Men’s Singles
The most attractive match of the first round will be the clash between Bao Chunlai and Taufik. The latter hates to meet Bao on the court for they are the natural enemies due to the types of badminton techniques. Taufik does not fear Lin Dan, but he has some to Bao with 5 failures and 3 victories. He was beaten in Denmark Open. So I think Bao has more percentage to win again.
As I wrote before, Bao was always the second. In the semi-final of last China Open, He outplayed Lin Dan for the first time. All his fans were eager for him to win the title. But he lost to Chen Hong which disappointed them. It’s a copy of last year that he was the 2 runner-ups of Denmark Open and French Open. Could he move forward to prove that he was a man, not a boy?
The other games of the first day will also be wonderful which include Chen Yu against Chen Hong, Lin Dan against Park Sung Hwan, Peter Gade against Simon and Lee Chong Wei against Ponsana Boonsak. With thanks to the revolution of drawing straws for the tournaments with credits by BWF, we are offered so many splendid matches that are no less than semi-finals or finals of international events.
Women’s Singles
As the hometown player and world No.1, Xie Xingfang is the favorite to scoop the title. She has a very good luck that she will not encounter hard opponents till quarter-finals. Her compatriot Lu Lan and Hong Kong’s Wang Chen are in the same part as her.
Meanwhile, Zhang Ning will have more difficulties to fight her way out for there are so many top players in the second half including Jiang Yanjiao, Wang Lin, the world champion Zhu Lin, Hong Kong’s Zhou Mi and a so-called overseas group consisted of German Xu Huaiwen, Dutch Yao Jie and French Pi Hongyan.
She has not been champion for 6 months with bad form. In my opinion, it’s very hard for her to win the continuous title of this tournament.
Men’s Doubles
With the sweep against Malaysian pair of Choong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah, Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng changed the score to 1:2. They are expected to revenge the Malaysian to have a tie. In the fourth quarter, the French Open champions have the most possibility to take on Korean pair of Lee Jae Jin and Hwang Ji Man. The Chinese pair will step forward regarding the strength gap of both sides.
If they successfully enter the last 4, they are possible to meet world champion Kido Markis and Setiawan Hendra or Denmark pair of Eriksen Jens and Lundgaard Hansen Martin. The former beat them in the final of last China Open in straight games. The latter edged them in the semi-final of Denmark Open in three games. The Chinese pairs are filled with desire to have a win over either of them.
Women’s Doubles
China has the dominance of this event. But there are so many factors to affect it especially the change of players in national badminton team. Huang Sui left, Athens champions Yang Wei and Zhang Jiewen separated (reunion now), Du Jing and Yu Yang injured. The gold pair Gao Ling and Huang Sui was replaced by Gao Ling/Zhao Tingting to attend China Badminton Open.
According to the draw, the top seed Zhang Yawen and Wei Yili and her compatriot Du Jing/Yu Yang are in the first half. The 5th seed Gao Ling and Zhao Tingting will have a battle with Yang Wei and Zhang Jiewen.
World No.4, the 3rd seeds Lee Kyung Won/Lee Hyo Jung are likely to compete with Zhang Yawen/Wei Yili for a spot of final. The Korean pair beat the Chinese in the Macau Open.
I have to talk about Yang Wei and Zhang Jiewen. After reunion, they scooped the title of World Championship. They cherish the chances given by the coach team and hope to have a 4 uninterrupted champion.
Mixed Doubles
Top seed Zheng Bo/Gao Ling and world NO.4 Xie Zhongbo/Zhang Yawen are expected to have achievements. The English pair Donna Kellogg/Anthony Clark and Gail Emms/Nathan Robertson, the Denish pair Kamilla Rytter Juhl/Thomas Laybourn are the most competitive opponents for the Chinese pairs.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Predictions of China Badminton Open
Saturday, November 17, 2007
China Badminton Open Is Coming
The China Badminton Open will be held in Guangzhou, China next week. All the top players are going there for more credits of Olympic qualification. According to the draws given, many wonderful matches will be presented to the badminton fans.
For Chinese badminton players, it is a very good opportunity to adopt themselves to the home field as Beijing Olympic Games will be coming next year. For the players from other countries, it’s also a good chance to feel China.
