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Saturday, April 5, 2008
Stopped in Semi Final
Candra and I are stopped in semi final 2008 India Open Gold Grand Prix. Our stamina couldn't keep up with Chan Chong Ming/Chew Choon Eng and we lost 18-21 21-9 19-21. This coming April (25th to 27th) Candra and I will be having an exhibtion match with Rexy Mainaky and Ricky Subadja in Melaka, Malaysia. Afterward, we will focus on training again for the Super Series in Asia.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
India Open Gold Grand Prix 2008
Candra and I are now entering the quarter final of India Open Gold Grand Prix 2008. First round we defeated Blair/Eidestedt from England 21-10 21-9. Second round, we overcame the challenge from Logosz/Mateusiak 21-15 21-17.
For our quarterfinal, we will be playing Wijaya/Yoga; who are now representing Singapore.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Unsuccessful Mission
As Candra and I tried many different strategies, none of it worked yet against Kido/Hendra. The way this pair play is exactly like how Candra and I used to play back in year 2000. Don't waste any time, just make a kill as soon as possible. Unfortunately, due to lack of training, Candra and I couldn't keep up with their speed now.
This result ended our journey in 2008 Wilson Super Series. I am heading back to US and then get ready to compete in India Grand Prix next month.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Another Encounter with Kido/Hendra
After winning the first game 21-12, Candra and I almost lost the second game against Ikeda/Sakamoto. It wouldn't be good if it went three games ... luckily, we could catch up the last few points and ended the second game 21-19.
Another encounter with Kido/Hendra in the quarter final. We lost three times in a row to this pair; so our motivation to win against them has tripled since then.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Sweet Revenge at 2008 Wilson Super Series
Great start for me and Candra! We beat Hwang Ji Man/Lee Jae Jin 21-12 21-16. This time, their performance wasn't as solid as a week before at All England and I'm glad that we could take advantage of that situation.
For our second round, we will face the challenge from Ikeda and Sakamoto from Japan. It looks like they are getting more mature with their game; so, tomorrow match will be an interesting one.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Second Round - All England Super Series
Our journey in All England ended at second round. We couldn't keep up with Hwang Ji Man/Lee Jae Jin's aggressive playing style and lost 9-21 17-21. This would be the worst All England result for me and Candra. I am dissapointed with the result because All England is one of my favorite tournaments. However, we will gear up and be ready for Swiss Super Series next week.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
First Round - All England Super Series
We just started the first round of All England Super Series. Candra and I defeated Hopp/Kindervater from Germany 21-11 21-16. Next round, our opponent is Hwang Ji Man/Lee Jae Jin from Korea.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Malaysia Super Series 2008
Against Kido/Setiawan in the semi final round, Candra and I repeated the same results we made in our two previous meets (World Champion and Hong Kong Final). They always started off first game with lightning fast and that troubled us to find our own rhythm. This time we lost 11-21 17-21.
That ends our journey in Malaysia and we failed to repeat last year result as finalist. We will be skipping Korea Super Series as I am heading back to California.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Malaysia Super Series 2008
Mollyhus/Kristiansen from Denmark put up a good fight before we defeated them 21-17 and 21-17. Now, we are in the semi final and ready for another exciting battle against Kido/Hendro. They played impressively and won 21-14 21-8 against Eriksen/Hansen from Denmark.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Malaysia Super Series 2008
What a tough second round!! I'm glad that Candra and I were able to get a sweet revenge over Abdul Latif/Mohd Tazari. They were the young pair that stopped us in 2007 Indonesian Open Super Series. This time, we won 23-21 and 21-18. They certainly one of the most promising pairs in the future and they proved it many times through excellent tournament results.
We are now entering quarter final in Malaysia Super Series and will be playing Mollyhus/Kristiansen from Denmark. They played great tonight and managed to defeat Lee Yong Dae/Jung Jae Sung 21-18 21-19. That showed no easy games, not even on the first and second rounds for top-seeded players.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Malaysia Super Series 2008 - Our New Partnership with G-Trading Co. Ltd.
Happy New Year to all badminton fans! Have a wonderful 2008!
To begin our badminton venture in 2008, Candra and I are fortunate to be supported by a great company like G-Trading Co., Ltd. The company's headquarter is in Yokohama, Japan and focuses on the export and sales of second hand commercial automobiles. Detail information about the company can be found in its website: www.0123go.com
G-Trading has a mission statement of "Growing Together" with its stakeholders, industries, and global communities. Just like Candra and I, we basically are growing together throughout years of partnership and friendship. Now, we are growing together with G-Trading, starting from this year Malaysia Super Series.
