THE shock defeat of Yang Wei-Zhang Jiewen to South Korea's second pair of Lee Hyo Jung-Hwang Yu Mi in the Uber Cup final will not jeopardise the Chinese pair’s chances in the Olympic Games in Athens on Aug 13-29. In fact, China's head coach Li Yongbo believes they will not only compete in Athens, but emerge as champions as well. "Although the squad for the Olympics is not finalised, I expect them (Yang Wei-Zhang Jiewen) to feature in the Games," said Yongbo. "Their loss yesterday (Saturday) will not affect their places in the Games. In fact, they will win the gold medal." In the final, Hyo Jung-Yu Mi outclassed the Chinese with an effective combination of attacking badminton and strong defence to win the match 15-7, 15-10 to be the first players to take a match off China in the Uber Cup campaign. China, however, went on to win the tie 3-1 to claim their ninth Uber Cup title since joining the competition in 1981. But Yongbo was the least perturbed and attributed the loss to Zhang Jiewen's injury. "She (Zhang Jiewen) injured her elbow in the first game, and that's why they played below expectations," explained Yongbo. "But they have played the Koreans six times before, and have won all of them. And I'm sure if they play them another 10 times, they (Yang Wei-Zhang Jiewen) will win all of them." The Chinese pair, however, have only won the Korea Open this year but have hogged the limelight, especially in the All- England championships in March, for withdrawing from the final against compatriots Gao Ling-Huang Sui. Many voiced their dissatisfaction with the decision as they did the same thing in the Swiss Open which was held a week before the All-England championships. In the Japan Open last month, Yang Wei-Zhang Jiewen lost to Korea's top pair of Ra Kyung Min-Lee Kyung Won in the semi-finals. Korea team manager Kim Jung Soo believes it was just an excuse on the part of the Chinese to explain the loss. "We won simply because we were the better pair. Our players are also injured but that didn't stop them from playing above themselves," said Jung Soo. "And the win will give them more confidence if and when they take on the Chinese again." And despite Yongbo's confidence, that opportunity may come again in Athens. NST
This is the first time I will oppose Li YongB's judgement. Honestly, Yang/Zhang are NOT going to win Olympic gold. They're going to win silver cuz Gao/Huang's already got the gold bagged!!! (This is assuming they are in diff half of draw) If not then they will come out with a bronze.
I think Zhang/Yang is somehow better, stronger and more balanced. So my vote goes with Zhang/Yang... Want to bet a coke?
Tsk tsk, Hugo. I just find it hard to imagine you not replying to this thread...haha Li Yongbo will be correct in a way but wrong to be overly confident. Look at what happened in Japan as well as the just concluded TC. They met with major resistance from emerging talents and to suggest that they will just walk in and win the golds like picking grapes off the vine may be perilous. I have repeatedly said on other threads : No team/individual have divine rights to win anything.
I think there are too many factors involved in the recent defeat: 1. injury - Zhang's injury seems bothers her for a while 2. mental - CHN going to win, everyone is just very relaxed; KOR going to lose, nothing to lose, but to put on a fight and steal as many points as possible 3. strategy Recently, KOR pairs seems getting better records against CHN WD pairs, more to do with injuries, startegies (XD gold is locked) and of course skill. Let the time to show if Li is right again.
I think WS, WB will be China. Not sure about MS, MD and XD. It is going to be tough. We cannot rule out Indonesians and we cannot rule out Danes for the MD. I would love to see a MS finals between China and Indonesia Maybe XD for English pair. I would love to see England Win a medal in olympics. I think Korea have a good chance in XD too. Malaysia in MD. Maybe the following might happen MS: China vs Indonesia - China or Indonesia clearly dominate MS WS: China vs China - China clearly dominate WS XD: Korea vs England WD: China vs China - China clearly dominate WD MD: Denmark/Indonesia/China/Korea/Malaysia - No Country dominate doubles But most of the medals will be dominated by the chinese. They are the best in badminton. They really rock. what do you people think? cheers sunny
MS: China vs China WS: China vs China XD: Korea vs China(Anyway, Kim/Ra rules XD now.) WD: China vs Korea(See the results recently.) MD: Denmark/Indonesia/China/Korea/Malaysia - No Country dominate doubles(depend on draws and players should not have injury.)
I agree with u except for Malaysia in the finals for MD...Can malaysia count on Choong/Lee or Chan/Chew to win??? The answer is :No... I used to support Lee but his performance are really disappointing...Now supports him just because he is the best looking player in Malaysia...
You never know. A lot can happen in a few months time. I think Fu/Cai's major flaw is their mentality. They seem to give up too easy and it shows up in their rather shaky play. When they're on fire, they're really on; but then they lose blocks of points which they shouldn't. If they work on their mental game (strategy, confidence, etc.) and consistency I think they'll be able to rival JR/Paaske.
Zhao and Wei for Women's Doubles Olympic Gold! I like rooting for underdogs, but most of all they're just my favorites.
Lets the history speak History has shown in the big event like Olympic and World Championship, the top seed usually come home empty and if the same theory holds then Malaysia should have 2 golds from MS(Choon Hann #3) and MD(Lee/Choong #3). Agree ?
Maybe Lee/Choong has more than an even chance to grab gold, provided that they don't get injured. For Choon Han to win is not impossible, but I won't rate him that highly yet. Not until I see him confident enough to take on Sony & Xuanze (not to mention Lin Dan).
I started to follow badminton after 5 year break. I started to follow badminton again starting all england open 2004 this year. I was there and was impressed with the korean XD team. So I said Korea will Win. We never know. Korea might
So in a way, you DID just wake up from a coma. Well, welcome back! I am hoping the Koreans will win, but like you said, we never know. Nonetheless, my fingers tightly remain crossed!