I could not write an article better than CHINA OPEN Mouth-watering Starters.
Who do you think will be the titles of China Badminton Open? Here I give statistics about the champions of China Open in recent years as your reference.
1. Men’s Singles
Year Gold Silver
2001 Xia Xuanze Wong Choong Hann
2002 Wong Choong Hann Chen Hong
2003 Lin Dan Wong Choong Hann
2004 Lin Dan Bao Chunlai
2005 Chen Hong Bao Chunlai
2006 Chen Hong Bao Chunlai
2. Women’s Singles
Year Gold Silver
2001 Zhou Mi Gong Ruina
2002 Gong Ruina Zhang Ning
2003 Zhou Mi Gong Ruina
2004 Xie Xingfang Wang Chen
2005 Zhang Ning Xie Xingfang
2006 Zhang Ning Yao Jie
3. Men’s Doubles
Year Gold Silver
2001 Zhang Wei/Zhang Jun Liu Yong/Chen Qiqiu
2002 Feerawiwatana Pramote/Panviavas Tesna(Tailand) Chen Choon Eng/Chan Chong Ming
2003 Paaske/Rasmussen Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah
2004 Wijaya Candra/S. Budiarto Chen Choon Eng/Choog Tan Fook
2005 Wijaya Candra/S. Budiarto Eriksen Jens/Lundgaard Hansen Martin
2006 Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng
4. Women’s Doubles
Year Gold Silver
2001 Zhang Jiewen/Wei Yili Huang Nanyan/Yang Wei
2002 Gao Ling/Huang Sui Wei Yili/Zhao Tingting
2003 Gao Ling/Huang Sui Yang Wei/Zhang Jiewen
2004 Yang Wei/Zhang Jiewen Wei Yili/Zhao Tingting
2005 Yang Wei/Zhang Jiewen Gao Ling/Huang Sui
2006 Yang Wei/Zhang Jiewen Wei Yili/Zhang Yawen
5. Mixed Doubles
Year Gold Silver
2001 Liu Yong/Ge Fei R.Olsen/Sogaard
2002 Zhang Jun/Gao Ling Chen Qiqiu/Zhao Tingting
2003 Zhang Jun/Gao Ling Chen Qiqiu/Zhao Tingting
2004 Jens Eriksen/Schjoldager Mette Chen Qiqiu/Zhao Tingting
2005 Robertson Nathan/Emms Gail Lee Jae Jin/Lee Hyo Jung
2006 Xie Zhongbo/Zhang Yawen Xu Chen/Zhao Tingting
My prediction is as follows:
MS champion: Lee Chong Wei (he is in such a good shape this year)
WS champion: Xie Xingfang (Guangzhou is her hometown. Ha ha)
Men’s Double champion: Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong
WD champion: Zhang Yawen/Wei Yili
Mixed Double champion: Zheng Bo/Gao Ling
What’s your conclusion? With your analysis and emotions you could have a totally different answer from me.
Comment on the chatter box.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Badminton Denmark Open Finished: Bao Remains Runner-up
Why did Bao fail again and again facing Lin Dan? ##CONTINUE##
The answer is psychology. Bao is not able to overcome the obstacle caused by years of defeats over Lin Dan. It might form a high pressure to him that it’s impossible to beat the world champion.
But as a spectator, I have to say Bao has the power to kick off any top players in the badminton world, which has been proved in the Denmark Open. Taufik, Lee Chong Wei and Chen Jin all went down to Bao. My suggestion is not out of date.
Zhang Ning is a respectful shuttler although she could not reach the top of this tournament. It is hard to imagine that the Olympic champion beat Zhou Mi and Wang Chen to enter the final with her injury being 32 years old. Lu Lan scooped the first gold medal in her career. Actually, Zhu Lin and Lu Lan have both been the top badminton players in the world, only lacking experience of big tournaments.
They are good friends beyond the court. In the evening of the day of the final, Lu Lan assisted Zhang Ning make their supper. “Denmark Open champion brought me more confidence rather than a gold meal.” Said Lu Lan. She is expected to be the third one to play in Beijing OG besides Zhang and Xie.
