US Open 2007 - Aug 31 - semifinals

[ctjcad]

Tony..

i must have jinxed them!

at least i got the WS right but those are not exactly difficult. surprised to see Tony losing both matches.

..i would say, IMO, had to play in a "semi-handicapped" situation: One with the legendary M. Timur against U.S.' #1 XD pair and the other w/his student in Rai, also against U.S.' #1 MD pair...He won the first set in both matches, but couldn't muster any comebacks in the 3rd set of both matches...In both those matches, he essentially exorted much energy..

 

[huangkwokhau]

i must have jinxed them!

at least i got the WS right but those are not exactly difficult. surprised to see Tony losing both matches.

Minarti made few errors on 2nd set which they were supposed to win....well...thats game...he covered too much for Minarti in XD....Eva played well in 3rd set...Tony did not have energy to smash them....this time Bach kept pressuring them to make some errors..,,still entertaining match....remember Minarti is about 40 yrs old now....

 

[ctjcad]

Yeah..

Minarti made few errors on 2nd set which they were supposed to win....well...thats game...he covered too much for Minarti in XD....Eva played well in 3rd set...Tony did not have energy to smash them....this time Bach kept pressuring them to make some errors..,,still entertaining match....remember Minarti is about 40 yrs old now....

..that summed up what i meant..

 

[MadBadFan]

Anyone has video of the Tony vs. Howard matchups? Either or both games. Doesn't matter even it is camcorder video. Anything?

 

[ctjcad]

Yeeesss...

Anyone has video of the Tony vs. Howard matchups? Either or both games. Doesn't matter even it is camcorder video. Anything?

..i have them as well..Though not the full match, only a few minutes clips of both matches..Full match videos will take a while to upload..

 

[samuel882]

..but the WD predictions & 1 of the MD prediction weren't...The 2nd WD match was a barn-burner, will share about it later..But not to worry, lots of surprises as well..

thanks chris.. After all , may be 'm underestimating the home crowd support for HB/Malaykhong... Hwang yu mi defeat comes to more surprise for me

 

[samuel882]

..i would say, IMO, had to play in a "semi-handicapped" situation: One with the legendary M. Timur against U.S.' #1 XD pair and the other w/his student in Rai, also against U.S.' #1 MD pair...He won the first set in both matches, but couldn't muster any comebacks in the 3rd set of both matches...In both those matches, he essentially exorted much energy..

Erm.. I fink tony & Gao Ling have some similiar points.. They both have to play both doubles, & the most awesome common stuff among them is.. They both are friendly & gets full support to win the hearts of badminton fans

 

[huangkwokhau]

thanks chris.. After all , may be 'm underestimating the home crowd support for HB/Malaykhong... Hwang yu mi defeat comes to more surprise for me

Yes...I and other japanese americans support those japanese...and it was very tight matches..... " nippon"...go..go..go.." nippon" go..go..go...thats how we shouted...

 

[ctjcad]

XD Semifinal Round

It was another exhilirating day in the U.S. Open. The first match of the day started with some bangs and ended with the same bang. In between, there was nothing short of excitements and thrills for the fans, as the day was filled with fans chanting and clapping for their favorite players/pairs. But only the best can advance to the Finals Round...who would they be?..
Video clips coming soon & sorry for some blurred pics..

- Tony Gunawan & Minarti Timur vs. Howard Bach & Eva Lee - It's 2 of the all time greats versus 2 young and current U.S. National champions. Who would prevail in this splendid battle? The 2 legendary veterans got off the gate marvelously, controlling most of the tempo and pace in the 1st game. Both pairs traded some nifty and net plays, with a few titilating net plays from Minarti, showing why she was a World Champion and silver medalist in the Olympics some yeard ago. Those plays definitely left the crowd with the "Ooohs and aaahs", which resulted in the 1st match going to the 2 veterans, as they applauded the veteran Minarti. However, in the 2nd game, the current U.S. National and #1 XD pair, was never was down and showed they were not afraid of facing the 2 legends. They upped the pace and tempo and kept the 2 veterans from making the same plays in the 1st game. Howard showed why he was a triple-crown winner in the recent U.S. Open as he led the way and forced a deciding rubber game. In the rubber game, i could see the 2 veterans were losing their grip on the match and stamina. They tried to keep themselves in the match, but slowly and surely, the younger U.S. pair grabbed control of the game and eventually the match.
In the end, there seemed to be nothing left on the veteran pair, as Minarti looked quite exhausted. It will be Howard and Eva, for the first time ever, going on to the Finals of this U.S. Open. Can they repeat their U.S. National championship again in the Finals?? We shall see and stay tuned...
- Kennevic Asuncion & Kennie Asuncion vs. Keita Masuda & Miyuki Maeda - This match was the start and continuation of the chanting from the previous day. The chants and clap from the JPN supporters were made clear through out the whole building. With the chants & claps of "clap, clap, clap Nippon...clap, clap, clap, Nippon" echoing in sync, the JPN pair never let down their strategy. Unlike the previous night, it was a different approach and the atmosphere was definitely different from yesterday. As there was no more chants and supports coming from the Philippines supporters, if there were, i certainly couldn't hear them (who knows where they were??). The JPN pair kept the attack and was able to repel most of the attacks from Kennevic and never let the PHIL pair formed their game nor attacked Maeda. Different also from the previous night's match was the fact that. IMO,it could've gone longer if Kennie wouldn't made a few more errors, perhaps being a bit too anxious at the net, which cost the PHIL pair to struggle and never was able to get their rhythm. Nevertheless, the JPN showed why they deserved a spot in the Final, as they pushed their way for a duel against the U.S. top XD pair.

