KUALA LUMPUR (9 MAY 2010) – South Africa had only four players in their team and it took a toll on them as South Korea outgunned them in less than 80 minutes in their opening Group D match in the Uber Cup competition tonight.
Singles player Kerry-Lee Harrington, Stacey Doubell and Jade Morgan also had play in the doubles and the South Africans lost their matches with scores of under-10, except for Doubell who lost 8-21, 10-21 to Youn Joo Bae in the second singles.
In the first singles Ji Hyun Sung won 21-9, 21-9 against Harrington while in the third singles Yun Hwa Lee swept to a 21-3, 21-5 win over Morgan.
In the doubles Min Jung Kim-Jung Eun Ha were too good for Morgan-Doubell 21-7, 21-8 while Kyung Eun Jung-Ye na Jang outplayed Michelle Edwards-Harrington 21-8, 21-8.
Tomorrow the South Africans wll be up against India while the Koreans will meet the Indians on Tuesday.
In another Uber Cup match, China outplayed USA 5-0 in Group A tie.
Recently crowned BWF Female Player of the Year, Wang Yihan got the show on the road for the favourites when she defeated Wang Rena 21-2, 21-9.
China's other singles players, Wang Xin and Wang Shixian also won their matches while Ma Jin-Wang Xiaoli and Tian Qing-Pan Pan won their doubles ties to complete the victory.
Source : Thomas & Uber Cup 2010 Official Website
Sunday, May 09, 2010
MALAYSIA WIN 5-0, NIGERIA FATE TO BE DECIDED LATER
KUALA LUMPUR (9 MAY 2010) – Malaysia were declared 5-0 winners over Nigeria after they failed to show up at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil for their opening Group B match in the 26th edition of the PROTON-BWF Thomas Cup Finals tonight.
Badminton World Federation (BWF) chief executive officer Thomas Lund told a press conference together with tournament referee, Mojmir Hnilica, that Nigeria’s fate in the tournament will depend on what transpires in the next few hours.
While three Nigerian officials arrived in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon, it is learnt the players have yet to arrive as they took a different flight.
“We have been told the Nigerian team ran into flight snags after their originating flight from Abuja via Dubai was cancelled. The BWF and the tournament referee will discuss the matter further later tonight or the latest by tomorrow morning before deciding on the next move,” said Lund.
“Right now we have no confirmation if the players have boarded the flight or not. There is no communication from them. It is true that there is a ruling that a team must arrive at the tournament venue 48 hours before it starts for the team managers meeting. Nigeria confirmed their participation by phone after running into flight problems,” added Hnilica.
NIGERIA NO-SHOW IN THOMAS CUP OPENER AGAINST MALAYSIA
KUALA LUMPUR (9 MAY 2010) – The Nigerian Thomas Cup team failed to arrive in Kuala Lumpur in time for their Group B match against Malaysia.
According to a statement issued by Badminton World Federation (BWF) media and communications manager S. Selvam the Nigerian team suffered a travel delay forcing the match, scheduled for 1800 hours (Malaysian time), to be put on hold.
“The tournament referee and other BWF officials will go through the tournament rules and regulations to decide on the fate of Nigeria in the tournament. A decision on the Nigerian team will be made in due course,” said Selvam.
According to a statement issued by Badminton World Federation (BWF) media and communications manager S. Selvam the Nigerian team suffered a travel delay forcing the match, scheduled for 1800 hours (Malaysian time), to be put on hold.
“The tournament referee and other BWF officials will go through the tournament rules and regulations to decide on the fate of Nigeria in the tournament. A decision on the Nigerian team will be made in due course,” said Selvam.
BWF PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2009 - Chong Wei, Yihan win honours
Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei and China’s Wang Yihan were crowned Badminton World Federation (BWF) Male and Female Player of the Year 2009 respectively at a local hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Saturday.
The duo, both ranked World No 1 in the men’s singles and women’s singles ranking have had an outstanding year in 2009 winning a string of titles but more importantly showed remarkable consistency to win the awards. awards-rotator
Both players were awarded the trophy at a welcome dinner held in conjunction with the Proton-BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2010 in Kuala Lumpur. The Finals begin on Sunday, 9 May.
“The BWF decided on Chong Wei and Yihan for their consistency and achievements in 2009. Chong Wei maintained his No 1 position in the world rankings throughout the year while Yihan climbed her way to the top from a No 18 spot in the beginning of the year,” said Thomas Lund, BWF Chief Operating Officer.
“Deservingly, they have been rewarded for their achievements.”
National Sports Council of Malaysia director-general Datuk Zolkples Embong presented Chong Wei with the award while Lund presented the award to Yihan.
Chong Wei, 28, became the World No 1 on Aug 21, 2008, a position which he has jealously guarded for the past 90 weeks.
He started the year 2009 by winning his fifth Malaysian Open title and followed that up with wins at the Swiss Open, Indonesia Open and Hong Kong Open Super Series.
He was also a runner-up in South Korea and the All England Championships and ended the year by winning the Yonex-Sunrise BWF World Super Series Finals, a tournament featuring the top 8 ranked players in the Super Series ranking, in Johor Baru, Malaysia last December.
Yihan, a former world junior champion in 2006, started 2009 with a world ranking of 18.
An amazing run in March saw her winning the back to back All England and Swiss Open titles which propelled her to a top-10 ranking in April.
