NO FROST FOR MALAYSIA

Morten Frost has quit his position as the head coach of the Danish U19 side.

But contrary to speculations, he is not coming to Malaysian shores for his second tour of duty.

Rather he has accepted the offer from a private firm in Denmark, this leaving Dato James Selvaraj to fight it out with Kwan Yoke Meng as the head of the High Performance Director of BAM.

Oops, was it not that BAM said that the position will be advertised. And technically James contract with BAM ends at midnight on Merdeka Day.

So how is it that his name keeps coming up with regards to a meeting to be held on September 8, the C&T meeting that is ever so important.

But prior to that the BAM has a date to keep with OCM and the independent pair of Gan Teik Chai/ Tan Bin Shen next Monday with regards to the mediation on their exclusion.

Interesting times at BAM, but pity their website has been down the last couple of days for exceeding bandwidth.

SELAMAT HARI RAYA

Ramadhan is coming to an end now with a day to go. And one of the biggest annual celebrations for all Muslims worldwide will commence.

It will be a celebration of victory for all who succeeded in completing their duties during Ramadhan as well as to welcome the month of Syawal.

I’ll be heading to my hometown for being in KL is like a shopping event or an eat all day session instead of the ambiance you get at our kampungs. Be it as it may I have to make the best of it and enjoy the long holidays.

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all my family, friends, colleagues and business associates Happy Holidays! and Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, maaf zahir dan batin.

I would like to also apologize for any wrong doings or harsh comments I might have made to everyone. We are only human so are prone to making mistakes.

Do take care of yourself and your loved ones during this festive period, especially if you’re planning to travel long distances.

Check your transportation and make sure you allocate enough time for delays and congestion.

START WITH NSC FIRST

Reading this article made me laugh as the Minister should really look at the manner NSC bickers with the various national sports associations.

By the way YB, what happened to your Sports Advisory Panel? Sleeping or into hibernation?
KEMAMAN, Aug 27 (Bernama)-- Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek Saturday told the badminton fraternity in the country to stop bickering and move forward.

He told the parties having differences to settle them amicably so as not to jeopardise development of badminton, the sport likely to bring Malaysia's first Olympics gold medal.

Ahmad Shabery was referring to the various problems that have beset the sport of late, which included key players making an exodus from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to become independent professionals and the latest , the controversy of over the training methods of doubles coach Rexy Mainaky.

Some quarters had alleged that his methods were not doing much good for Malaysia's top doubles pair Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong but the coach has denied it.

Ahmad Shabery, who was speaking to reporters after after a Ramadan function at Sungai Pergam here, added that if need be, he would be calling up the disputing parties after Aidifiltri so that the problems could be ironed out.
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WE ARE BACK

Please visit www.tnbmhl.com.my - the UNOFFICIAL website for the Malaysian Hockey League.

The 2011 Malaysian Hockey League is set to commence on September 17.And as was the case last year, this website is a stand alone website as negotiations with the MHF collapsed even before they could commence with various conditions being imposed thus we had to decline the offer to make this an official site. Still we believe that hockey fans will make this their first stop to follow the news on the MHL. Sponsors are welcomed and teams in the MHL are encouraged to adopt this website as their own. We are prepared to allow panel ads on the website by the teams or their sponsors for a nominal fee.

So it will be another journey without much assistance from the sponsors and we will thrive to bring you the news on the MHL, with a new feature of video interviews with coaches and players, both pre and post games. And now for some news on the forthcoming MHL that you would have only read here first.

TALK TO CLUBS MINISTER

Players leaving the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will only make it more difficult to find new talent of the calibre of Datuk Lee Chong Wei, said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

He said the situation (exodus from BAM) put the ministry in a dilemma as to whether to continue funding BAM or invest directly in the players who opted to leave the main badminton body in the country.

"Many people are asking about who will fill the top players shoes. In the latest case yesterday, our number two men's doubles quit the BAM and this situation is making it difficult for the government to help the sport," he said when met after a breaking of the fast function at Centre Point here Monday.

He said professional badminton players in the country had yet to reach the stage where they could fully rely on sponsorship and prize money to develop their careers.

"That is why I am very concerned about this issue (players deciding to go their own way). If more talented players are outside the ambit of BAM, the government will find it difficult to help in the development of badminton," he said.