The champions of mixed doubles, ladies doubles, and men’s doubles are He Hanbin/Yu Yang, Yang Wei/Zhang Jiewen and Kon Kien Keat/ Tan Book Heong respectively.
Recommended Reading:
1. Victor
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Denmark Open Men’s Singles Final: I Support Bao
Mixed Doubles Nathan Robertson – Gail Emms (ENG) vs He Hanbin – Yu Yang (CHN)
Among the finals, I am most interested about the hard fight between world No.1 Lin Dan and his compatriot Bao Chunlai. ##CONTINUE##They will deliver a splendid match to the audiences. Who will be the winner? Whom do you support? I wish Bao beat the world champion for there must be someone in the national badminton team coming out to threaten him. Harder competitions push a nation or a team forward quickly.
It’s mere my will. Let’s analyze the possibility with facts. Bao outplayed four top badminton players in this tournament including Olympic champion Taufik, world No.2 Lee Chong Wei and Macau Open winner Chen Jin, showing that he is in his peak form. With his outstanding performance, anything is possible.
Lin Dan, on his end, entered into badminton MS final with few obstacles except from Dane Jonassen.
According to the BWF statistics, the two badminton players have fought for 18 times, with 13 victories and 5 defeats for Lin Dan. Bao has had only a won over Lin Dan in the last 10 matches. It occurred in the badminton China Open in October last year. The latest battle was ended with Bao’s failure in the Good Luck Beijing badminton event.
Will Bao make a break through world champion with his top mode? Or will Lin Dan continue to dominate his teammate?
The form below is the details about their battles. Lin Dan 13:5 Bao Chunlai
Date Tournament Victory
Aug 19, 2007 2007 World Championship Lin Dan
Jul 15, 20072007 China Master Lin Dan
Mar 11, 2007 All England Open Lin Dan
Jan 28, 2007 Korea Super Open Lin Dan
Oct 22, 2006 2006 China Open Bao Chunlai
Sep 24, 2006 2006 World Championship Lin Dan
Nov 6, 2005 2005 Hong Kong Championship Lin Dan
Sep 4, 2005 2005 China Master Lin Dan
Apr 10, 2005 2005 Japan Open Lin Dan
Mar 5, 2005 2005 Germany Open Lin Dan
Apr 7, 2004 2004 Japan Open Bao Chunlai
Mar 7, 2004 2004 Swiss Open Lin Dan
Nov 2, 2003 2003 Hong Kong Championship Lin Dan
Oct 21, 2001 2001 Denmark Open Bao Chunlai
Aug 19, 2001 2001 Singapore Open Bao Chunlai
Nov 12, 2000 2001 World Junior Championship Bao Chunlai
I have some suggestion for Bao Chunlai.
1. Bao should make a brief that beating Lin Dan is just like beat any other top players. That is, in psychology Bao should overcome the problems made by years of failure over Lin Dan.
2. Bao is more accomplished than Lin Dan in terms of badminton techniques. But Lin Dan is more aggressive with powerful strength. They are different types of shuttlers. Bao should take advantage of net play and be more patient to fight back to Lin Dan’s hard smash.
Badminton Denmark Open: Lin Dan Stings, Xie Xingfang Bows
Just as the first and second round, Zhang Ning struggled to beat Zhou Mi in three hard-fought games 21-19, 15-21, 21-17, which broke my prediction. She will take on Wang Chen of Hong Kong for a spot in the finals, the latter easily defeating French Pi Hongyan. The battle against Zhou Mi exhausted her, which might affect the next match over Wang Chen.
World WS No.1 Xie Xingfang was upset by her patriot Lu Lan, while Zhu Lin succeeded to advance to the next stage. But her boyfriend Lin Dan continued his super performance to enter to the last 4. ##CONTINUE##His next opponent is the home player Jonassen. Bao Chunlai beat newly badminton champion Chen Jin with rich experience. The Malaysian Lee Chong Wei will be waiting for him on the semi-final court.
The black horse Indonesia pair Wong/Chin was not “black” any more, who was beat by Zhao Tingting/Yu Yang. To our surprise, Wong/Chin declared to quit the match when they were far behind the Chinese pair in the second game. Did they mean to surrender? Zhao/Yu and Korean pair will fight for a spot in the finals. Ya Wei/Zhang Jiewen had a win without sweat.