Born in Shanghai on 18 January 1988, she firmly established her place at the summit of the women’s singles ranking after another great run that saw her winning the Japan Open, French Open and a runner-up finish at the Denmark Open. She also took the honours in Hong Kong.
Thailand’s Ratchanok Inthanon was also named BWF Most Promising Player in 2009 for the Eddie Choong trophy.
Ratchanok, from Thailand, won the 2009 World Junior title at the age of 14 and also bagged a silver medal in the South East Asian Games held in her home country.
Source : http://internationalbadminton.org/news_item.aspx?id=34870
Jepang Berhasil Unggul 4-1 atas Jerman
KUALALUMPUR - Tim Uber Jepang berhasil meraih kemenangan pertamanya dalam ajang Thomas-Uber Cup 2010 di Putra Stadium Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Jepang hanya kehilangan satu angka saja di partai pertama dimana Eriko Hirose yang masih dalam keadaan cedera tidak berdaya menghadapi Juliane Schenk dengan menyerah 15-21 12-21. Partai kedua yang memainkan ganda, pasangan Mizuki Fujii/Reika Kakiiwa berhasil menyumbangkan satu angka bagi Jepang sekaligus menyamakan kedudukan 1-1 atas Jerman. Pasangan ini unggul atas pasangan Jerman Carla Nelte/Johanna Goliszewski 21-16 21-18.
Ai Goto berhasil membuat Jepang unggul 2-1 setelah menyudahi perlawanan Karin Schnaase dengan straight-game 21-15 21-10. Partai keempat yang menentukan bagi kedua tim berlangsung sangat ketat pada game-game awal. Satoko Suetsuna/Miyuki Maeda berhasil unggul 21-17 di game pertama atas Juliane Schenk/Birgit Overzier. Di game kedua, pasangan Jepang ini menyerah atas pasangan Jerman 18-21. Pada game penentuan, Satoko/Miyuki berhasil menyudahi perlawanan Juliane/Birgit dengan skor 21-11 sekaligus memastikan Jepang menang atas Jerman 3-1.
Partai terakhir yang sudah tidak menentukan lagi, tunggal ketiga Jepang, Yu Hirayama berhasil mengandaskan perlawanan Fabienne Deprez dengan straight-game 21-16 21-3.
Ai Goto berhasil membuat Jepang unggul 2-1 setelah menyudahi perlawanan Karin Schnaase dengan straight-game 21-15 21-10. Partai keempat yang menentukan bagi kedua tim berlangsung sangat ketat pada game-game awal. Satoko Suetsuna/Miyuki Maeda berhasil unggul 21-17 di game pertama atas Juliane Schenk/Birgit Overzier. Di game kedua, pasangan Jepang ini menyerah atas pasangan Jerman 18-21. Pada game penentuan, Satoko/Miyuki berhasil menyudahi perlawanan Juliane/Birgit dengan skor 21-11 sekaligus memastikan Jepang menang atas Jerman 3-1.
Partai terakhir yang sudah tidak menentukan lagi, tunggal ketiga Jepang, Yu Hirayama berhasil mengandaskan perlawanan Fabienne Deprez dengan straight-game 21-16 21-3.
Tim Thomas China Libas Peru 5-0
KUALA LUMPUR - Tim Thomas China seperti perkiraan sebelumnya berhasil menang mudah 5-0 atas Tim Thomas Peru dalam laga pertama Grup A-Thomas Cup yang diselenggarakan di Putra Stadium, Kuala Lumpur. Lin Dan mengawali kemenangan China atas Peru dengan menang mudah 21-4 21-6 atas Antonio De Vinatea. Chen Jin yang turun sebagai tunggal kedua juga berhasil melaksanakan tugasnya dengan baik dengan menang straight-game 21-9 21-8 atas Andres Corpancho. Di partai ketiga, Chen Long berhasil memastikan China menang atas Peru dengan menang atas Rodrigo Pacheco 21-11 21-8. Di partai keempat dan terakhir yang sudah tidak menentukan lagi bagi China, dua ganda putra terbaik China berhasil menang atas Peru sekaligus membukukan kemenangan atas Peru 5-0. Guo Zhendong/Xu Chen tanpa kesulitan yang berarti menang 21-6 21-6 atas Antonio De Vinatea/Martin Del Valle. Chai Biao/Zhang Nan yang bermain di partai terakhir juga berhasil membukukan kemenangan straight-game 21-12 21-8 atas Rodrigo Pacheco/Andres Corpancho. Dengan ini, China berhasil memuncaki klasemen sementara di Grup A-Thomas Cup tanpa kehilangan satu game-pun atas Peru.
Tim Thomas Akhirnya Menang Telak 5-0
JAKARTA, Kompas.com - Tim Piala Thomas Indonesia memastikan kemenangan atas Australia 5-0 dalam pertandingan pertama Grup D, Minggu (9/5/2010).
Setelah Simon Santoso memastikan kemenangan Indonesia 3-0, dua partai tersisa juga dimenangi Indonesia. Ganda kedua Nova Widianto/Muhammad Ahsan menang atas Raj Veeran/Jeff Tho 21-13 21-6 dalam waktu hanya 17 menit.
Poin kelima diraih tunggal putera Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka setelah menang dua game atas Stuart Gomez 21-12 21-10. Hayom yang melakukan debut di Piala Thomas menang dalam 21 menit.
Dengan kemenangan ini, Indonesia sementara memimpin klasemen Grup D. Senin (10/5) Taufik Hidayat dkk akan ditantang India. Sementara India akan menghadapi Australia pada pertandingan terakhir, Selasa (11/5)..