On Saturday, BAM president Datuk Seri Nadzmi Salleh told the media that Malaysia's number two men's doubles pair Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif and Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari had given notice to the BAM that they wanted to go independent.

Meanwhile, commenting on suggestions by Chong Wei, the world number one men's singles player, that more back up players be given overseas exposure like what China was doing, Ahmad Shabery said this entailed a huge cost and that the private sector would have to come in to ensure the success of such a programme.

SLAP IN THE FACE FOR BAM

Having opted for their "own" pair over the doubles pair of Gan Teik Chai/Tan Bjn Shen, the Badminton Association of Malaysia suffered a slap on their face following the decision of Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif and Mohd Fairuzzizuan Mohd Tazari to quit the stable of the national body.

It what's poetic justice, the BAM pair of Zakry and Hoon Thien How lost in the second round at the World Championships at Wembley Arena, having been entered by BAM despite the independent pair of Gan/ Tan qualifying on merit.

The decision by the duo to quit must seriously Neva blow to BAM who have attributed the lack of suitable sparring partners for the decline of standards of top doubles pair of Koo Kien Keat/ Tan Boon Heong who lost at the last eight stage at the World Champs.

But reading the BERNAMA story one cannot help wonder if BAM realize the story of the sinking ship...

CAUGHT OFFSIDE

AN ENTERTAINING conflict of interest for Tony Fernandes, the Malaysian entrepreneur who is in advanced talks to buy Queens Park Rangers FC, currently enjoying its first spell in the Premier League for 15 years.

Among Fernandes’ business interests is the no-frills hotels chain Tune Hotels, which sponsors all the Premier League referees. If the QPR deal goes through, he could become the first football owner in history to be relieved when his side is relegated.

NO RETIREMENT PLANS FOR CHONG WEI

Having lost a close final to nemesis Lin Dan at Wembley Arena, Lee Chong Wei will give it one last shot in 2013 before thinking of calling it quits.

A sad and disappointed Chong Wei had to undergo treatment for an hour before he could talk to the Malaysian media and he spoke about his plans with regards to the 2012 Olympics as well as the reasons for his defeat in the final.

(Please view the video recorded by this blog)

"The difference was that Lin Dan took a gamble and won. When I led 16-13 he threw all he had at me and though I held match point twice, I just could not convert them. It is disappointing as I know many in Malaysia would have watched the match, but I gave it my very best," said Chong Wei who suffered body cramps and had to be helped by the National Sports Institute officials.

"The gap between Lin Dan and me is getting closer as evident from this final and either one of us could have won the final or for that matter any match in the future.

"I will be facing the Chinese armada though over the next year in the run-up to the Olympics as there is not only Lin Dan but the likes of Chen Jin, Chen Loong and other budding Chinese players coming through the ranks.

"So I have to plan the preparations for the Olympics well, and need the co-operation from NSC, NSI and BAM."

Chong Wei also reiterated that he had no plans to retire just yet as he wants the World Championship title and will participate in 2013.

SO CLOSE YET SO FAR

UPDATED

Lee Chong Wei suffered serious cramps after the match and could not be interviewed after the final. Though a stretcher and wheelchair was brought, he gallantly walked to the changing room. No thanks to an overzealous BWF Media Officer we are unable to bring those pictures to you.

Chong Wei served first and duly won the opening three points as Lin Dan committed unforced errors by sending the shuttle out.

A weak smash into the net by Chong Wei gave Lin Dan the first point and the stage was set for an epic battle.

The Malaysian held the lead after that, but Lin Dan kept within striking distance as the scores moved from 705 to 10-8.

At the break Chong Wei had a three- point lead with the score at 11-8 in favour of the Malaysian.

Lin Dan drew level at 14-14, after a long rally ended with a delicate drop shot that caught Chong Wei flat-footed.

Chong Wei then led 15-14 but a fortunate net clip fell into the Malaysians court and Lin Dan was level again at 15-15.

The Chinese ace then went ahead 16-15 but Chong Wei was not prepared to let him break away as he won the next point to make it 16-16.

Chong Wei showed great defensive skills as he returned three smashes by Lin Dan to make it 18-16 and the crowd were loving it as the two players gave it their best.