 

[ctjcad]

WS Semifinal Round

The Semifinal round of the WS is proving to be the starting point for the 2 young KOR WS players.

- Pai Min Jie vs. Lee Yun Hwa - The JPN supporters received a much needed rest in this event. As this time around, there was definitely no more chants and claps. But there were a few "(Taiwan) Jia Yous.." coming in support of the TPE gal. But not to be outdone, the KOR supporters are now starting to warm up and they've started their own chants and claps. All in unison, just like how they showed in the recent WC. The young Lee was calm and composed throughout the whole match. Keeping the TPE gal, out of sync and never was able to find her rhythm. With a few pushes, pulls, drops here and there, the young Lee comfortably won the 1st game. It was not much different in the 2nd game, as the TPE gal tried to keep it close. But the young Lee never lost her focus and ran away to lead by a sizeable margin. In the end, it was the young Lee who prevailed and thus set up a possible scenario of a rematch of their recent National championship match, against her compatriot, Jun Jae Yun.
- Elizabeth Cann vs. Jun Jae Youn - The lanky Brits certainly was no easy meat for the young Jun. In the 1st game, the young Jun once again showed why she was KOR's top WS player, prior to her injury. Cann can only kept up with Jun, as the young Jun comfortable opened a large lead in the 1st set. Perhaps with the knowledge of her compatriot's victory in the other Semis, the young Jun closed the 1st game with ease. The 2nd game showed a bit more grit from the young Cann. She seemed to be able to read Jun's game, even got some easy points. But with sweat dripping off her face, yet still looking calm as ever, the young Jun kept her poised and was able to fend off any late charge. In the end, the young Jun made sure there would be at least 1 Gold winner in this U.S. Open edition.

 

[ctjcad]

MS Semifinal Round

The MS Semis was also another fun affair.

- Yousuke Nakanishi vs. Andrew Dabeka - The chants and supports from the JPN side definitely continued with this match. Once again, the ever-energized Nakanishi, used his speed and pace to chase all the shuttles being delivered by Andy (as the fans were calling him). It was a bit of a slow start by both players, but soon enough, Yousuke was in control. Andy tried to mimic and stay patient in the 1st game, but the relentless play by Yousuke gave him the much needed jumpsmashes and quick points. Add to Andy's lack of speed & pace, Yousuke took advantage in the 1st game, as Andy was left a bit frustrated after hitting the net off of a net return shot (he even slammed his racket after the last point). In the 2nd game, it got a bit more interesting. This time, Andy finally figured out a way to play against Yousuke. He even reeled of 5 or 6 consecutive points after the interval, in the 2nd game. It stayed close throughout, and even had Andy leading late in the 2nd game. Everyone in the crowd was pulling and cheering for Andy, even our huangkwokhau, but a faulty service by Andy, seemed to stop all the momentum. It was neck and neck til the end, and had the crowd really on the edge of their seats, but Yousuke finally found a way to win after Andy's net return hit the net. It seemed that Andy's a few more errors cost him a spot in the Finals. Whilst on the other hand, Yousuke seemed focused and eager to go back and try to defend his U.S. Open MS title.
- Lee Tsuen Seng vs. Richard Vaughan - It was another wonderful, well played match. It was a slow start in the 1st game, as both players tried to feel each other's game. The tempo definitely wasn't there, yet. But slowly, Ah Seng (as ants like to call him), found his rhythm and started to make his mark. He led for a few points, but Richard kept a close eye on Lee. The score stayed very close in the 1st set, until late in the game, where a couple of lucky shot and net plays, closed the set for an excited Lee. In the 2nd game, the fans got a bit more treat. This time, Richard seemed not affected by what happened in the 1st set. As in the previous night's match vs. Nguyen T.M., Richard's never-give-up attitude propelled him to lead briefly over Lee, with the help of some fans supporting him. Richard kept the smashes more to Ah Seng's body, even if some were still returned, which drew some "oohs and aahhs" from the crowd as well. And to add, there were definitely some spectacular plays, plays that would've already given points to either players, but were still saved and played on. The fans definitely got a thrill off of those. But it wasn't meant to be, as Ah Seng seemed to be never in doubt of winning the match. In the end, with how much energy he had left, Ah Seng was still able to deliver some smashes and fend off the feisty Richard. It should be an interesting battle in the Finals for the MS, as the defending MS champ is back to try and win in one more time. Will he do it? Or will there be a new champion??..Stay tuned...