Victor, the webmaster of the badminton blog gave his prediction on the next matches---- Badminton Predictions - Denmark Open. I agreed with him on part of them. What’s your opinion? Comment in the chatterbox. Let’s wait and see.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Badminton Match: Zhang Ling VS Zhou Mi
So I suppose that Zhang would lose the game. After the publication of the latest world rank, Zhou Mi is in the No.17. She is eager to get a win over Zhang to promote herself to a high position. Zhou has won 2004 Olympic bronze medal and she is aiming to enter 2008 Beijing OG. ##CONTINUE##She has enough power to kick off any other players in the badminton world including Zhang Ning.
Let’s talk more about Zhou Mi(photo).
After retiring from Chinese national badminton team, Zhou Mi chose Hong Kong as her second hometown to go on her badminton career. She benefited from the proposal called “Quality Migrant Admission Scheme” by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. She was accepted for having brilliant scores including former Asian Games champion and former world No.1, following Wang Chen to represent Hong Kong badminton team. Thus Hong Kong has more power to challenge Chinese national team, which Li Yongbo does not expect to face.
In the former national player Gong Ruina’s eyes, it is also good to China that more powerful opponents result in higher level in badminton techniques.
In China, a national player’s transforming to other places always related the topic called patriotism. To avoid this, Hong Kong is the best choice for Zhou Mi for HK belongs to China.
Hong Kong is a better place for Zhou Mi to play badminton
As we all knew, there are so many excellent badminton players in Chinese national team that any of them could be the world champion. The competition is so hard that a few of them fail to represent China in the world badminton court. But Hong Kong is not the case. No one could threaten her center position.
A loose environment could help her make better achievements. Wang Chen is an example. I have to say that Wang was not the first-class player in national badminton team. After going to Hong Kong, Wang Chen beat the top player such as Xie Xingfang, Zhang Ning many times and became one of the hardest opponents to Chinese team.
Zhou was very satisfied with the change. She could enjoy badminton most rather than playing for better scores before.
Another factor is that Zhou’s injuries could be cured in HK. She was forced to quit national team because of her injuries.
To the question whether she could enter Beijing OG, she said that the first step for her was to win enough credits to qualify for it.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Badminton Denmark Open: Zhang Yawen's Disappointment
As we all knew, Chinese ladies doubles pairs dominate the badminton world. Maybe it is a sign that other countries have the power to challenge Li Yongbo’s girls.
Some fans commented on the reason why they lost the game. Here are some opinions below. ##CONTINUE##
1. Gao Ling/Huang Sui perform more steadily than Zhang Yawen/Wei Yili against foreign opponents.
2. Due to their personalities, Zhang and Wei do less communication on the court without teamwork. But each of them has outstanding techniques. They need to adapt to each other to make 1+1>2.
As for me, the main cause is that Zhang is too tired. Zhang Yawen always plays mixed doubles and women doubles. She has just scored 2 titles in Macau Open and Good Luck Beijing badminton event, which made her exhausted.
Zhang and Wei did a good beginning in the upper part of first game. But the Malaysia pair did not give up and caught up with them to 20-20. And they continued to get 2 points more to win the first game. The Chinese pair defeated them in the second game. In the decider game, Wong/Chin played so well that they realized their dream of beating the world No.1.
In spite of Zhang/Wei’s being out, the remaining 2 pairs still have enough power to defend the championship for China. After all, China’s dominance in badminton is not easy to break through in a short time for other countries.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Badminton Denmark Open Analysis
Men’s Singles----the competition among Lin Dan, Taufik and Lee Chong Wei
China badminton MS is comprised of Lin Dan, Chen Jin, Bao Chunlai, Chen Yu and Chen Hong ranking world No.1, No.3, No.4, No.5, No.6 respectively. The powerful troops are aiming to score the title by beating other top players leading by Taufik, the Athens champion and world No.2 Lee Chong Wei, the famous Malaysia shuttler.