Another smash by Chong Wei gave him a 19-16 lead and though Lin Dan had the whole court to him after Chong Wei slipped, he sent the shuttle wide on Chong Wei’s left to give the Malaysian the set point at 20-16,

Lin Dan won the next three points as Chong Wei was hasty with his shots and was within a point of drawing level. And when Chong Wei could not finish off Lin Dan with two smashes, the match went into deuce.

But Chong Wei prevailed as he took the next two points and the set at 22-20 in 27 minutes.

The second started off the same as the first as Chong Wei took a 3-0 lead but Lin Dan won the next four points to edge ahead at 4-3.

A mistake at the net gave Lin Dan a 5-3 lead and things were not looking too good for the Malaysian.

Though Chong Wei pulled a point back, Lin Dan made it 6-4 as Chong Wei sent a shot wide. But in the next two pints it was Lin Dan who committed the errors, first by misjudging a shot on the baseline and following that with a shot into the net to give Chong Wei a 7-6 lead.

But Lin Dan stepped up a gear to take a 9-7 lead, which Chong Wei duly erased to lead 10-9. And two errors by Chong Wei handed the lead to Lin Dan at the break with the clock showing 44 minutes played thus far.

Lin Dan then reeled off six straight winner to make it 17-10, with Chong Wei accounting for three of those, leaving the shuttle, thinking it was out.

Though Chong Wei picked up three points to reduce the deficit to 14-18, two more unforced errors put paid to his hopes as Lin Dan took the set 21-14 in 25 minutes.

THE CROWN BECKONS FOR CHONG WEI

As hordes of Malaysian VIP’s descended at the mixed zone area of the Wembley Arena to congratulate him, Lee Chong Wei was already thinking about his prospective opponent in the final.

And without hesitating Chong Wei said that he expected China’s Lin Dan to line up against him tomorrow.

Chong Wei defeated China’s Chen Jin in a one sided semi-final, winning 21-13, 21-9.

“I think Lin Dan has the edge over Peter Gade but irrespective who my opponent is, I will be prepared mentally to take them on, said Chong Wei before being ushered to meet the VIP’s in the likes of Malaysian High Commissioner, son of former Prime Minister Dato Mokhzani Mahathir, Deputy Sports Minister Senator Gan Ping Sieu and 2012 Malaysian Olympic contingent Chef de Mission Tan Sri Ahmad Sarji.

“It was a good win today and although I was down early in the second set, I was confident of winning.

“After taking the first set, I knew Chen Jin will come out attacking in the second set and was prepared for his style of play.”

After six failed attempts, with his best showing a semis spot at Anahiem, France where he lost to Taufik Hidayat, Chong Wei was elated with his semis win.

“I hope my detractors will now appreciate the fact that I have made the final,” said Chong Wei.

“Making the final is just one step for I really want to win the title. And my form thus far has been good and these are encouraging signs as I prepare for the final.

“I will give it my best shot for this is really my opportunity to land a title that has eluded me. Trust me that this is the big one that I want to add to my collection.”

Chong Wei took a 2-0 lead but Chen Jin was on level terms as the Malaysian made two uncharacteristic mistakes by send the shuttle into the net.

And the scenario was repeated as Chong Wei won the serve but lost it with another failed attempt at the net.

An error of judgment at the baseline by Chong Wei gave his opponent a 4-3 lead.

Chong Wei then reeled off four points in the row to lead 7-4 but once again Chen Jin fought back to 5-7 but was faulted at serve to hand the initiative back to the world number 1.

And Chong Wei showed his class as he raced to a 11-7 lead at the break, looking confident as he spoke to coach Tey Seu Bock.

With Chen Jin looking a bit apprehensive, Chong Wei went on the offensive as he moved the Chinese all over the court, winning points with deft touches and devastating smashes to lead 14-8.

Chong Wei then gave away just two points before racing off to a 19-10 lead, before another miss hit at the net handed serve to Chen Jin.

An exquisite display of controlled net play gave Chong Wei the 29^th point and although he conceded another two points, he smashed his way to take the first set 21-13 in 14 minutes.

The second set started with Chen Jin racing to a 4-0 lead before Chong Wei won his first point. And as the Malaysian kept making mistakes, Chen Jin too full advantage to gather the points for a 7-3 lead.