 

[ctjcad]

WD Semifinal Round

WD Semifinal Round

Well, this was where all the fans from both countries took the stage and started the chants. Imagine the KOR chants and the JPN chants, combined into one. What one got was a loud and boisterous chants. It was great to hear so much supports and those kinds of chants. Only thing missing, IMO, were the drum and balloon clappers. That would be even more awesome!!

- Aki Akao & Tomomi Matsuda vs. Hyun Hee Joo & Seul Ki Oh - First order of the match belonged to the top seeded WD pair from JPN against the unhearalded KOR pair. With the start of the match filled with the KOR chants and supports, all in unison, the KOR pair got off with 2 quick points. With the JPN seemed to be feeling the KOR pair's style of play, the young KOR pair kept it close in the 1st game. But not to be left out, here comes the JPN supporters with the chants, one more time. The effect of their chants seemed to energize the JPN pair, as they slowly and surely crept their way and finally caught the young KOR pair. After reeling off several points to lead, the JPN supporters chants became louder and louder as the KOR supporters' chants seemed to wane and fade off. They gave one more effort and cheered for their young KOR pair, but the JPN pair was able to hold off any comebacks from the young KOR pair. In the 2nd game, the JPN continued their attacks and they've targeted the young Oh, putting her in a spot to make plays. Perhaps with their 1st game lost, the young KOR pair seemed to lose their fighting spirit. The KOR supporters' chants definitely were heard less and less. In the end, the JPN pair made sure their top seed position was still intact and they would book their ticket in the Finals. But the don't get it wrong, the cheers and chants for the JPN team didn't stop here...
- Miyuki Maeda & Satoko Suetsuna vs. Jung Eun Ha & Yu Mi Hwang - This was where all the fans and esp. all the JPN supporters got into the act. And unfortunately, i was a victim of all those loud yelling, as someone with the loudest voice in the whole building screamed his way all the way to the top of his lungs. It was quite surreal The KOR pair got off very quick right off the gate, as the led by 4-0, early on. They kept pummeling their way in the 1st game and left the JPN pair still trying to catch their breath and focus.
With the pressure mounting and the KOR pair intent of trying to reach the WD Final, they closed the 1st game. However in the 2nd game, with the new supporter in the crowd, yes, even our huangkwokhau got into the act by yelling "Nippon, Nippon..", the JPN found their way and slowly started to regain the situation. It was a hard fought 2nd game, but with those support, the JPN was able to force rubber set. The 3rd game turned out to be a real barn-burner. The chants and yells got even louder! And now our huangkwokhau got a new friend who screamed even louder. With 2 folks cheering & screaming and continuously chanting "Ssaaahhhh.." every time JPN pair was to throw down one of their smashes, and a couple of errors by the KOR pair, the JPN pair was finally able to book their way to the Finals where they will meet their compatriots. Nonetheless, it was definitely the match of the night. Excellent effort by both pairs!!!

 

[ctjcad]

MD Semifinal Round

With all those loud cheers gone away (well, a little bit), it was time to make a different cheer. This time around, the same guy who cheered the loudest was now cheering for the 4 U.S. Quartet. I wonder how his voice will be like tomorrow morning?!?!

