2011 Korea GP Gold: Tue 06-Dec to Sun 11-Dec

In MS Qualification round......all Korean affairs, they can do all W/O, Retire, fake injury.....if they want
!!

 

The girls who got byes in QF are a bit lucky.

 

You can't deny this has been happening a lot lately. However, this is only the second time this year that Korean players have been in a competition across age groups and the national association has pointed out that this will be used as an evaluation test for national team consideration, so expect some tough fighting from the youngsters and second string.

 

Again missing is Lin Dan

 

6 PFQ's in R1 of WS, which means 6 withdrawals. Messed up the Qualifying round as well

 

The top 2 seeds have also withdrawn from the WD competition. These end of season tournaments are really taking a beating.

 

Simon Santoso has withdrawn, so too are Meiliana Jauhari/Greysia Polii. Maria Febe Kusumastuti was originally drawn against Han Li (the third qualifier), but Han was promoted to main draw. So, Febe could possibly win one match, before she loses to Li Xuerui on Thursday.

 

The withdrawal of Ha Jung Eun/Kim Min Jung (possibly to prepare themselves for the SS Finals) opens up the draw for Nitya Krishinda Maheswari/Anneke Feinya Agustine! If they win their first-round match, they will be automatically in the QF, with possibly a good chance for a Final place against Luo Ying/Luo Yu.

The top-seed in XD, Lee Yong Dae/Ha Jung Eun also withdraws, which opens the way for Fran Kurniawan/Shendy Puspa Irawati to hopefully progress to the SF.

 

Apart from event's info, this Korea GP Gold is still very unique, the qualification round of all disciplines are (almost) entirely filled up with host country's players...there are no players from other countries participate in the qualification round as in other tournaments. I believe this situation is a rarity if any for a GP (Gold) level tournament.

Why does it seem foreign players show lack of interests to play here? Is it because of the timing of the event, approaching year-end, or what??? If timing is the culprit then the succeeding India GP will fare even worse!

 

Also the top-two seed of XD category, Lee YD/Ha JE and Mateusiak/Zieba respectively.

 

I think because it's been a long season, injuries do eventually catch up and players inevitably pull out. That's the nature of the beast. Besides there are lots of hungry Korean juniors/backup players ready to fill up the spots.

 

I believe that this Korea Open is upgraded into GPG level tourney only starting this year onwards. Previously, it was GP level (2010) and IC level (before 2010) and mainly served as the selection test for entering the Korean National Team (as event mentioned).

I think most European players do not see the need to go for 2 KOR Opens (GPG & SSP) in 2 separate months (Dec & Jan).

For INA, the team also mostly comprises of 2nd team players, with the exception of MS, WS, and Nitya/Feinya in WD.

 

Taking a look at the Qualification results, all I see are names that don't mean much and Korean flags. Very hard to get motivated to follow today's round.

BUT...

we know who's making a rare appearance tomorrow.


Will feel like Christmas has come early for me, hehe

 

There is a serious rumour why Hwang was dissapeared for a while while the handsome coach was fired from national team...