Chong Wei stepped up a gear and with the fans urging him on from the stands, he won the next five points to take the lead for the first time in the second set at 8-7.

The manner in which Chong Wei won his ninth point showed his class as he sent Chen Jin scurrying all over the court before finishing him off with his trademark leaping smash. At the break Chong Wei led 11-8.

With Chen Jin in disarray, Chong Wei kept picking up the points as he increased his lead to 17-8, winning nine points on the trot.

And he sealed his spot in the final winning 21-9. And he never showed any emotions.

IN NEED OF SPARRING PARTNERS

The videos here reflect the mood in BAM after the defeat of doubles pair Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong in the last eight of the World Championships in Wembley Arena in London.

The fact has been acknowledged both by BAM Secretary Ng Chin Chai and doubles coach Rexy Mainaky. This blog will not elaborate on the issue but suffice to say watch the videos and come to your own conclusions please.

This is something new that this blog is doing - posting videos of the interviews done with players, officials and coaches.

LCW TALKS ON HIS SEMIS CLASH

INTERVIEW WITH KOO KIEN KEAT AFTER QUARTERS DEFEAT AT WORLD CHAMPS

KING EYES THE CROWN

Lee Chong Wei was in a relaxed mood after defeating Kevin Cordon in the quarterfinals of the World Championships at the Wembley Arena in London.

The world number one defeated Cordon from Guatemala 21-7, 21-13 in a match that saw the crowd throwing their support behind the underdog.

But Chong Wei finished off his opponent with relative ease and was jovial, despite the fact that he was the lone Malaysian left standing in the World Champs.

Not even the fact that he will most probably be up against Chen Jin of China in the semi-finals tomorrow (Saturday) seem to have any effect as he joked with the Malaysian media.

For Chong Wei was happy to have made the last four, nevermind the fact that his last two opponents were considered as minnows in the badminton world.

“I have always lost out at the earlier stages, mostly at the last eight with exception in 2005 when I made the semis,” said Chong Wei.

“So making it to the semis has somewhat lifted the curse and I am looking at the semis with renewed optimism.

“It was a pity that Koo/Tan did not make it but they have many more tournaments to look forward to. I was sharing the pressure with them and now it will solely be on my shoulders.

“But this is something that I have become accustomed too and delivering the title will be my gift to all Malaysians.”

With Chen Jin showing stuttering form, Chong Wei is confident of getting the better of his opponent should they meet in the semis.

“ It is the semis, whoever my opponent is, will raise their game but I am prepared for it,” added Chong Wei.

“It is the title that I am after and I will give it my best each time I step onto the court.”

SHATTERED DREAMS FOR KOO/TAN

The expectations were there, but doubles pair Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong failed to raise their game and exited at the quarterfinals stage of the World Championships at the Wembley Arena in London this morning.

They went down 17-21, 13-21 to Korea’s Ko Sung Hyun/Yoo Yeon Seong, thus losing to the Koreans for the fifth successive time in their playing careers.

Nothing went right for the Malaysians as their opponents showed that they are a class above, with sound defensive play and a devastating attack that had the Malaysians backpedalling for most of the match.

Finalists at the World Championships in Paris last year, there was much hope on the duo, but they failed to deliver when it mattered.

“We lack quality sparring and just could not keep up with the pace set by the opponents,” said a dejected Koo.

“It was always being one step too slow as they knew exactly were to send the shuttle and exploited our weak points.”

Doubles coach Rexy Mainaky concurred with the thoughts of his charges as he took time to explain to the Malaysian media as to what went wrong.

“The fact of the matter is we were just not good enough today to match the Koreans, both in terms of endurance and speed. This is something we have been working on but it is not good enough.”

The scores in the first set were close until midway into the set when the Koreans opted to up the tempo with Koo making many unforced errors to hand their opponents the advantage.

The Koreans led 16-13 at one stage but Koo/Tan kept within distance, reducing the scoreline to 16-15.

But the Koreans stepped up a gear to reel off the next four points to be within a point of taking the first set.

Though the Malaysians awoke from their slumber, to take the next two points, it was not enough to deny the Koreans of taking the first set 21-17 in just 18 minutes.

In the second the Koreans raced to a 6-1 lead before Koo/Tan realized what hit them. And they were left chasing the match as at the break it was 11-6 in favour of the Koreans.