The reigning world champion Lin Dan is coming to his perfect form. Not a long time ago he beat Bao Chunlai in Good Luck Beijing badminton event finals as a gift for his birthday. He will have an encounter with Peter Gade, the host nation’s hope in quarter-finals if going through smoothly. It is great challenge to both sides. In my opinion, Lin Dan has the ability to defeat Gade. But the local audience will be the third man to help Gade. ##CONTINUE##
Bao Chunlai and Chen Jin are in the third quarter. The two seeds have to beat Taufik and Susilo to go ahead. So the quarter is called “dead quarter”. Bao Chunlai remains stable and steady which could be seen as both advantage and shortcoming. He should be more aggressive. Chen Jin is more confident after he beat Taufik in badminton Macau Open. He is quick with his feet and bat which enable him to win in a quick battle.
Chen Yu and Chen Hong are in the second quarter. If everything goes well, they will fight each other in the quarter-finals. Being world No.3 and No.5 respectively, Chen Yu and Chen Hong need to overtime their lack of physical fitness. Jonassen is the competitive opponent in this quarter.
There is no Chinese player in the fourth quarter. Thus Lee Chong Wei have a good luck to enter the next stage. But Sony, the runner-up of World Championship and Thai Boonask Ponsana also have the power to challenge him.
Women’s Singles----who is the No.1, Zhang Ning or Xie Xingfang?
China is expected to win the WS title for the superpower constituted by Xie Xingfang, Zhang Ning, Zhu Lin, Lu Lan and Jiang Yanjiao is presented. The first four of them dominates the top 4 of WS according to the latest world rank. Wang Chen from Hong Kong, German Xu Huaiwen and French Pi Hongyan are the hard competitors to them. Actually, fans are interested to know who will perform better between Zhang Ning and Xie Xingfang rather than knowing which country will win the WS champion. An old Chinese saying goes: on the court, we are opponents; beyond the court, we are friends.
Zhang is eager to prove her powerful strength by a win against Xie for the latter just replaced her as world No.1. Perfect skills and rich experience will make up the physical lack caused by years’ injuries. The reigning world champion Zhu Lin and Jiang Yanjiao are in the third quarter. If Jiang can beat Mew Choo Wong, she will face Zhu Lin in the second round. Xie Xingfang and Lu Lan are in the fourth quarter. And it is possible for them to encounter in the quarter-finals.
Men’s Doubles
Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng and Xie Zhongbo/Guo Zhendong are selected to present for China. Cai/Fu are waiting to prove themselves again after losing the position of No.1. They will have a hard battle against Korean pair Jae Sung Jung/Jae Jin Lee in the fourth quarter. Xie Zhongbo/Guo Zhendong in the first quarter is likely to encounter World No.3 Indonesian pair Kido Markis/Setiawan Hendra.
Women's Doubles: Chinese pair dominance
Once Chinese players are involved in a tournament, the champion of WD is fixed. Zhang Yawen/Wei Yili, Yang Wei/Zhang Jiewen, Gao Ling/Huang Sui and Yu Yang/Zhao Tingting present the Denmark Open. The first 3 pairs are also the world top 3. Zhang Yawen/Wei Yili and Yu Yang/Zhao Tingting are in the first quarter. So there must be one of them absent from the last 4.
Mixed Doubles
Li Yongbo intends to give more opportunities to the new pairs. Instead of the No.1 Zheng Bo/Gao Ling, Xie Zhongbo/Zhang Yawen, He Hanbin/Yu Yang, Xu Chen/Zhao Tingting represent China to play in Denmark Open. Xie Zhongbo/Zhang Yawen who have just won title in Macau Open are expected to continue their outstanding form. He Hanbin/Yu Yang is possible to fight against Indonesian pair Limpele/Marissa in the quarter-finals. Xu Chen/Zhao Tingting probably encounter English pair Robertson/Emms for a place in semi-finals.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Badminton Denmark Open: Zhang Ning and Xie Xingfang’s Different Emotions
Xie Xingfang is eager to go to Denmark and France. She wrote in her blog as follows.
We are set to fly to Denmark. I am fond of the place very much. But there have been a few years since I went there last time. Denmark Open is 5-star badminton event with high prize. The younger players are sent to the tournament in recent few years for most of the older players need to have a hard train in the meantime.