Hasil lengkap:
Taufik Hidayat [INA] -[AUS] Jeff Tho 21-12 21-12
Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan [INA]-Ross Smith/Glenn Warfe [AUS] 21-14 24-22
Simon Santoso [INA]-Chad Whitehead [AUS] 21-13 21-4
Nova Widianto/Muhammad Ahsan [INA]-Raj Veeran/Jeff Tho [AUS] 21-13 21-6
Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka [INA]-Stuart Gomez [AUS] 21-12 21-10
Setelah Simon Santoso memastikan kemenangan Indonesia 3-0, dua partai tersisa juga dimenangi Indonesia. Ganda kedua Nova Widianto/Muhammad Ahsan menang atas Raj Veeran/Jeff Tho 21-13 21-6 dalam waktu hanya 17 menit.
Poin kelima diraih tunggal putera Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka setelah menang dua game atas Stuart Gomez 21-12 21-10. Hayom yang melakukan debut di Piala Thomas menang dalam 21 menit.
Dengan kemenangan ini, Indonesia sementara memimpin klasemen Grup D. Senin (10/5) Taufik Hidayat dkk akan ditantang India. Sementara India akan menghadapi Australia pada pertandingan terakhir, Selasa (11/5)..
Hasil lengkap:
Taufik Hidayat [INA] -[AUS] Jeff Tho 21-12 21-12
Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan [INA]-Ross Smith/Glenn Warfe [AUS] 21-14 24-22
Simon Santoso [INA]-Chad Whitehead [AUS] 21-13 21-4
Nova Widianto/Muhammad Ahsan [INA]-Raj Veeran/Jeff Tho [AUS] 21-13 21-6
Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka [INA]-Stuart Gomez [AUS] 21-12 21-10
Tim Uber Indonesia Tunggu Denmark
JAKARTA, Kompas.com - Maria Kristin Yulianti bermain sempurna untuk membawa tim Piala Uber Indonesia mengalahkan Australia 5-0 dalam pertandingan Grup B.
Dalam partai terakhir yang berlangsung di stadion Putra Bukit Jalil ini, Kristin membulan-bulani tunggal terakhir Australia, Chia Chi Huang dalam dua game 21-6 21-13 dalam 24 menit.
Sementara di partai sebelumnya, ganda puteri Shendy Puspa Irawati/Liliyana Natsir mampu membawa Indonesia unggul 4-0 dengan mengalahkan ganda puteri Australia Katie Wilson Smith/Eugenia Tanaka 21-13 21-11 dalam 20 menit.
Tim Piala Uber Indonesia baru akan bermain kembali menghadapi tim Denmark di Grup B pada Selasa (11/5/2020).
Hasil lengkap:
Maria Febe Kusumastuti [INA]-Leanne Choo [AUS] 21-13 21-5
Greysia Polii/Nitya Krishinda Maheswari [INA]-Renuga Veeran/He Tian Tang [AUS] 21-16 21-11
Adriyant Firdasari [INA]-Erica Pong [AUS] 21-12 21-5
Shendy Puspa Irawati/Lilyana Natsir [INA]-Kate Wilson Smith/Eugenia Tanaka [AUS] 21-13 21-11
Maria Kristin Yulianti [INA]-Chia Chi Huang [AUS] 21-6 21-13
Dalam partai terakhir yang berlangsung di stadion Putra Bukit Jalil ini, Kristin membulan-bulani tunggal terakhir Australia, Chia Chi Huang dalam dua game 21-6 21-13 dalam 24 menit.
Sementara di partai sebelumnya, ganda puteri Shendy Puspa Irawati/Liliyana Natsir mampu membawa Indonesia unggul 4-0 dengan mengalahkan ganda puteri Australia Katie Wilson Smith/Eugenia Tanaka 21-13 21-11 dalam 20 menit.
Tim Piala Uber Indonesia baru akan bermain kembali menghadapi tim Denmark di Grup B pada Selasa (11/5/2020).
Hasil lengkap:
Maria Febe Kusumastuti [INA]-Leanne Choo [AUS] 21-13 21-5
Greysia Polii/Nitya Krishinda Maheswari [INA]-Renuga Veeran/He Tian Tang [AUS] 21-16 21-11
Adriyant Firdasari [INA]-Erica Pong [AUS] 21-12 21-5
Shendy Puspa Irawati/Lilyana Natsir [INA]-Kate Wilson Smith/Eugenia Tanaka [AUS] 21-13 21-11
Maria Kristin Yulianti [INA]-Chia Chi Huang [AUS] 21-6 21-13
Awal Manis Taufik dkk
KUALA LUMPUR – Tim Thomas Indonesia mengawali turnamen dengan manis. Taufik Hidayat dkk menggasak Australia 3-0 di Kuala Lumpur, Minggu (9/5/2010).
Indonesia mengawali perolehan poin lewat kemenangan Taufik Hidayat. Menghadapi Jeff Tho di Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Taufik menang mudah dua set langsung 21-12 21-12.
Angka kedua diraih Tim Merah Putih dari Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan. Setelah melewati set pertama dengan gemilang 21-14, Markis/Hendra harus susah payah menang atas Ross Smith/Glenn Warfe dengan skor 24-22.
Simon Santoso yang tampil di nomor ketiga, membayar penuh kepercayaan pelatih dalam laga ini. Simon memastikan kemenangan Indonesia 21-13 21-4, sekaligus memastikan kemenangan Indonesia 3-0.