Ko/Yoo then stretched their lead to 18-12 and hopes of the Malaysian duo were fast evaporating. And the Malaysian dream ended  in just 38 minutes on a cold Friday noon.

UNPAID DUES

National athletic coach Harun Rashid has made a statement that NSC have not paid him for several months.

But it is learnt that the Badminton Association of Malaysia too have not paid their High Performance Director Dato James Selvaraj since the ex international took up the position on a part-time basis since September 1 last year.

And to rub salt to the wounds, the position will be advertised after the BAM Exco meets on August 20.

The irony is that BAM President Dato Nadzmi Salleh had stated that James was the best candidate for the job when he was first appointed and even reiterated this fact some three weeks ago when it was reported that BAM were looking for a full-time person to assume that position.

Attempts to get James to talk here in London have failed and with BAM Deputy President Dato Mohd Al Amin flying into London this morning, this blog will attempt to unplug the mystery.

Is there any truth to another former international Kwan Yoke Meng taking up the position this renewing the partnership with Al Amin as was the case when the latter was BAM Secretary and led to the infamous 2000 debacle?

The common practice in BAM today is to refer everything to the Council, as is stated in the many issues brought up this far.

But if the High Performance Director position is advertised, then the BAM President stands accused of telling a white lie when stating that James was the right person.

And on James part, will he be willing to leave his lucrative position in Bata to take up the position in BAM full-time?

These are questions to be answered and hopefully BAM and James will answer them in London as the nation awaits it's first world champion.

KOO/TAN FACE TOUGH KOREAN OBSTACLE

There were no problems for Malaysian doubles pair Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong to book their place in the quarterfinals of the World Championships at the Wembley Arena in London this evening.

They were in their element , disposing off the challenge of Taiwan’s Chen Hung Ling/Lin Yu Lang 21-13, 21-14.

But the real challenge awaits them in the last eight where they will be up against Ko Sung hyun/Yoo Yeon Seong of Korea, a pair that they have never beaten in their four meetings thus far, with the latest defeat at the BWF Super series finals in January

“We will go out there and give it our best shot. Win or lose does not matter as what is important is that we put up our best performance and the result will follow,” said Koo.

“Statistics may not be in our favour but it’s a different match each time we play them and we aim to make the most of it.

“It’s not as if we will be satisfied making the last eight as everyone wants to win but we have to realize that our opponents are a class above.”

It was a slow start by the Malaysian pair as they made several mistakes in the opening stages of the match.

Koo/Tan trailed until they drew level at 6-6 before reeling off two points to take the lead for the first time in the first set.

And they wet into the breather leading 11-7 after the Taiwanese pair made several errors in judgments and left the shuttle when it was clearly in.

Koo/Tan were growing in confidence and took a six-point lead 13-7 and looked comfortable.

And they sealed the first set 21-13 in just 13 minutes, putting themselves in the driving seat for a place in the last eight.

It was the same story in the second set with Koo/Tan in devastating form, reeling off points with relative ease as they raced to a 11-8 lead. And they finished off the second 21-14 and await the Korean might.

EASY WIN FOR CHONG WEI

A morning stroll at Wembley Park. That would be the best way to describe Lee Chong Wei’s win over Korea’s Park Sung Hwan in the third round of the World Championships at the Wembley Arena in London this afternoon.

Chong Wei won 21-10, 21-5 to book his place in the last eight where he will be up against either Pablo Abian of Spain or giant-killer Kevin Cordon of Guatemala.

“The scoreline may suggest that it was an easy win but on the contrary I suppose Park just did not know what to do on the court as I countered his every attack,” said Chong Wei.

“His confidence must have been shattered after I won the first set easily as he was hardly in the match in the second set. It was a good win and I am glad to have crossed this stage.”

Chong Wei said that it really did not matter who he was up against in the quarters as both the opponents can be dangerous if taken lightly.

“Both of them have nothing to lose and will go out there and give their best. The key here is not to take them for granted. It is obvious they have talent and the fact that a player from either country can make the last eight augurs well for the development of badminton in the world,” said Chong Wei.

Chong Wei showed there he was all business right from the fist serve itself.

He raced to a 4-1 lead before stretching his lead to 9-4, his trademark drops taking its toll on the lanky Korean.