As for France, I went there when I was teenager. But I did not realize that Paris was a city of fashion, a city of romance and could not enjoy its scene being so young. This time I’d like to take the opportunity to have a good look at Paris and take some photos. ##CONTINUE##
Of course, the most important for me is to score the WS title.
Last Sunday I gave Lin Dan a travelling bag full of good wishes as a gift for his birthday. I hope that he can fill it with a lot of gold medals. Ha-ha.
But things are not going well with Zhang Ning. She has not 100 percent recovered with her injury in the Good Luck Beijing Tournament. Her feelings are listed below.
I take medicine and do physical treatment as doctor told. But the recovery needs time. Nevertheless, I have to play more matches for more credits even with some injuries. Denmark Open and France Open are the good opportunities that I can not lose.
Actually, I went on with slight training and could not get well quickly for my legs still worked.
I knew that many fans cared about my injury. And I will play my best to give audience wonderful games. Please cheer me on.
Facing Denmark Open, badminton WS No.1 and No.2 have such different emotions. I have to say competitive sports are just like this. You can call it cruel, but it is reality. Especially in China badminton team, there are numerous excellent players waiting to be selected to play as a Chinese representative. If an old player like Zhang Ning wants to rest for some time, a new one will come out taking place of her at once.
Hold on, hera! (Zhang Ning called herself hera.)
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Good Luck Beijing 2007 International Badminton Invitational Tournament: Lin Dan Couple Won
What is Lin Dan couple? Lin Dan and Xie Xingfang. As we all knew in Badminton Men's Singles No.1: Lin Dan，Xie Xingfang is Lin Dan’s girlfriend.
The Good Luck Beijing, I think, could be changed to “Good Luck Lin Dan”. Do you think so? He defeated Bao Chunlai in straight games again to claim that no one in the Chinese team has the power to challenge his position. What’s more, he wised to win a title on the day of his birthday and finally made it.
Someone questioned whether Bao gave a walkover to Lin Dan as a birthday gift, but Bao replied with serious “No”. Bao frankly said that he tried his best and did not show any disrespect to Lin Dan with the hard battle. But God comes to the latter. Actually, in my eyes, Bao has been challenging Lin Dan since the day he joined national team. Nobody wants to be second forever. I have to say it’s unfortunate for any badminton player born in the same period as Lin Dan, Gade included. Lin Dan broke many other players’ champion dreams.
Bao forced to present the gift to Lin Dan, but Xie added more pleasure to celebrate his boyfriend’s birthday with her women’s singles title to win reigning world champion Zhu Lin 21-12, 21-12.
In the mixed doubles Xie Zhongbo-Zhang Yawen are in so outstanding form that they beat world No.1 pair Zheng Bo-Gao Ling. But it is not a surprise to me. Xie/Zhang are able to beat any pair in the world. I have watched the game in which Xie/Zhang defeated the former Olympic champion Zhang Jun-Gao Ling in 2006 China Master.
Chinese 3 pairs of women’s doubles dominate in the world. Any one of the 3 is possible to score the title. The results are Wei Yili-Zhang Yawen champion with silver and bronze medals going to Zhao Tingting-Huang Sui and Yang Wei-Zhang Jiewen respectively.
Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng struggle to beat Guo Zhendong-Xie Zhongbo 14-21, 21-15, 21-18. It is good that more pairs grow up to threaten the former for men’s doubles is the weak point of China. There is a lot more to learn from Indonesia.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Chen Jin Won Badminton Men's Singles
In 2007 Macau Open, Chen Jin came from behind to snatch the title away from Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia 19-21, 21-17, 21-18.
“I prepared to play a hard battle against Taufik for he is one of the best players in the badminton world. I did not give up after the failure of the first game”, said the 21-year-old player after his win in the men’s single final.
It showed that Chen had the confidence to beat any other badminton competitors. He impressed me deeply for his excellent behavior in 2006 China Cheng Du Master. He was called “black horse” for he beat all of the hottest seeds in that tournament.
He keeps so calm even under high pressure that observers say what he did is beyond his age. I think he will be the most potential No.1 shuttler following Lin Dan. According to the world rank, Lindan and Bao Chunlai are certain to attend 2008 Olympics.
Chen Jin is expected to be the third . I hope so.
