21-18.

Men’s doubles

Second round: Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong (Mas) bt Liu Xiaolong-Qui Zihan (Chn) 21-6, 20-22, 21-15; Chai Biao-Guo Zhengdong (Chn) bt Sam Magee-Tony Stephenson (Irl) 21-11, 21-10;

Lee Yong-dae-Jung Jae-sung (Kor) bt Anthony Clark-Chris Langridge (Eng) 21-10, 21-16; Mads Conrad-Petersen-Jonas Rasmussen (Den) bt Dorian Lance James-Willem Viljoen (Rsa) 21-10, 21-7; Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng (Chn) bt Vladimir Ivanov-Ivan Sozonov (Rus) 21-12, 14-21, 21-12; Hiroyuki Endo-Kenichi Hayakawa (Jpn) bt Ross Smith-Glenn Warfe (Aus) 21-9, 21-11; Chen Hung-ling-Lin Yu-lang (Tpe) bt Ingo Kindervater-Johannes Schoettler (Ger) 21-19, 18-21, 21-16; Cho Gun-woo-Kwon Yi-goo (Kor) bt Vitalij Durkin-Alexandr Nikolaenko (Rus) 21-10, 21-16; Mohd Ahsan-Bona Septano (Ina) bt Baptiste Careme-Sylvain Grosjean (Fra) 21-15, 21-17.

*Matches involving Malaysians in other events

Women’s doubles

Second round: Matsutomo Misaki-Ayaka Takahashi (Jpn) bt Ng Hui Lin-Ng Hui Ern 21-10, 21-11; Mizuki Fujii-Reika Kakiiwa (Jpn) bt Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty 21-16, 22-24, 22-20.

Mixed doubles

First round: Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying bt Nathan Robertson-Jenny Wallwork (Eng) 21-19, 21-19.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong need three games to down lowly Chinese pair

2011-08-12T15:01:00.002+08:00

HOTSHOTS Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong flirted with danger before checking into the men’s doubles third round in the World Badminton Championships at the Wembley Arena yesterday.

The fourth seeds were taken to the distance by China’s lowest ranked pair of Liu Xiaolong-Qui Zihan before prevailing 21-6, 20-22, 21-15.

Today, they will take Taiwan’s Chen Hung-ling-Lin Yu-lang, whom they have beaten in the last three meetings.

Huge relief: Coach Rexy Mainaky (right) congratulating Koo Kien Keat (left) and Tan Boon Heong after their second round win over China’s Liu Xiaolong-Qui Zihan yesterday.

After a brilliant start, Kien Keat-Boon Heong were made to look like novices in the second game by the fiery attacking greenhorns.

Forced to withdraw into their defensive shell, the Malaysians lost the second game 20-22.

The strong showing by the Chinese created panic in the Malaysian camp because Kien Keat-Boon Heong had lost to a lower ranked Chinese pair in similar fashion in the opening round of the Malaysian Open in January.

Fortunately, there was no such repeat as the Malaysians regained their touch to romp home triumphantly.

Boon Heong attributed their roller-coaster performance to “first-round jitters”.

“It was our first match in the tournament and, naturally, we had to make some adjustments. What is important is that we recovered and it all ended well,” said Boon Heong.

“They forced us to retreat to a defensive game and that limited our movement. Overall, we are happy with our game.”

Kien Keat admitted that they would have to fine-tune their game.

“Being our first match, I think the way we won it is acceptable. But we cannot continue to play like this,” said Kien Keat.

“We must settle down quickly and keep our focus throughout the match. The matches will get tougher and we have to be mentally prepared.”

National coach Rexy Mainaky also paid tribute to the Chinese youngsters for changing their strategy in the second game.

“They did not give Koo and Tan room to control the front and prevented the Malaysians from going for broke in their attacks. It was quite tense but I am glad our guys pulled through,” said Rexy.

“There have been quite a number of upsets in this tournament and the top players are taking their time to settle down.

“I hope it will be smooth sailing from now on.”

China were still all smiles yesterday when their second ranked pair of Chai Biao-Guo Zhengdong defeated Ireland’s Sam Magee-Tony Stephenson 21-11, 21-10.

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Chong Wei feeling inspired after getting a feel of the venue

2011-08-10T09:59:00.005+08:00

WORLD No 1 singles shuttler Lee Chong Wei savoured the moment as he stepped into the Wembley Arena yesterday.

“I stopped for a while and took in everything. This is where I hope to fulfil two of my childhood dreams,” said Chong Wei.

“The first is to give my best at the World Championships. The next is to go all out at the Olympic Games, which will be held here too. This is where it is all going to happen for me, hopefully.

All clear: Lee Chong Wei giving the thumbs up after checking out the Wembley Arena.

“Now that I am here, I am more than inspired to go all out. I will it give my best.”

Chong Wei and his team-mates spent about an hour to get a feel of the stadium yesterday.

The 29-year-old Chong Wei is the top seed in the World Championships, which will begin tomorrow, and he is also the best bet to win the title for the first time for Malaysia since the tournament’s inception in 1977.

Chong Wei said that he had a good feel of the stadium after a light workout yesterday.

“It is quite similiar to the one in Birmingham (where he won the All-England title for the last two years) but bigger and wider. The lighting is good and I did not experience any strong wind,” he said.

The stadium can fill up to 12,500 spectators.

National coach Rashid Sidek, who competed here two decades ago, said he was still in awe of the place, which had undergone some minor changes.

“This is Wembley where many past greats made a name for themselves. The hall looks newer. I am looking forward to some great matches in the next one week,” said Rashid.

China, Indonesia, South Korea and Denmark players also had a feel of training at the competition venue yesterday. Most of China’s men’s shuttlers were spotted with a short haircut, including three-time world champion Lin Dan.