But Park hung in there, reducing the deficit with two straight points before Chong Wei unleashed a series of smashes to win the serve and point. And Chong Wei led 11-6 at the breather.

There was no letting off when the players returned as Chong Wei raced to a 14-6 lead, and soon made it 18-9. The world number one conceded just one more point before wrapping up the first set 21-10 in just 13 minutes.

The second set was no different as Chong Wei raced to a 7-1 lead. And with Park at sea, Chong Wei took the points at ease as he went 11-3 up at the break.

Chong Wei then raced to a 17-4 lead and completed his morning stroll at Wembley Arena by taking the second set 21- 5 in just

But it was curtains for the mixed doubles pair of Goh Liu Ying and Chan Peng Soon who were stopped in their tracks by Singapore’s Yao Lei/Chayut Triyacharat 21-19, 21-14.

The Malaysians fought point for point and surged ahead at 9-8, with Goh showing deft touches infront of the net.  Goh/Chan trooped off leading 11-8 at the break in the first set.

The Malaysians took a 13-10 lead and were up 15-11 at one stage. And Goh/Chan took their chances well to lead 19-16, within a step of taking the first set.

But the Singaporeans never gave up and were on level terms. And then the typical Malaysian downfall began as Goh/Chan conceded the next two points as they went down 19-21, a set they really should have wrapped up easily.

And with their confidence shattered, the Malaysians went down tamely in the second 21-14.

“They read our game very well and although we held the advantage in the first, we just could not finish them off,” said Chan.

“It was a wasted opportunity as we could have taken them but it was just not meant to be.”

HESITANT START FOR KOO/TAN

Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong got off to a hesitant start in the World Championshops but eventually prevailed after being taken the distance by their opponents at the Wembley Arena.

The Malaysian won 21-6,22-20,21-15 in an encounter that hung in the balance until the middle of the deciding set.

Facing China's unsung pair of Liu Xialong/Qiu Zihan, the Malaysians were expected to breeze through without any problems. And it looked like it was going according to the script in the first set.

Koo/Tan raced to a 21-6 win in the first set without breaking into a sweat as their opponents kept making unforced errors.

The Malaysians were looking sharp, playing deceptive shots that often caught their opponents on the wrong foot and one would be forgiven to think that the second set was going to be a mere formality.

However as is always the case with Malaysian badminton, just when you think that things are going right, things are made difficult by the players themselves.

In the second set Koo/Tan were at sea for a long period, trailing 12-16 at one stage. The Chinese were not giving up and despite the lead being reduced to 18-16, the Chinese pair knew they had a chance.

Koo/Tan drew level to 19-19 but their opponents surged ahead to 20-19 after a lapse of concentration by the Malaysians as both left the shuttle for each other.

Though Koo/tan drew level, Liu/Qiu won the next two points to take the tie into the rubber.

The Malaysians raced to a 8-4 lead but allowed the Chinese pair to reduce the deficit to 7-9.

But a service into the net by Tan gave the Chinese pair a crucial point to be within one point of their opponents. However the Malaysians went 12-9 up and looked confident.

There was no looking back as they went on to seal the spot in the third round with a 21-15 win in the third.

But it was curtains for womens doubles pair of Chin Eei Hui/Wong Pei Tty,  as they lost to Mizuki Fujii/Reika Kakiiwa 21-16,22-24,22-20 in a tie that could have gone either way.

CHONG WEI MARCHES ON

Relentless is the key word to describe Lee Chong Wei's march into the third round of the World Championships at the Wembley Arena in London this afternoon.

He is totally focussed on the task at hand and brushed aside the potential threat posed by Korea's Park Sung Hwan on Thursday, describing it as just another opponent who stands in his path to the elusive world crown.

Not even the fact that Park has a reputation for being a giant killer, as evident from his exploits in Paris last year where he sent defending world champ Lin Dan of China packing, ironically at the third round as well.

" I am taking it as one game at a time and I want to be around on Sunday," said Chong Wei in reference to the day when the finals will be contested.

" It does not bother me about what Park has done in the past as how he plays tomorrow is what matters to me.

" I am confident that I will get past him and the last time we lined up against each other was in the Sudirman Cup."