Praktis, hasil ini membuat laga keempat dan kelima yang menurunkan Nova Widianto/Muhammad Ahsan melawan Raj Veeran/Jeff Tho dan Dyonisius Hayom Rumbaka menghadapi Stuart Gomez tak lagi menentukan.
Dengan demikian, maka sementara Indonesia memimpin penyisihan Grup D. Laga selanjutnya Taufik dkk menghadapi India pada Senin (10/5/2010) besok.
Tim Uber Indonesia Susul Thomas
KUALA LUMPUR – Hasil impresif yang diraih Tim Thomas Indonesia menular pada Tim Uber. Minggu (9/5/2010), Indonesia menggerus Australia 5-0.
Di partai pertama, Maria Febe Kusumastuti menang dua set langsung atas Leanne Choo, 21-13 21-5. Kemenangan ini rupanya memacu motivasi partai kedua, yang dimainkan ganda putri Greysia Polii dan Nitya Krishinda Maheswari.
Maria Febe dan Nitya kembali menyapu bersih dua set atas Renuga Vaeran yang berpasangan dengan He Tian Tang. Meski demikian, perjalanan Maria Febe dan Nitya tak mudah, meski akhirnya menang 21-16 21-11.
Di partai ketiga Firdasari mengandaskan harapan Australia mencuri angka. Firdasari meneku Erica Pong 21-12 21-4. Dominasi Indonesia berlanjut di partai keempat.
Ganda putri kedua, Shendy Puspa Irawati yang berpasangan dengan Lilyana Natsir, mengakhiri perlawanan Kate Wilson Smith dan Eugenia Tanaka 21-13 21-11.
Di partai terakhir, Maria Kristin tampil tanpa beban. Maria akhirnya menutup laga 21-6 21-13 melawan Chia Chi Huang.
Sumber : Sport OKEZONE.com
China Paling Favorit
KUALA LUMPUR - Turnamen bulu tangkis Thomas & Uber Cup 2010 baru dilangsungkan hari ini. Tapi, sebagian besar pecinta tepok bulu di Malaysia sudah menjagokan China akan keluar sebagai pemenangnya.
Berdasarkan voting yang disurvei Harian Seputar Indonesia selama di Malaysia, China diunggulkan di tempat pertama setelah mengantongi 98 suara dari 161 orang yang dimintai pendapatnya tentang siapa berpeluang menjadi juara tahun ini. China berhak menempati tangga teratas setelah meraih presentase sebesar 60.87 persen.
Salah satu voter asal Malaysia Mohd Husain mengatakan, China layak diunggulkan melihat amunisi yang mereka bawa ke negaranya. Dia menilai China lebih mumpuni ketimbang Malaysia yang bertindak sebagai tuan rumah. “Saya bukan ingin merendahkan tim sendiri. Kenyataannya demikian jika China memiliki kekuatan lebih bagus ketimbang tim lainnya, tapi saya berharap Malaysia akan mampu membuat kejutan,” ujarnya.
Di posisi kedua ditempati Indonesia dengan jumlah 24 suara (14.91%) atau unggul satu suara dari Malaysia yang menempati unggulan ketiga dengan presentase 14.29 persen. Disusul Denmark di tempat keempat dengan 13 suara (8.07%) dan Korea Selatan (Korsel) dengan 3 suara (1.86%).
Hasil voting itu sejatinya sejalan dengan Federasi Bulu Tangkis Dunia (BWF) yang menempatkan China sebagai unggulan pertama di Piala Thomas tahun ini. Disusul Indonesia, Malaysia, Denmark, dan Korsel sebagai 'Kuda Hitam.'
Meski demikian, segala kemungkinan dapat saja terjadi di lapangan. Indonesia pun diharapkan akan mampu menepis anggapan jika Taufik Hidayat dkk sebenarnya berpeluang besar menjuarai turnamen tersebut. Dengan catatan mereka akan konsentrasi penuh dan jangan sekalipun menganggap remeh lawan yang akan dihadapi.
Berdasarkan voting yang disurvei Harian Seputar Indonesia selama di Malaysia, China diunggulkan di tempat pertama setelah mengantongi 98 suara dari 161 orang yang dimintai pendapatnya tentang siapa berpeluang menjadi juara tahun ini. China berhak menempati tangga teratas setelah meraih presentase sebesar 60.87 persen.
Salah satu voter asal Malaysia Mohd Husain mengatakan, China layak diunggulkan melihat amunisi yang mereka bawa ke negaranya. Dia menilai China lebih mumpuni ketimbang Malaysia yang bertindak sebagai tuan rumah. “Saya bukan ingin merendahkan tim sendiri. Kenyataannya demikian jika China memiliki kekuatan lebih bagus ketimbang tim lainnya, tapi saya berharap Malaysia akan mampu membuat kejutan,” ujarnya.
Di posisi kedua ditempati Indonesia dengan jumlah 24 suara (14.91%) atau unggul satu suara dari Malaysia yang menempati unggulan ketiga dengan presentase 14.29 persen. Disusul Denmark di tempat keempat dengan 13 suara (8.07%) dan Korea Selatan (Korsel) dengan 3 suara (1.86%).
Hasil voting itu sejatinya sejalan dengan Federasi Bulu Tangkis Dunia (BWF) yang menempatkan China sebagai unggulan pertama di Piala Thomas tahun ini. Disusul Indonesia, Malaysia, Denmark, dan Korsel sebagai 'Kuda Hitam.'
