NST 13 May Thomas and Uber Cup Finals: Koreans manipulate format Email to friend Print article addthis_pub = 'nstonline'; South Koreans Lee Hyun Il and Park Sung Hwan lost to England’s Christopher Langridge and Christopher Adcock 16-21, 12-21 at the Istora Senayan yesterday. MALAYSIA were thinking of doing it but South Korea beat them to it by unabashedly throwing their Thomas Cup Group B tie against England yesterday. Korea, considered dark horses here for the title, lost 4-1 and then admitted that the defeat was part of their strategy to clinch the Thomas Cup for the first time. And in a damning indictment of the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Korea team manager Kim Jong Soo said they were only taking advantage of the system by choosing opponents for the next stage. The format, where all teams qualify for the second stage regardless of their results in the group stage, was introduced in the 2004 edition. The top team from each of the four groups qualify directly for the quarter-finals while the second and third placed teams advance to playoffs to decide the remaining four slots. "Blame BWF for it. We are only taking advantage of the system. I prefer a format where only the top two teams from the four groups qualify for the quarter-finals," said Jong Soo. He said it was pointless for teams to play matches for positions in a group when all eventually qualify for the next stage. "It only encourages teams to field weaker teams. Another reason we are doing it is because the format is hectic for the shuttlers." South Korea fielded Hong Ji Hoon, their reserve singles player, in the first singles while doubles shuttlers Lee Jae Jin and Hwang Ji Man played second and third singles respectively. On why they chose Denmark as their quarter-final opponents, Jong Soo said the coaches felt Korea had a better chance against the Europeans. "We came to Jakarta to win the Thomas Cup and not to make up the numbers. Why we chose Denmark in the last eight? Well, we feel our shuttlers have a better chance against them in our bid to win the title." Should Korea go on and win the Cup, they will probably go down in history as the first team to have finished at the bottom of the pile in the preliminary stage and yet won the tournament. Meanwhile, Indonesia head coach Christian Hadinata and Denmark head coach Steen Pedersen agreed the tournament format should be changed to ensure teams do not throw matches. Christian said nobody should criticise Korea as they were only taking advantage of the format's weakness. "In my opinion, the world body should revamp the format to prevent abuse," Christian said. Pedersen said another option that could be considered by BWF is to have a redraw in the play-off. "It will keep teams guessing and it is highly unlikely that they will then resort to fielding weak teams in group ties," Pedersen said BWF officials were not available for comment but -- after China chief coach Li Yongbo admitted "arranging" a result in the 2004 Athens Olympics women's singles -- it will be interesting to see what action, if any, is taken. http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/Sport/2238575/Article/index_html
NST 13 May Drop shots: China's streak snapped 2008/05/13 CHINA'S record of going six matches without dropping a point in the Uber Cup since the 2006 edition in Tokyo, came to an end yesterday against Germany but their opponents won the point by default thanks to an overheating spotlight which blew. The spotlight, just above Court Three which China and Germany were playing on, blew out when Zhang Yawen-Wei Yili were 1-0 up in the first game against Kathrin Piotrowski-Michaela Peiffer in the first doubles. China were then leading 3-0 and team manager Tian Bingyi refused to allow his charges to continue and instead decided to split the two doubles points with Germany. Taufik is aloof at home TAUFIK Hidayat may be a friendly person outside Indonesia but he has a different personality when playing in his own country. He does not give autographs nor does he acknowledge fans who have been cheering for him in matches. He also has only one word answers to questions from local reporters during press conferences. Julia caves in to pressure JULIA Wong fell victim to the roars and boos from the fans at the Istora Senayan in her match against Denmark's Nanna Brosolat Jensen when the Indonesian crowd decided on cheering for the Danish player instead. The Malaysian felt the pressure and lost the deciding game. Going from bad to worse JOURNALISTS covering the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals face several challenges due to the organisers inability to provide a stable internet connection or sufficient power points. Several complaints were lodged with the organisers but none seemed interested to rectify the situation. Now, even the lighting in the press area is not working.