With the back injury not troubling him, Chong Wei however had one concern, the changes in the speed of the shuttle.

" In my first match the shuttle was slow and today it was even slower, thus it takes time to settle down," said Chong Wei.

On the fact that Chen Long, who was said to be the player who could derail Chong Wei's hopes of making Sunday's final, being knocked out in the first round, Chong Wei had this to say ,;

" As one of the hopes from China I believe the pressure got to him but he is still young and will learn from the defeat. That is the risk top players go through as our opponents have nothing to lose hence throw caution into the wind and attack relentlessly."

SILENCING THE ENGLISH

Malaysian mixed doubles pair of Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Yin silenced the partisan English crowd at the Wembley Arena when they sent the 10th seeds of Nathan Robertson/Jenny Walker packing in the second round of the World Championships this evening.

It was a glorious display by the duo who defeated the English pair 21-19,21-19 in a tie that lasted 42 minutes.

And in the mixed doubles, Ong Jien Guo/Chomg sook Chin defeated Taiwan's Liao Min Chun/Chen Hsiao Huan 21-18,21-16.

But it was curtains for the women's doubles pair of Ng Hui Ern/Ng Hui Lin who were defeated by Japan's Misaki Matsutomo/Takahashi Ayaka 21-10,21-11.

Earlier in the day, men's doubles pair of Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif/Hoon Thien How had only themselves to blame as they went down 24-26,19-21 to Taiwan's Fang Chieh Min/Lee Shen Mu.

In the first sent the Malaysian duo held set point four times but failed to find the elusive point and in the second they were obviously tired as they wilted from the constant attacking display by their opponents.

It was obvious that the duo were not fit, not for such an event like the World Championships, a fact acknowledged by the National Sports Institute Director General Dato Dr. Ramlan Abdul Aziz who shook his head in despair.

"They really need to shed some weight if they harbour hopes of doing well at the top stage.  we just have to re-look at their program and tweak it so that it will be able to help them be more agile on the court," conceded Ramlan.

The size of the duo was also the subject of discussions by several Malaysian officials after the dust settled, with the consensus being that BAM had erred in picking the duo above Gan Teik Chai/Tan Bin shen.

WILL JAMES BE SENT PACKING?

High Performance director Dato James Selvaraj could well be the victim of a vicious power play initiated by some top guns of the Badminton Association of Malaysia.

Currently serving as the high performance director on a part-time basis, James has held a discussion with the BAM President Dato Nadzmi Salleh and it was indicated that BAM was looking for someone who will be able to dedicate his time to BAM on a full time basis.

But sources within BAM have revealed that James is not the chosen one for the full-time position and that they would rather go for a cheaper option then pay the asking price by James.

And what makes it more intriguing is the fact that BAM expects James to present his proposal to the Coaching & Training Committee. And there is a possibility that the plans will be hijacked and the chosen one taking over the position of James.

And in a related development, it us learnt that the term " in the interest of the nation" was used yet again to tell the media on the reasoning behind the exclusion of Gan Teik Chai/Tan Bin Shen from the world championships.

Ironically BAM has failed to explain why no action is being initiated against the official who signed a letter to inform the duo directly on their exclusion in May and yet the BAM is seeking Kedah and Selangor BA take disciplinary action against the two players for dealing directly with the national body.

OFF RIOTS AND POOR MEDIA CENTRE

Having received so many messages, either via SMS, calls or Facebook, I must say that while I am touched by the concern, there is really nothing to worry about with regards to the riots engulfing London at the moment.

The moral of the story is to get back home before night falls and stay within the comfort of your home, as is the case for me here. A one hour journey, right through the heart of the scene of the riots in Ealing yesterday, left me wondering if there was really such riots as reported daily.

But the pictures in the papers left me with no doubt as it was crystal clear that all it not well in the city that hosts the Olympics next year.

And the organisors could not have chosen a worst time to brief the chef de mission of the various countries who have arrived here for a briefing by the organising committee.

The riots have affected football, with the friendly international between England and Holland at Wembley a victim and its left to be seen if the badminton will be affected.

One thing is certain though, the media services at the World Champs are so poor that the BWF should really look at this matter. The internet sucks big time, limited space available in the media centre and the location of the tribune at courtside is such that you will need a binoculars to see the players in the courts.