Meski demikian, segala kemungkinan dapat saja terjadi di lapangan. Indonesia pun diharapkan akan mampu menepis anggapan jika Taufik Hidayat dkk sebenarnya berpeluang besar menjuarai turnamen tersebut. Dengan catatan mereka akan konsentrasi penuh dan jangan sekalipun menganggap remeh lawan yang akan dihadapi.
Tunggu Superioritas China
KUALA LUMPUR - Rintangan mudah bakal dilalui China di laga pertama Thomas Cup 2010. Unggulan pertama itu akan mencoba peruntungan wakil Benua Amerika Peru di lapangan ketiga Juara Stadium, Malaysia, Minggu (9/5/2010).
Di atas kertas, China diprediksi tak akan mengalami hambatan serius menghadapi Peru. Negeri Tiongkok itu kemungkinan akan memberi pelajaran berharga negara Amerika Latin itu yang baru pertama kali tampil di turnamen bulu tangkis beregu dua tahunan tersebut.
Pelatih Kepala Tim Thomas China Li Yongbo bertekad akan memaksimalkan setiap pertandingan yang akan dilalui pihaknya, termasuk menjalani laga pertama kontra Peru yang akan dijadikan tahap awal menggapai target gelar keempat beruntun sejak 2004.
“Kami memiliki kesempatan dan enggan menyiakannya. Pertama, kami menargetkan kemenangan atas Peru untuk membuka harapan kami menjadi juara Grup A. Kemenangan atas Peru diharapkan meningkatkan motivasi bertanding anak-anak ketika berjumpa Korea Selatan (korsel) di pertandingan selanjutnya,” tegas pelatih bertangan dingin tersebut.
China memang memiliki kualitas yang mampu mewujudkan harapan tersebut. Di segi pemain, mereka memiliki kualitas lebih kredibel ketimbang Peru maupun Korsel di Grup A. China memiliki pemain jempolan kelas dunia seperti Lin Dan, Chen Jin, dan Bao Chunlai di nomor tunggal putra. Sementara pasangan Xu Chen/Guo Zhendong dan Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng akan menjadi andalan China di nomor ganda putra.
Jadi, tak dipungkiri jika China akan mendominasi ketika bertemu Peru yang mengandalkan enam pebulu tangkis seperti Antonio De Vinatea, Andres Corpancho, Mario Cuba, Bruno Monteverde, Martin Del Valle, dan Rodrigo Pacheco.
Meski demikian, Li Yongbo tak lekas mengharapkan anak asuhnya terlalu over confident. Sebab, Peru dipastikan akan bermain lepas setelah menyadari akan kesulitan menghadapi timnya. “Mereka mungkin kalah kelas dari kami, tapi tak berarti anak-anak harus santai menghadapi mereka. Kami harus membuktikan ketajaman untuk menambah semangat memburu gelar tahun ini,” pungkas Li Yongbo.
Sementara Antonio De Vinatea tetap optimistis akan memberikan persaingan terhadap salah satu kandidat kuat peraih gelar Piala Thomas 2010. Dia pun siap menghadapi siapa pun lawan yang akan ditemuinya di nomor tunggal putra, termasuk Lin Dan yang kemungkinan bakal diturunkan.
“Tak ada kesan gentar menghadapi mereka. Justru, kesempatan ini akan kami jadikan pengalaman bertanding agar lebih kompetitif di laga berikutnya. Yang jelas, kami menunjukkan progress bagus telah berada di fase ini,” kata Antonio.
Sumber : OKEZONE.com
Di atas kertas, China diprediksi tak akan mengalami hambatan serius menghadapi Peru. Negeri Tiongkok itu kemungkinan akan memberi pelajaran berharga negara Amerika Latin itu yang baru pertama kali tampil di turnamen bulu tangkis beregu dua tahunan tersebut.
Pelatih Kepala Tim Thomas China Li Yongbo bertekad akan memaksimalkan setiap pertandingan yang akan dilalui pihaknya, termasuk menjalani laga pertama kontra Peru yang akan dijadikan tahap awal menggapai target gelar keempat beruntun sejak 2004.
“Kami memiliki kesempatan dan enggan menyiakannya. Pertama, kami menargetkan kemenangan atas Peru untuk membuka harapan kami menjadi juara Grup A. Kemenangan atas Peru diharapkan meningkatkan motivasi bertanding anak-anak ketika berjumpa Korea Selatan (korsel) di pertandingan selanjutnya,” tegas pelatih bertangan dingin tersebut.
China memang memiliki kualitas yang mampu mewujudkan harapan tersebut. Di segi pemain, mereka memiliki kualitas lebih kredibel ketimbang Peru maupun Korsel di Grup A. China memiliki pemain jempolan kelas dunia seperti Lin Dan, Chen Jin, dan Bao Chunlai di nomor tunggal putra. Sementara pasangan Xu Chen/Guo Zhendong dan Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng akan menjadi andalan China di nomor ganda putra.
Jadi, tak dipungkiri jika China akan mendominasi ketika bertemu Peru yang mengandalkan enam pebulu tangkis seperti Antonio De Vinatea, Andres Corpancho, Mario Cuba, Bruno Monteverde, Martin Del Valle, dan Rodrigo Pacheco.
Meski demikian, Li Yongbo tak lekas mengharapkan anak asuhnya terlalu over confident. Sebab, Peru dipastikan akan bermain lepas setelah menyadari akan kesulitan menghadapi timnya. “Mereka mungkin kalah kelas dari kami, tapi tak berarti anak-anak harus santai menghadapi mereka. Kami harus membuktikan ketajaman untuk menambah semangat memburu gelar tahun ini,” pungkas Li Yongbo.
Sementara Antonio De Vinatea tetap optimistis akan memberikan persaingan terhadap salah satu kandidat kuat peraih gelar Piala Thomas 2010. Dia pun siap menghadapi siapa pun lawan yang akan ditemuinya di nomor tunggal putra, termasuk Lin Dan yang kemungkinan bakal diturunkan.
“Tak ada kesan gentar menghadapi mereka. Justru, kesempatan ini akan kami jadikan pengalaman bertanding agar lebih kompetitif di laga berikutnya. Yang jelas, kami menunjukkan progress bagus telah berada di fase ini,” kata Antonio.
Sumber : OKEZONE.com
CHONG WEI AND WANG YIHAN NAMED BWF PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
KUALA LUMPUR (May 8, 2010) – World No 1 Datuk Lee Chong Wei and China’s Wang Yihan were announced as the winners of the BWF Player of the Year Awards at the Palace of Golden Horses here tonight.
Chong Wei, who has been world No. 1 since Aug 21, 2008, won the award based on his performance throughout the year 2009.
He started the 2009 by winning his fifth Malaysian Open title and followed that up with wins at the Swiss Open, Indonesia Open and Hong Kong Open Super Series.
He was also a runner-up in South Korea and the All England Championships.
For his outstanding efforts, Chong Wei was declared the BWF Male Player of the Year 2009.
In women’s badminton, Wang Yihan had a remarkable season last year. She started 2009 with a world ranking of 18.
An amazing run in March saw her winning the back-to-back All England and Swiss Open titles which propelled her to a top-10 ranking in April.
One of the many ‘Wangs’ in her team, she firmly established her place at the summit of the women’s singles ranking after another great run that saw her winning the Japan Open, French Open and a runner-up finish at the Denmark Open. She also took the honours in Hong Kong.
The world is very much at this young lady’s feet, and at only 22-years-old, she has already bagged the Asian Junior title, World Junior title and the World No 1 position, more is surely to come from this wonderfully gifted player.
Her dramatic rise to power led her to being announced the BWF Female Player of the Year.
Source : Thomas & Uber Cup 2010 Official Website
Chong Wei, who has been world No. 1 since Aug 21, 2008, won the award based on his performance throughout the year 2009.
He started the 2009 by winning his fifth Malaysian Open title and followed that up with wins at the Swiss Open, Indonesia Open and Hong Kong Open Super Series.
He was also a runner-up in South Korea and the All England Championships.
For his outstanding efforts, Chong Wei was declared the BWF Male Player of the Year 2009.
In women’s badminton, Wang Yihan had a remarkable season last year. She started 2009 with a world ranking of 18.
An amazing run in March saw her winning the back-to-back All England and Swiss Open titles which propelled her to a top-10 ranking in April.
One of the many ‘Wangs’ in her team, she firmly established her place at the summit of the women’s singles ranking after another great run that saw her winning the Japan Open, French Open and a runner-up finish at the Denmark Open. She also took the honours in Hong Kong.
The world is very much at this young lady’s feet, and at only 22-years-old, she has already bagged the Asian Junior title, World Junior title and the World No 1 position, more is surely to come from this wonderfully gifted player.
Her dramatic rise to power led her to being announced the BWF Female Player of the Year.
Source : Thomas & Uber Cup 2010 Official Website
PREVIEW: THOMAS CUP DESTINED TO REMAIN IN ASIA
ONLY three nations – Malaysia, Indonesia and China – have won the coveted Thomas Cup and it is unlikely the most prestigious team title in badminton will leave Asian shores when the 26th edition begins at the Putra Stadium tomorrow.
However, if there is one country that could rewrite Thomas Cup history and take the majestic silverware out of Asia, it has to be Denmark. The Scandinavian country have traditionally been Europe’s strongest power in a men’s badminton and they have probably named their strongest ever Thomas Cup team which is a blended of youth and experience.
World No 4 Peter-Gade Christensen leads the singles challenge with up and coming Jan O Jorgensen (ninth) together with Joachim Persson (24th), Denmark also sprang a surprise by naming their coach Kenneth Jonassen as the fourth singles player.
The Danes have two strong world class doubles pairs - world No 4 Mathias Boe-Carsten Morgensen and Jonas Rasmussen-Lars Paaske (sixth). Rasmussen-Paaske have been in great form of late, winning the All-England in March and the recent European Championships in Manchester. On both occasions they beat Boe-Morgensen.
In Christensen’s own words “we have a more balanced team and the young and the old are all very ‘hungry” to go one step further and win the Cup for the first time” – a clear message that Denmark don’t want to finish runners-up for the ninth time.
“Age may not be on our side but there is plenty of fire in us. Winning the All-England and the European Championships showed that we are capable of holding our own against the world’s best,” said Rasmussen.
Defending champions and top seeds China are the heavy favourites to retain the title they won in Jakarta two years ago with a 3-1 win over South Korea in the final – their seventh title
China will be counting on their ace Lin Dan to deliver. Lin Dan failed miserably in this year’s All-England and the Swiss Open but the three-time world champion came back strongly to nail the Asian Badminton Championships in New Delhi which pushed up his world rankings – ahead of Chen Jin (third).