NST 13 May Thomas and Uber Cup Finals: Red-faced BWF promises changes 2008/05/13 THE Badminton World Federation (BWF) is looking at the possibility of introducing a new format for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup in order to eliminate teams throwing matches. Among the changes being considered is having only the top team from each of the four groups qualify for the semi-finals while the rest compete in classification matches. BWF deputy president Datuk Punch Gunalan said the current format was initially introduced to promote the game but teams are now taking advantage for the wrong reasons. "I don't blame South Korea for fielding a weaker team for their group matches. Any strong team will do it if they have a chance," said Punch at the Istora Senayan yesterday. "We introduced the current format in the 2004 Jakarta edition to give a chance for smaller nations to play in the event. However, with the latest development, we now need to sit and talk about changing the format." So far only South Korea have openly admitted that they intended to lose their group matches to England and Malaysia in order to get favoured opponents in the quarter-finals. In the Uber Cup, second seeds Japan, who lost to Indonesia 4-1 in their Group Z match on Sunday, also fielded a weaker team in their 3-2 loss to the Netherlands yesterday in order to avoid China. When asked whether the format is diluting the tournament's prestige, Punch said it is not as the federation is in the process of promoting badminton to the world. http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/Sport/2238838/Article/pppull_index_html
The Star Online > Sports Tuesday May 13, 2008 Denmark warn against annoying the fans DENMARK fear that badminton fans would start to turn away from the sport if the Badminton World Federation (BWF) do not make a major revamp to the present competition format for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup tournaments. Chief coach Steen Pedesen described the strategies of several teams who deliberately lose matches in order to choose their future opponents as not good for the sport. He was unhappy, in particular, with South Korea's staged defeat by England yesterday. “It is unfair for the badminton fans who turned up to watch the Koreans play like Donald Ducks against England. Something is wrong with the playing system when we start having teams like Korea disrupting the quality of this world-class competition,” said Pedesen. “At a time when badminton is striving for global appeal, this problem is giving the sport a bad image. Winners should be decided on the court alone, and off court plotting needs to be eliminated.” He gave the assurance that his squad would not stoop so low as to tarnish the reputation of the competition. Pedesen offered a suggestion to solve the problem, which stemmed from the decision to allow all 16 teams to progress to the knockout stage. “If BWF feel that they want all 16 teams to move on, they could have a separate draw for the second round onwards,” he said. “The four group champions should qualify automatically to the quarter-finals. And a fresh draw needs to be made after the group ties for the second- and third-placed finishers. This is to determine their positions and opponents for the knockout phase. “By holding a separate draw after the group phase, teams can no longer plan ahead to choose their future opponents before the tournament has even started.” Pedesen also gave a word of caution to the Koreans, who cited their main reason for fielding weakened teams against South Korea and Malaysia was to meet Denmark in the quarter-finals. “Denmark's target in this competition is to win every tie, regardless of the opposition. We do not have preference or any reason to avoid any team. “If the Koreans think they are being smart by playing us in the last eight, they are in for a surprise. Denmark have beaten Korea before in the Thomas Cup and we are capable of doing it again.” http://thestar.com.my/services/printerfriendly.asp?file=/2008/5/13/sports/21230462.asp&sec=sports The Danes, who have yet to emerge as the champions, were the finalists in the last two editions in 2004 and 2006. What the others say CHRISTIAN HADINATA (Indonesian manager and doubles legend): I do not think South Korea did anything wrong. They saw a way to get the best out of the system and capitalised on it. They adopted the strategy that they think is right for the team. Yes, thowing away matches is not good for the sport. A review of the system is needed to prevent teams from doing this. MISBUN SIDEK (Malaysia's singles coach): It is a pity that the players are forced to do this. Yes, it is a team strategy but one that is not good for the morale of the players. I hope this will not happen again. LI YONGBO (China's chief coach): We cannot make a fuss over South Korea's move. They used the format very well. China, however, will never do this.
The Star Online > Sports Tuesday May 13, 2008 Badminton: Blame it on the format, says Korean manager SOUTH Korea made a total mockery of the Badminton World Federation's (BWF) competition format for the Thomas Cup Finals by openly declaring that their best path to the final is by losing all their group matches. The new format, allowing all 16 teams to move into the knockout phase, was introduced at the 2004 Finals, also in Jakarta. Yesterday morning, the Koreans fielded their singles players in the doubles and their doubles specialists in the singles to lose 1-4 to England in their opening Group B tie. Immediately after the defeat, team manager Kim Jong-soo admitted that they had also plotted to throw away their final group tie against Malaysia last night. The Koreans also lost 1-4. The reason: South Korea wanted to finish bottom of the three-team group to go into the same quarter of the knockout draw with Denmark. The Korean team manager Kim Jong-soo admitted that the team had deliberately lost to England and Malaysia to increase their chances of reaching the final. If they had beaten both England and Malaysia to top the group, South Korea will go into the same half of the draw as defending champions China. If they had beaten England but lost to Malaysia and finish second, they go into the same quarter as hosts Indonesia. South Korea have yet to feature in the Thomas Cup final. “It was not a late decision. We had discussed all options and settled on finishing last in the group, even before arriving in Jakarta,” said Jong-soo. “After studying the draw and analysing our strengths and weaknesses, it was best for us to play against Denmark in the quarters, Indonesia in the semis and China in the final. We had to adopt the best strategy to maximise our chances of winning the Cup.” Against England, fourth ranked singles player Hong Ji-hoon played in the opening match, going down 19-21, 21-18, 16-21 to Andrew Smith. Lee Yong-dae partnered third singles player Shon Seung-mo in the first doubles and they defeated Robert Adcock-Robin Middleton 21-19, 21-15. South Korea’s doubles specialist Hwang Ji-man holding a broken racquet during the second singles match against Mohd Hafiz Hashim of Malaysia. Doubles player Lee Jae-jin went down 11-21, 19-21 to Rajiv Ouseph in the second singles match and the top two singles players Park Sung-hwan and Lee Hyun-il combined in a 16-21, 12-21 defeat by Christopher Langridge-Christopher Adcock. Another doubles player, Hwang Ji-man put the finishing touch to the South Korean sham by going down 11-21, 18-21 to Nathan Rice. In having no qualms over killing the spirit of sportsmanship and depriving the paying fans and television viewers around the world of getting their money's worth, Jong-soo was critical of the competition format. “We are merely taking advantage of the loopholes in the current competition format, which was created to allow countries to play more matches at the Finals. The fault lies with the organisers and not with the teams,” he said. “In order to maintain the credibility of the competition, it would be better for the BWF to revert to the previous format where only the top two teams in each group qualify for the quarter-finals. Then, no such plotting will arise.” South Korea, as the bottom team in Group B, will play against Group A runners-up Canada today for a place in the quarter-finals.
With his "dream team", he doesnt have to do it. CHN is the mighty mouse and the rest are just "donald ducks"
This guy (Denmark's head coach) deserves every praise n respect from baddies around the world. Hat off to U, Mr.Pedesen
Jaded Taufik vows to buck up INDONESIAN Taufik Hidayat (pic) is rated as the strongest player at second singles but his jaded performances in his matches thus far has only brought smiles to the rivals. Indonesia booked a place in the quarter-finals from Group D with victories over Thailand (3-2) and Germany (5-0). Taufik lost to Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk on Sunday and did better yesterday Dieter Domke but he was still far from impressive. In the quarter-finals tomorrow, Indonesia will take on the winner of today's ties between England and Nigeria. Taufik has pledged to bounce back from jittery starts to help Indonesia regain the Cup they last won in 2002 in Guangzhou. “The Thai boy played well. I gave my best but I just could not pull it off despite the strong support from the home fans,” he said. “My only excuse is that my form is not at its best. I am finding it hard to keep the fire burning. I am a family man now and people must understand that I cannot be at my best all the time. I am not a robot.” Taufik added that he would only get better. “I played better today. I am confident that I will only improve. This is my last Finals and I will find enough courage and strength to help Indonesia to go all the way. I owe it to the fans,” he said. On his defence of the Olympic title in Beijing in August, he said: “I can win it if I want it. For now, I just need to work on getting the feel of the game.” The second ranked players in teams of the other top contenders are Peter Gade-Christensen (Denmark), Lee Hyun-il (South Korea), Wong Choong Hann (Malaysia) and Bao Chunlai (China). Taufik will have to raise his game if he were to meet Gade-Christensen or Hyun-il in a projected semi-final tie. The other singles players in the Indonesian team are Sony Dwi Kuncoro, Simon Santoso and Tommy Sugiarto. http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2008/5/13/sports/21230467&sec=sports