Will things get worse? Yup it can if the rioters decide to stage their own show at Wembley.

WORLD CHAMPS - RM6 MILLION BLUNDER BY BAM?

 

UPDATED WITH LATE RESULTS

It was to be a walk in the park for world number one Lee Chong Wei. But he somewhat struggled to subdue Thailand’s Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk 21-15,21-17 at the Wembley Arena in London this morning.

It was a day of upsets otherwise and one of the biggest names to fall was Chen Long of China, the fifth seed in the men's singles, who lost to Kevin Cordon of Guatemala 21-19, 8-21, 27-25.

"Every point was hard. In the last points it was very hard. I was a little bit nervous. It was my second time against this player. I was not thinking will I win or will I lose. I was just thinking I had to play my best," said Kevin.

Also biting the dust was 15th seed Kenichi Tago of Japan who lost to Ajay Jayaram of India 21-12,21-19. And following suit was Hong Kong's Yun Hu who lost to Denmark's Hans Kristan Vittinghus 24-22,21-18.

The story of the day however is not about all the Malaysians who have played thus far making through, but the lack of thought to providing the Malaysian contingent suitable attire now that BAM has changed their sponsors from Proton to Maybank.

While it is believed that the players were given a few t-shirts to manage the tournament, some of the officials were seen with tracksuits zipped up to the top, and when asked why, sheepishly showed that they were still donning the old sponsors attire.

And worst still was the fact that the logos of some of the sponsors were merely pasted on, and as one coach took the sponsors logo of Astro out of his pocket to show how things were falling apart, so much similar to what was happening to Malaysian badminton.

Though Chong Wei stated at the post match press conference that he was getting used to the atmosphere, the playing conditions, the fact remains that he did not look as sharp as we are akin to.

But as Chong Wei put it, “ I always am a slow starter and that’s just how I play,” when asked by the hordes of media.

Doubles pair of Mohd Zakry Adul Latif/Hoon Thien How defeated Howard Bach/Tony Gunawan of United States 21-17,21-14.

The USA duo were a far cry from what they were as a pair in 2005 when they defied all odds to win the title and the Malaysian pair benefited from a series of errors, right from poor execution of the serve to uncharacteristic mistakes by Gunawan to move into the second round.

Women's double pair of Chin Eei Hui/Wong Pei Tty also got off to a winning start as they defeated  England's Jenny Wallwork/Gabrielle White 21- 14, 21-12.

Results

Men’s Singles

Lee Chong Wei def Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk (Thai) 21-15,21-17

Men’s Doubles

Mohd Zakry Adul Latif/Hoon Thien How def Howard Bach/Tony Gunawan (USA) 21-17,21-14

Chan Peng Soon/Lim Kim Wah lost to Adam Calwina/Michel Logoswz (Pol) 13-21,19-21

Women’s Doubles

Ng Hui Ern/Ng Hui Lin def Anna Kobceva/Elena Prus 21-14,22-20

Chin Eei Hui/Wong Pei Tty def Jenny Wallwork/Gabrielle White (Eng) 21- 14, 21-12

Mixed Doubles

Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying def Lino Munoz/Cynthia Gonzalez (Mex) 21-9.21-5

BAM LACK B___S

Well those smart enough will figure that out on how to fill in the spaces.

My earlier posting touched on just how low BAM will go in trying to fix the doubles duo of Gan Teik Chai and Tan Bin Shen.

Well after looking at the letter BAM sent to the Kedah and Selangor BA's, my take is, to borrow a phrase often used by a renowned Sports Editor, is that BAM lacked scrotum gumption to initiate any action on the duo.

And the had the gall to ask the two State BA to initiate action on the duo, of which BAM will be fully supportive.

Ever heard the phrase - baling batu sembunyi tangan? That aptly describes the action of the BAM.

If writing directly to the President of BAM seeking justice is a cause for disciplinary action, then millions who wrote to the Prime Minister can be jailed I guess. So the members of the public should now go through their JKKK before even thinking of talking to their ADUN or MP.

Coming back to BAM, wonder how high is the pedestal that their officials are perched on?

But look back at what you did on May 13 as you in BAM too did not follow procedures and wrote to the players directly.

So BAM, will heads roll in your office as well? Or you practice what you preach - double standards.