- Howard Bach & Khan Malaythong vs. Tony Gunawan & Raju Rai - Well, it was the last time and perhaps last chance for Tony to have an opportunity to show off his talents. The Teacher and his student vs. 2 of his top MD students. Who would win?? But the U.S.' #1 MD pair didn't hold anything back as they powered their way in winning the 1st game. Howard, once again, showed why he's new partnership with Bob was for real. And did he ever showed in the 1st game. They tried to stay away from pressuring Raju, and with consistent attacks on their Teacher, along With his usual consistent and calm plays, they were able to wrap up the 1st game, overwhelming Tony and Raju. The 2nd game, it was the Teacher and his student who worked wonders. Being aware of their lost in the 1st game, Tony and Rai refused to give in as they upped their attacks and started to find some cracks in Howard & Bob's defense. They kept the attacks and won the 2nd game. After the 5 minutes interval, it was showtime again. This time, the younger Howard & Bob, never let down and decided to finish off the match. It wasn't easy, as the Teacher kept it close. But as the 3rd game wane down, and our huangkwokhau in the state of worry, Howard and Bob made sure that they would finally appear in their 1st ever U.S. Open MD Final. And end Tony's string of U.S. Open MD titles (currently stands at 5 in a row). A hard fought affair and Tony was definitely out of breath as the last point was played. But at the same time I am sure, he must be feeling great to see his 2 young MD pair finally made it to the Final. A well deserved victory for the current U.S. MD National champs!
- Tadashi Ohtsuka & Keita Masuda vs.Naoki Kawamae & Keishi Kawaguchi - Tis the battle of the 2 compatriots & the fans definitely were headed to the exit doors. To make it a short review, there were definitely a lot of smashes. The younger JPN pair tried their best & kept in close. But perhaps with their lack of experience, they weren't able to up-end their senior compatriots. With this win, Ohtsuka and Masuda will meet Bach and Malaythong, in the Final, for their rematch of their recent encounter in the World Championship's Round of 32 (as i mentioned earlier). Will the U.S. pair prevail this time or will the JPN pair finally get their U.S. Open title, which they closely lost 5 yrs. ago, losing to Tony and Bob in the Finals. Stay tuned for this exciting match!!

 

[ctjcad]

Typo..

..Howard showed why he was a triple-crown winner in the recent U.S. Open..

..should read "..in the recent U.S. Nationals"..

 

[ctjcad]

Videos of the Semi Finals Round are up..

Anyone has video of the Tony vs. Howard matchups? Either or both games. Doesn't matter even it is camcorder video. Anything?

..i have them as well..Though not the full match, only a few minutes clips of both matches..Full match videos will take a while to upload..

..for anyone who wants to see, in this thread:
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=652056&posted=1#post652056

 

[kakinami]

WD Semifinal Round

Well, this was where all the fans from both countries took the stage and started the chants. Imagine the KOR chants and the JPN chants, combined into one. What one got was a loud and boisterous chants. It was great to hear so much supports and those kinds of chants. Only thing missing, IMO, were the drum and balloon clappers. That would be even more awesome!!

- Aki Akao & Tomomi Matsuda vs. Hyun Hee Joo & Seul Ki Oh - First order of the match belonged to the top seeded WD pair from JPN against the unhearalded KOR pair. With the start of the match filled with the KOR chants and supports, all in unison, the KOR pair got off with 2 quick points. With the JPN seemed to be feeling the KOR pair's style of play, the young KOR pair kept it close in the 1st game. But not to be left out, here comes the JPN supporters with the chants, one more time. The effect of their chants seemed to energize the JPN pair, as they slowly and surely crept their way and finally caught the young KOR pair. After reeling off several points to lead, the JPN supporters chants became louder and louder as the KOR supporters' chants seemed to wane and fade off. They gave one more effort and cheered for their young KOR pair, but the JPN pair was able to hold off any comebacks from the young KOR pair. In the 2nd game, the JPN continued their attacks and they've targeted the young Oh, putting her in a spot to make plays. Perhaps with their 1st game lost, the young KOR pair seemed to lose their fighting spirit. The KOR supporters' chants definitely were heard less and less. In the end, the JPN pair made sure their top seed position was still intact and they would book their ticket in the Finals. But the don't get it wrong, the cheers and chants for the JPN team didn't stop here...
- Miyuki Maeda & Satoko Suetsuna vs. Jung Eun Ha & Yu Mi Hwang - This was where all the fans and esp. all the JPN supporters got into the act. And unfortunately, i was a victim of all those loud yelling, as someone with the loudest voice in the whole building screamed his way all the way to the top of his lungs. It was quite surreal The KOR pair got off very quick right off the gate, as the led by 4-0, early on. They kept pummeling their way in the 1st game and left the JPN pair still trying to catch their breath and focus.
With the pressure mounting and the KOR pair intent of trying to reach the WD Final, they closed the 1st game. However in the 2nd game, with the new supporter in the crowd, yes, even our huangkwokhau got into the act by yelling "Nippon, Nippon..", the JPN found their way and slowly started to regain the situation. It was a hard fought 2nd game, but with those support, the JPN was able to force rubber set. The 3rd game turned out to be a real barn-burner. The chants and yells got even louder! And now our huangkwokhau got a new friend who screamed even louder. With 2 folks cheering & screaming and continuously chanting "Ssaaahhhh.." every time JPN pair was to throw down one of their smashes, and a couple of errors by the KOR pair, the JPN pair was finally able to book their way to the Finals where they will meet their compatriots. Nonetheless, it was definitely the match of the night. Excellent effort by both pairs!!!

My bad for hurting your ears.