NST 14 May Malaysia stun Japan 2008/05/14 MALAYSIA pulled off the first major upset in the Uber Cup when they stunned second seeds Japan 3-0 to advance to the quarter-finals at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta, yesterday. This is only the second time Malaysia have made it to the last eight, the first being in 2004, also in Jakarta. Now, the Malaysian women must brace themselves for the tough encounter against third seeds South Korea today but if they reproduce yesterday’s form, a berth in the semi-finals is well within their reach. World No 10 Wong Mew Choo was in her element yesterday as she chased every shot Eriko Hirose could throw at her and limited her unforced errors. Mew Choo’s court-craft and powerful smashes were too much for the Japanese and went on to win 21-17 in 17 minu t e s. The Malaysian did not let her advantage slip in the second game and won 21-18 to leave Eriko stunned. “I was in doubt of a win today (yesterday) but I was also determine not to let down the country. Also, I wanted very much to silence the fans who have been against Malaysia. I wanted to prove to them that we can rattle the Istora S e n aya n , ” said Mew Choo after the m at c h . Mew Choo’s win spurred her teamm at e s ’ confidence and determination and the scratch pair of Lim Pek Siah-Wong Pei Tty and Julia Wong, against the odds, won their matches in style. The Malaysian bench decided to field Pek Siah-Pei Tty in the first doubles and the move paid dividends when the pair, employing some aggressive play, beat Satoko Suetsuna-Miyuki Maeda 21-15, 21-18 in 41 minutes. Julia, the World No 29, knew she had a battle on her hands against Yu Hirayama, who is ranked 10 places above her, but the 21-year-old did not disappoint in securing Malaysia’s winning point. The Malaysian took the first game 21-15 but lost the second 10-21. In the decider, Julia looked to be heading for defeat as she trailed 8-13 at one point. However, Julia’s confidence received a boost when Mew Choo, seated just behind the court, urged her to fight on and it worked as Julia raced to a 21-19 win. The match lasted almost an hour. A delighted Julia said afterwards: “It is our first victory against Japan. I knew Yu would be a tough opponent but I never gave up. “The turning point came when Mew Choo gave me some advice and urged me not to be hasty and to play long rallies instead of trying to finish each point quickly. This worked.” National back-up coach Rashid Sidek said it was a risk breaking up the combination of first and second doubles. “The girls played better under no pressure as the favourites were Japan. We knew that the Japanese pairs were better and we took the risk of breaking up the pairs, and thankfully, it worked,” said Rashid. “Now we will face South Korea and it will need another great effort from the girls in this tie.” http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/Sport/20080514085509/Article/pppull_index_html
The Star Online > Sports Wednesday May 14, 2008 Malaysia rise to the occasion to stun second seeds Japan THE Malaysian Uber Cup squad defied the odds in the playoff round for quarter-final berths, knocking out second seeds Japan 3-0 at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta yesterday. The Malaysians showed no after-effects of their demoralising 2-3 defeat by Denmark just a day earlier when they overpowered the Japanese for the first-time ever in the Uber Cup Finals. By booking a spot in the last eight against South Korea today, the Malaysians equalled their best-ever achievement in the Finals accomplished in 2004, also in Jakarta. Then, they bowed out 0-3 against China. Yesterday, Wong Mew Choo and Julia Wong redeemed themselves after their losses against the Danes by delivering two crucial points. In between, the gamble to split the doubles combinations paid handsome dividends when Lim Pek Siah teamed up with Wong Pei Tty to stun the more fancied Satoko Suetsuna-Miyuki Maeda 21-15, 21-18 in the first doubles. Mew Choo set the ball rolling for Malaysia with a clinical 21-17, 21-18 victory over Eriko Hirose in just 41 minutes. The decision to balance up the strength of the two pairs by breaking up the first ranked combination of Pei Tty and Chin Eei Hui worked wonders. And Eei Hui and Ng Hui Lin were not required to play the second doubles match after the tie went dead in favour of Malaysia. Against the athletic Suetsuna-Maeda, Pek Siah-Pei Tty banked on their vast experience to remain in control and make it 2-0 for Malaysia. It was left to Julia to clinch the winning point, and she did not disappoint against Yu Hirayama. After taking the first game 21-15, Julia lost focus and lost the second tamely at 10-21. She was also on the ropes in the rubber, trailing 6-11 at the court changeover. But concerns over a repeat meltdown that let to her defeat by Denmark's Nanna Brosolat Jensen proved unfounded. After a pep talk from Mew Choo and also coach Rashid Sidek, the Malaysian number two fought back and levelled the score at 13-13. Both players traded points until 19-19 before Julia pulled away to seal a famous win. “I lost my way midway through the second game and the decline continued at the start of the third game,” said Julia. “Mew Choo's advice to me was to be more patient with my attacking game. I was rushing into making attacks and this allowed Hirayama to exploit the situation. I heeded the advice and regained control and was determined to fight back and never gave up.” Rashid said that Malaysia can expect a much tougher hurdle against third seeds South Korea today. “After China, the Koreans are the next toughest opponents to play in the Uber Cup. They have all-round strength and they also have more experience in their side. But our confidence is high after defeating Japan and we are hoping to put on another good performance in the quarter-finals,” he said. Fourth seeded Malaysia had to go into the playoff round, involving second and third-placed teams in groups, after finishing as the runners-up in Group Y behind Denmark and ahead of New Zealand. http://www.thestar.com.my/services/...ile=/2008/5/14/sports/21242200.asp&sec=sports
The Star Online > Sports Wednesday May 14, 2008 Two-fold mission for our warriors MALAYSIA can ride on the strength of their singles players to get the better of Japan in the Thomas Cup quarter-finals at the Istora Senayan today. But Malaysia may be aiming for more than a win. They may also want to regain supremacy over the Japanese in the doubles department. Malaysia may make changes to the doubles line-up. The top ranked pair of Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah may be rested for Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong to move up and pour cold water on the hot run of Shintaro Ikeda-Shuichi Sakamoto. Veterans Tan Fook-Wan Wah who have not played against Ikeda-Sakamoto may find the young and fast attacking Japanese pair too hot to handle. If Malaysia opt for Kien Keat-Boon Heong, Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari will get to play their first match in the Finals, probably against Keita Masuda-Tadashi Ohtsuka. Malaysia start as favourites to win the tie but chief coach Yap Kim Hock warned against taking Japan lightly. “Chances are bright for us to enter the semi-finals. But we cannot just brush aside the Japanese challenge,” he said yesterday. “They came close to defeating Denmark yesterday. Their first doubles won a point and their second pair almost stole another. “But after a below-par performances of their doubles players against Germany today, they may field their third pair (Keishi Kawaguchi-Naoki Kawamae). They can field any pair ... I am confident of our players’ ability.” Meanwhile, Zakry said of the possibility of making his baptism of fire in the Finals: “This is an important tie for Malaysia. Japan have fielded the best team thus far and they are likely to do the same against us. “But Fairuzizuan and I are more than prepared to play a match against them.” The Malaysian singles players – Lee Chong Wei, Wong Choong Hann and Mohd Hafiz Hashim – are without doubt superior than their Japanese opponents. They could name Mohd Arif Abdul Latif for the third singles match but are unlikely to take a risk, especially in the knockout stage of competition. http://www.thestar.com.my/services/...ile=/2008/5/14/sports/21243446.asp&sec=sports
The Star Online > Sports Wednesday May 14, 2008 Japan banking on doubles power to pull off an upset JAPAN’S chief coach Park Joo-bong (pic) believes that the key for his team to beat Malaysia in the Thomas Cup quarter-finals today is in the doubles matches. The South Korean badminton legend, who also had a stint with the Malaysian national team, is pinning hopes on Shintaro Ikeda-Shiuchi Sakamoto and Keita Masuda-Tadashi Ohtsuka to deliver both points. “Malaysia have higher ranked players in both the singles and doubles and are the favourites to win the tie,” said Joo-bong yesterday. “But we have hope to score an upset based on the fact that our two pairs have beaten Malaysian pairs several times in international tournaments. It will be difficult but we have a chance if the doubles can deliver.” He added that his charges would be up to the challenges after having played two tough ties in as many days before taking on Malaysia. On Monday, the Japanese were involved in what was arguably the best tie of the Finals thus far, going down 2-3 to Denmark in Group C. They went the distance yesterday to secure a 3-2 victory over a battling Germany in the playoff round for quarter-final berths. “The momentum is clearly with Japan. The players have already displayed their true fighting spirit through two very tough encounters. Hopefully, we can ride on this factor to our advantage against Malaysians,” said Joo-bong. “Although we needed five matches to beat the Germans, I am happy with the performances of my players as Germany are a quality team.” Against the Germans, Ikeda-Sakamoto and Sho Sasaki were the losers in the first doubles and second singles matches. Japan earned their victory with points from Shoji Sato and Kenichi Tago in the singles and the second doubles pair of Masuda-Ohtsuka.