Despite his dip in form, Lin Dan will make life difficult for his opponents in the Thomas Cup. As China’s number one, Lin Dan will be play a crucial for the Chinese who have named Chen Jin, Bao Chunlai and Chen Long as the other singles players.
China are also strong in the doubles former world number one Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng, Guo Zhengdong-Xu Chen and Chai Biao-Zhang Nan. Cai Yun-Haifeng, the All England champions last year, have dropped to No 8 in the world rankings while their best pair is Zhengdong-Xu Chen at No 5.
Malaysia, who have won the Thomas Cup five times, will bank on current World No 1 Lee Chong Wei. Malaysia’s second singles is 16th ranked veteran Wong Choong Hann while unpredictable Muhd Hafiz Hashi, a former All-England champion, is slotted for third singles. He is ranked 22nd in the world.
Malaysia have the top ranked men’s doubles pair in the world in Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong but their inconsistency and unpredictable form of late is a cause for concern.
The form of Malaysia’s second pair Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif has also taken a dip but coach Rexy Mainaky is confident that his charges will deliver in front of the home supporters.
Former Olympic and world champion Taufik Hidayat will lead Indonesia’s charge to regain the Cup they last won in 2002 with a 3-2 win over Malaysia in Guangzhou. Indonesia have won the Thomas Cup 13 times.
On his day, Taufik can beat anyone in the world although his stamina looks suspect. The second seeds also have strong singles players in Sony Dwi Kuncoro, Simon Santoso and newcomer Dyonisius Hayom Rambaka.
Indonesia have depth in doubles too. Their top pair is Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan, who are the third best pair in the world while Alven Yulianto-Hendra Gunawan are ranked seventh in the world..
The top two teams in their respective groups advance to the quarter-finals where a fresh draw will be conducted for the knockout stage.
On paper China and South Korea from Group A, Malaysia and Japan from Group B, Denmark from C (the other slot will be a battle between Germany and Poland), Indonesia and India from Group D should make the quarter-finals.
GROUP A: China, South Korea, Peru
GROUP B: Malaysia, Japan, Nigeria
GROUP C: Denmark, Germany, Poland
GROUP D: Indonesia, India, Australia.
Source : Thomas & Uber Cup 2010 Official Website
However, if there is one country that could rewrite Thomas Cup history and take the majestic silverware out of Asia, it has to be Denmark. The Scandinavian country have traditionally been Europe’s strongest power in a men’s badminton and they have probably named their strongest ever Thomas Cup team which is a blended of youth and experience.
World No 4 Peter-Gade Christensen leads the singles challenge with up and coming Jan O Jorgensen (ninth) together with Joachim Persson (24th), Denmark also sprang a surprise by naming their coach Kenneth Jonassen as the fourth singles player.
The Danes have two strong world class doubles pairs - world No 4 Mathias Boe-Carsten Morgensen and Jonas Rasmussen-Lars Paaske (sixth). Rasmussen-Paaske have been in great form of late, winning the All-England in March and the recent European Championships in Manchester. On both occasions they beat Boe-Morgensen.
In Christensen’s own words “we have a more balanced team and the young and the old are all very ‘hungry” to go one step further and win the Cup for the first time” – a clear message that Denmark don’t want to finish runners-up for the ninth time.
“Age may not be on our side but there is plenty of fire in us. Winning the All-England and the European Championships showed that we are capable of holding our own against the world’s best,” said Rasmussen.
Defending champions and top seeds China are the heavy favourites to retain the title they won in Jakarta two years ago with a 3-1 win over South Korea in the final – their seventh title
China will be counting on their ace Lin Dan to deliver. Lin Dan failed miserably in this year’s All-England and the Swiss Open but the three-time world champion came back strongly to nail the Asian Badminton Championships in New Delhi which pushed up his world rankings – ahead of Chen Jin (third).
Despite his dip in form, Lin Dan will make life difficult for his opponents in the Thomas Cup. As China’s number one, Lin Dan will be play a crucial for the Chinese who have named Chen Jin, Bao Chunlai and Chen Long as the other singles players.
China are also strong in the doubles former world number one Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng, Guo Zhengdong-Xu Chen and Chai Biao-Zhang Nan. Cai Yun-Haifeng, the All England champions last year, have dropped to No 8 in the world rankings while their best pair is Zhengdong-Xu Chen at No 5.
Malaysia, who have won the Thomas Cup five times, will bank on current World No 1 Lee Chong Wei. Malaysia’s second singles is 16th ranked veteran Wong Choong Hann while unpredictable Muhd Hafiz Hashi, a former All-England champion, is slotted for third singles. He is ranked 22nd in the world.
Malaysia have the top ranked men’s doubles pair in the world in Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong but their inconsistency and unpredictable form of late is a cause for concern.
The form of Malaysia’s second pair Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif has also taken a dip but coach Rexy Mainaky is confident that his charges will deliver in front of the home supporters.
Former Olympic and world champion Taufik Hidayat will lead Indonesia’s charge to regain the Cup they last won in 2002 with a 3-2 win over Malaysia in Guangzhou. Indonesia have won the Thomas Cup 13 times.
On his day, Taufik can beat anyone in the world although his stamina looks suspect. The second seeds also have strong singles players in Sony Dwi Kuncoro, Simon Santoso and newcomer Dyonisius Hayom Rambaka.
