Monday, April 30, 2007

The Malaysian clashes in Singapore Open

Thanks to the draw, we have Malaysians v Malaysians in the first round of the the Singapore Open. It will be the first tournament where points will be accumulated for the Olympics qualification. Sorry to hear that Roslin will have to stay at home and miss all the fun.

On the other hand, can his younger brother, Hafiz Hashim rise on ocassion? Can the wedding luck continues to be with him throughout the tournament? Can he beat Lee Chong Wei who is on the verge of proving himself? Can Chong Wei defies all odds to resurrect his game? Can Chong Wei even reach the quarterfinals to play against Lin Dan? or is Hafiz going to be the one to face Lin Dan instead of Chong Wei?

It's even worse in the men's doubles. Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong v Zakry/Fairuzizuan in the first round, and Hoon Thien How/Chan Chong Ming v Lee Wan Wah/Choong Tan Fook also in the first round. While the veterans are still in hunger for success, the newly paired Thien How/Chong Ming shall not give up that easilly. I predict the more experienced pair to prevail. Same goes to Kien Keat and Boon Heong. Whether or not Rexy's action in disciplining Kien Keat is fruitful, we'll find out by the end of this week.

Attentions will be on the mixed doubles where the limelight mostly shines on the juniors, Woon Khe Wei/Tan Wee Kiong. They will have to fight the likely Korean pairs in the qualifying round before playing with the best in the main draw. Will miracle be produced? How far can this pair go?

The answers will be revealed soon.

On a side note, Nicol David finally falls to Natalie Grinham 9-4, 9-4, 9-0 in the finals of the Seoul City Open. She only has herself to blame for not being focused. Fear not. I believe she will bounce back. Blaming herself rather than blaming the lightings, or citing injuries as the cause, or other excuses is very acceptable. See, that's what many Malaysian atheletes will have to learn from our squash queen.

No comments: