OngTeo is so nervous towards the end. Kinda feel its the wrong pair that go into Final not that it matters.
Hendry Saputra Ho, who is currently coaching ASG and JC is probably the first to introduce diving in badminton. Even though Foo Kok Keong from Malaysia is the one that make it more famous.
at least got one representative leftt, rather than no one, just like 2015 edition, all defeated before QF, because no LCW playing that period...
Hendry is even a bit older then the great Zhao Jianhua. Xia is at least10 years younger the Zhao Jianhua.
FINAL (12.00pm) : https://www.tournamentsoftware.com/...6FF7F1-4E8D-470A-BE0B-4E3BA6DF7521&d=20190120 Having six representatives in semifinal then axed to only one stay alive in last round, a disappointing feat for Malaysian fans. Japan, Indonesia, Thailand represented by two slots then China, Korea, Spain have one each, seven different nations are involved in today’s final, what a healthy competition. WD, Yuki Fukushima/Sayaka Hirota (JPN) v Greysia Polii/Apriyani Rahayu (INA) H-2-H : 5-2 / WR : 1 v 4 A tough challenge for the Indonesians after experienced gruelling semifinal match against Matsutomo/Takahashi. They did the best to topple Olympic Champion, 79 minutes in very tight contest. It’s getting harder in term of fitness level against world number one Fukushima/Hirota who beat younger teammates Matsumoto/Nagahara in two straight-games. Fukushima/Hirota won last five of seven meetings and really dominant in 2018 circuit. A major upset if Polii/Rahayu could spoil Japanese WD to top podium here. XD, Yuta Watanabe/Arisa Higashino (JPN) v Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Sapsiree Taerattanachai (THA) H-2-H : 0-0 / WR : 3 v 5 An interesting fact to know that this is the first meeting between these top five pairs. Second final in a row for Thai duo, following their runner-up position in Bangkok last week. Puavaranukroh/Taerattanachai eliminates the surprising semifinalists Tabeling/Piek in relatively easy, 21-19 / 21-14 despite the Netherlands combination made good comeback in opening game. Contrary to their final opponent, Watanabe/Higashino had superb start in first set then suddenly became erratic in second game, losing 7-21. The Japanese duo are back to their normal game in decider and thwart Chan PS/Goh LY book final spot. WS, Ratchanok Intanon (THA) v Carolina Marin (ESP) H-2-H : 5-3 / WR : 8 v 6 Carolina Marin is on her element according how she beat opponents in last two rounds including Saina Nehwal, the Indian couldn’t balance Marin speed and powerful attack. Against the skillful Thai lady, certainly will deliver potential threat for three-time World Champion. Title-holder Intanon outclasses home rookie Goh Jin Wei, many unpredictable shots and precise placement that really troubled Goh. The Malaysian teenager is the player to watch out, showing tremendous development in this home tournament. Marin won over Intanon in last two encounters but overall head to head stats favours to Thai ace, so an equal chance for both finalists to start 2019 with positive note. MS, Chen Long (CHN) v Son Wan Ho (KOR) H-2-H : 11-4 / WR : 4 v 5 The Olympic Champion is eyeing Tokyo 2020 ticket in hot contention between another two Chinese candidates, Shi Yuqi and Lin Dan. Giving absence in domestic league, Chen Long shifts his focus for BWF 2019 season and he sails into final here after French Open Super 750 last November. All straight-games en route to last round, beating upcoming youngster Lee Cheuk Yiu, two Indonesian leading men Jonatan Christie-Anthony Ginting and overcome former world champion Viktor Axelsen in last four, 21-13 / 21-18 underscores he’s ready to shoot another crown. The resurgent Son Wan Ho has same patient style with Chen Long, solid defence, excellent netplay gets free final ticket as Liew Daren conceded walkover due to leg injury. Both players met fourteen months ago in China Open Premier 2017, it could be long match with many long rallies in today's final showdown. XD, Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo (INA) v Ong Yew Sin/Teo Ee Yi (MAS) H-2-H : 3-0 / WR : 1 v 27 An uphill task for home pair based on their head to head statistics, first ever final in BWF World Tour tournament for Ong/Teo. The Minions frustrate Rio OG silver medalists Goh/Tan when the Indonesians coming from behind to turn the tables then the thrilling atmosphere happened when the Malaysians saved three match points, 20-17 before Gideon/Sukamuljo seal the match, 24-22. In all Malaysian affairs, Ong/Teo edge out younger compatriots Aaron Chia/Soh WY, 21-6 / 18-21 / 21-19.
Will be interesting if they meet in earlier rounds.. trailing 11-9G3, FukushimaHirota only won on stamina after that