oh well, they are too strong to pick opponents. sending another teammate in to high seeding thus qualilfy the olympics is different compare to avoiding stronger opponents. even though both can be described by the word cheating. with that said, If i am LD, it would be hard for me to refuse to get another teammate in to a higher seeding thus qualify him for world games, even if the cost is for me to lose a game. it's all about where you stand, period.
The Star Online > Sports Wednesday May 14, 2008 Hendra aims to turn dream into reality DOUBLES shuttler Hendra Setiawan had just made his break into the national team when Indonesia last won the Thomas Cup in Guangzhou in 2002. “I was only 18 when I joined the team. It was a proud moment for me because it was not easy to break into the doubles department of the Indonesian national team,” said Hendra. “At that time, Indonesia won the Thomas Cup (beating Malaysia 3-2 in the final). It has been my dream to be in a Cup-winning side since then. “I did not make the team in 2004 (in Jakarta). There were just too many good senior doubles players. I made it to Japan in 2006 but I did not get to feel how it was like to win the Cup. We lost to China in the semi-finals.” And the 24-year-old Hendra, who won the world title with Markis Kido last year, hopes that his dream will turn to reality this time in Jakarta. Hendra-Markis forms the top ranked partnership in the team. The other pairs are Joko Riyadi-Hendra Gunawan and Candra Wijaya-Nova Widianto. “We are determined to get our hands on the Cup. Markis and I do not want to drop a single match,” declared Hendra. Indonesia take on England in the quarter-finals today and it should be a walk in the park for them to get the semi-finals against the winners of the tie between Denmark and South Korea. “We have strong doubles pairs in the team. Many wrote off Joko-Hendra at the second doubles because they are first-timers but they proved everyone wrong by coming good against Thailand (on Sunday),” said Hendra. “Candra and Nova are also reliable based on their performances at the ABC (Asian Championships). They were the runners-up. Their experience is vital for the team. “Markis's father passed away recently. It took him away from training for a while. But both us are back on track. I cannot wait to hold aloft the Cup.” Indonesia boast of having many legendary doubles players and Hendra singled out United States-based Tony Gunawan as his mentor. “I have always admired and respected him. I did not have the privilege to be in the same team as him. But even now, we keep in touch through text messages. He gives me a lot of inspiration,” said Hendra. “I will be great to be like Tony and win all the major titles in the world.” http://www.thestar.com.my/services/...ile=/2008/5/14/sports/21239892.asp&sec=sports
Bad boys want Olympics bragging rights The Rising Nepal JAKARTA, May 11: Badminton bad boys Lin Dan and Taufik Hidayat are playing for than just their countries at the Thomas Cup here this week — they both want bragging rights going into the Beijing Olympics. World number one Lin and Olympic champion Hidayat have a well documented history of public spats, each earning their reputation with a series of fiery outbursts. With the Thomas Cup the last major tournament ahead of the Olympics, how the arch-rivals perform, and just as importantly behave, in the team championships will be closely scrutinised as an indication of what to expect in August. Lin might be the world’s best player but he is walking a fine line after he allegedly struck coach Ji Xinpeng in a temper tantrum during a training match in April. It prompted a chorus of calls for him be punished with some fans demanding that the hot-headed star be dumped from China’s Olympic team. “The coaching team and chief officials have spoiled Lin. He should have been kicked out of the team earlier,” the China Daily quoted one fan as saying following the controversy, as the Internet ran hot with criticism. Lin denied striking Ji but subsequently apologised. “Originally I thought this was a very minor matter. But then it was affecting the reputation of the badminton team so I apologised to the coach,” he said. The mercurial