Indonesia have depth in doubles too. Their top pair is Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan, who are the third best pair in the world while Alven Yulianto-Hendra Gunawan are ranked seventh in the world..
The top two teams in their respective groups advance to the quarter-finals where a fresh draw will be conducted for the knockout stage.
On paper China and South Korea from Group A, Malaysia and Japan from Group B, Denmark from C (the other slot will be a battle between Germany and Poland), Indonesia and India from Group D should make the quarter-finals.
GROUP A: China, South Korea, Peru
GROUP B: Malaysia, Japan, Nigeria
GROUP C: Denmark, Germany, Poland
GROUP D: Indonesia, India, Australia.
Source : Thomas & Uber Cup 2010 Official Website
PREVIEW: CHINA HOT FAVOURITES TO RETAIN UBER CUP
WORLD champion Lu Lan and World No 3 Wang Lin have been dropped by China for the Uber Cup Finals, but the defending champions still remain the hot favourites to retain the title.
Take a look at the “stars” in their squad who will compete in the 23rd edition of the Uber Cup at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur from May 9-16.
China, the world’s most populous country, don’t seem to have any problem in churning out world beaters.
China who have the luxury of having five women’s singles players in the top five in world ranking have named current World No 1 Wang Yihan, Wang Xin (No 2) and Wang Shixian (No 4). Also in the team is the experienced Jiang Yanjiao, who is ranked No 5.
As Denmark’s No 1 woman shuttler and reigning All-England and European champion Tine Rasmussen said: “China don’t seem to have producing champions” and they will certainly start as the favourites.
The left handed Wang Xin is no stranger to the Malaysian badminton fraternity, having won the Proton Malaysia Open Super Series.
Ma Jin-Wang Xiaoli are the world’s top ranked women’s doubles pair as of the latest world ranking list. Second ranked Du Jing-Yu Yang and Pan Pan-Tian Qing adds weight to the mighty Chinese.
Malaysia suffered a double blow when Lydia Cheah and Julia Wong, ranked second and third respectively in the team, picked up knee injuries during training and have been replaced by Sannatasah Saniru and Sonia Cheah. Sonia, younger sister of Lydia, reached the quarter-finals in the recent World Junior Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Still, Malaysia are confident of reaching at the quarter-finals at least from their group. Malaysia can count on their No 1 woman shuttler Wong Mew Choo and the strong doubles pair Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui, who enjoyed a brief stay as World No 1 last year. Mew Choo is the reigning Yonex-BWF Masters Super Series Finals singles champion.
Malaysia are drawn in Group A with China and the United States of America (USA).
Three time champions Indonesia and three time runners-up Denmark look good bets to advance to the last eight from Group B while five time winners Japan should top Group C with Russia and Germany will have to fight it out to advance.
South Korea, who lost to China in five finals should have no difficulty in topping D with India, powered by World No 6 Saina Nehwal should join them. The other team in the group is South Africa.
A fresh draw will be conducted for the knockout stage.
GROUP A: China, Malaysia, USA
GROUP B: Indonesia, Denmark, Australia
GROUP C: Japan, Russia, Germany
GROUP D: South Korea, India, South Africa
Source : Thomas & Uber Cup 2010 Official Website
Take a look at the “stars” in their squad who will compete in the 23rd edition of the Uber Cup at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur from May 9-16.
China, the world’s most populous country, don’t seem to have any problem in churning out world beaters.
China who have the luxury of having five women’s singles players in the top five in world ranking have named current World No 1 Wang Yihan, Wang Xin (No 2) and Wang Shixian (No 4). Also in the team is the experienced Jiang Yanjiao, who is ranked No 5.
As Denmark’s No 1 woman shuttler and reigning All-England and European champion Tine Rasmussen said: “China don’t seem to have producing champions” and they will certainly start as the favourites.
The left handed Wang Xin is no stranger to the Malaysian badminton fraternity, having won the Proton Malaysia Open Super Series.
Ma Jin-Wang Xiaoli are the world’s top ranked women’s doubles pair as of the latest world ranking list. Second ranked Du Jing-Yu Yang and Pan Pan-Tian Qing adds weight to the mighty Chinese.
Malaysia suffered a double blow when Lydia Cheah and Julia Wong, ranked second and third respectively in the team, picked up knee injuries during training and have been replaced by Sannatasah Saniru and Sonia Cheah. Sonia, younger sister of Lydia, reached the quarter-finals in the recent World Junior Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Still, Malaysia are confident of reaching at the quarter-finals at least from their group. Malaysia can count on their No 1 woman shuttler Wong Mew Choo and the strong doubles pair Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui, who enjoyed a brief stay as World No 1 last year. Mew Choo is the reigning Yonex-BWF Masters Super Series Finals singles champion.
Malaysia are drawn in Group A with China and the United States of America (USA).
Three time champions Indonesia and three time runners-up Denmark look good bets to advance to the last eight from Group B while five time winners Japan should top Group C with Russia and Germany will have to fight it out to advance.
South Korea, who lost to China in five finals should have no difficulty in topping D with India, powered by World No 6 Saina Nehwal should join them. The other team in the group is South Africa.
A fresh draw will be conducted for the knockout stage.
GROUP A: China, Malaysia, USA
GROUP B: Indonesia, Denmark, Australia
GROUP C: Japan, Russia, Germany
GROUP D: South Korea, India, South Africa
Source : Thomas & Uber Cup 2010 Official Website
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