badminton genius was involved in a similar altercation with South Korea’s Chinese head coach Li Mao in the Korean Open early this year. In that incident, Lin rushed Li after a questionable line call and appeared poised to hit him with his racket before trainers and teammates intervened. His tiffs with Hidayat are legendary and boiled over at the Asian Games in 2006 when the Indonesian superstar launched an astonishing attack on Lin, calling him arrogant and unfriendly. Hidayat then beat him in the final, with Lin declining to attend the post-match news conference where he would have had to sit next to his nemesis. The Chinese star began his Thomas Cup campaign with an early morning 21-6, 21-11 win over Nigeria’s Greg Orobosa Okuonghea Sunday and escaped any needling from the crowd, but knows he needs to keep a lid on his emotions. “It is always different and difficult playing in Indonesia,” he said. “The Indonesians are very passionate people when it comes to badminton, especially when playing at home. You have to control your emotions when playing in front of the Indonesian crowd.” While Lin continues to create waves with his behaviour as well as with his badminton, Hidayat claims he is a reformed character since having a baby last year. Indonesia’s biggest sports star insisted at a tournament in Hong Kong in December that his fiesty days were behind him. “I’m more relaxed and I just think about my family now, not like before,” said Hidayat, who plays here later Sunday. “I was a bit terrible but now I’m more quiet. I just think about my family and about the baby.” Hidayat has provided some of the genteel sport’s more shocking moments. During the national championships in 2001, he charged into the stands and attacked a spectator. He was also accused of a carpark brawl during the 2004 Thomas Cup in Jakarta, and once threatened to play for Singapore in a row over coaching. In 2002, he held up the Busan Asian Games final for two hours in protest at a line call, a performance he repeated in South Korea in August 2006, before his outburst at Lin at the Doha Asian Games.
NST 17 May Rexy: Koo-Tan the worst 2008/05/17 "THE strongest became the weakest" was doubles coach Rexy Mainaky's description of Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong's performance in yesterday's Thomas Cup semi-final against China. "I'm very unhappy with their performance. They were singled out to win a point but they failed to meet my expectations. "As a team, Malaysia played well but individual performances wise, the pair were the worst," said Rexy in Jakarta yesterday. Rexy was hoping Kien Keat-Boon Heong, the World No 4, would give Malaysia a 2-0 lead after Lee Chong Wei had shocked Lin Dan in the first singles. However, the two -- especially Boon Heong -- made too many mistakes against the spirited Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng and lost 21-16, 21-17. "As their coach, I need to get back to Malaysia and have a heart-to-heart talk with them to see what is their problem now. "I really don't understand them. When I feel everything is okay, one of them will always lose his focus and form. "The Olympics are less than four months away and I will need to be careful in preparing the duo for the event. "The problem with them, especially Boon Heong, is the lack of a winning attitude. They don't go on court in the right frame of mind. I need to work with them on this." There were no temper tantrums from Rexy though, who said he is determined to get the pair back on track. "No, I'm not quitting Malaysia. I like it in Malaysia and will even consider an extension if the BA of Malaysia decides to keep me beyond 2009." Rexy was also pleased with the performance of Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari as second doubles. "I spoke to them about the possibility of them playing first doubles and they were ready to take the challenge. "Unfortunately, Choong Tan Fook came down with flu and we had to change our plans. Still, Zakry-Fairuzizuan played extremely well to keep Malaysia in the semi-final and their confidence should be boosted." http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Saturday/Sport/2242869/Article/pppull_index_html