Candra and I would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Tan Tiong Sang. With the support from Mr. Tan and A One Carriage Sdn. Bhd., his Melaka-based company, the partnership between us and G-Trading were born. We made it our goal in 2008 to live up to our sponsor's expectation. We are now entering second round and will be playing Abdul Latif/Mohd Tazari from Malaysia.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Hong Kong Super Series 2007
Candra and I finished second in this Hong Kong Super Series, after losing to our Indonesian teammates, Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan 12-21 21-18 and 13-21. Regardless, I am very proud of Kido and Setiawan because their games are more consistent and mature this year. They are truly the World Champion and I hope they will continue these successes and get a gold medal in 2008 Summer Olympic.
Overall, I'm happy with my own performance here and certainly are proud to be part of the "Indonesian" semifinal. That reminds me back in the 1995-2002 era where we were very dominant in men's doubles and often had all Indonesian semifinal and final. Now that Indonesia has three strong pairs, Kido/Setiawan, Luluk/Alven, and Hendra/Joko, it is essential for their mental strength to enter as many semifinals and finals as possible prior to next year Olympic.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Hong Kong Super Series 2007
Candra and I are entering the final of Hong Kong Super Series. Our semifinal match against Luluk/Alven was quite close in the first game. I think they lost their focus and concentration after losing the first game; therefore, couldn't perform their best on the second game.
For our final tomorrow, we will be playing another Indonesian teammates, Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Hong Kong Super Series 2007
Although we lost the first game 11-21 in just less than 10 minutes, Candra and I managed to stay focus and get back to our game. We then won the second and third game 21-12 21-11, against Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong.
Next round, we will be playing Luluk/Alven, our former Indonesian teammates.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Hong Kong Super Series 2007
Our second round in the Hong Kong Super Series was executed perfectly. In spite of the aggressive playing style from many young Malaysian double's pairs, we managed to overcome Tan Bin Sen/Ong Soon Hock 21-12 21-5.
Next round, we will be playing Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong, also from Malaysia.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Hong Kong Super Series 2007
Candra and I started off this Hong Kong Super Series quite well. We defeated Chien Yu Hsun/Lin Yu Lang from Chinese Taipei 21-13 21-16.
Next round, we will be playing Tan Bin Sen/Ong Soon Hock from Malaysia.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
China Super Series
Unfortunately, Candra and I, didn't start the November Super Series well. We lost our first round to the younger teammates from Indonesia, Hendra Gunawan and Joko Riyadi. Althought we won the first game 21-18, we couldn't finish the second game - in spite of having a comfortable lead of 18-15. We then lost the third game 16-21. Another tough lesson is learned and absolutely we are preparing for better results in next week Hong Kong Super Series.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Denmark League Begins
The season of Denmark League begins last week. Schedules and results can be found through Denmark Badminton website.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Champion!! Yonex Open - Japan Super Series
Yes, Candra and I, we did it! We successfully defended our last year Japan Open title. We defeated our Indonesian teammates, Luluk and Alvent 21-18 21-17.
I am defenitely happy with the result; especially after our poor run in many tournaments before. However, there is always room for improvement so that my performance in the next tournament will be even better.
As Candra and I feel the importance to schedule ourselves better in tournaments, we are skipping Taiwan Open, heading home, and preparing for the next Super Series.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Yonex Open - Japan Super Series
Wow ... what a match!! Playing against Lars Paaske/Jonas Rasmussen, Candra and I fortunately won the third game 23-21. First game we were leading 17-14, and then as we made three mistakes in a row, the game suddenly turned around and they won 21-19.
As we secured the second game, we feel confidence for the third game. We lead throughout the game; however, again as we are already 20, we couldn't finish it right away and they catched up to 20. Good thing we stay focus and finish the game.
For our final tomorrow, we will be playing our Indonesian teammates, Luluk and Alvent.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Yonex Open - Japan Super Series
In this quarter final, Candra and I managed to stay focus throughout the match against home favorite Sakamoto/Ikeda and won 21-17 21-6. For our semifinal round, we will be playing Lars Paaske/Jonas Rasmussen from Denmark.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Yonex Open - Japan Super Series
Second round in the Japan Open against Chien Yu Shun/Lin Yu Lang, Candra and I won 21-13 21-13. The men's doubles second round resulted in many surprises and showed that nothing comes easy in Super Series Tournaments. For our quarter final, we will be playing home favorite Sakamoto/Ikeda.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Yonex Open - Japan Super Series
First round in the Japan Open, Candra and I played against Howard Bach/Bob Malaythong and we won. Next, we will be playing Chien Yu Shun/Lin Yu Lang from Chinese Taipei.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
US Open 2007
This year, USA team did not get any gold medal. I lost in both semifinal rounds, mixed doubles to Howard Bach/Eva Lee 21-19 21-23 and 15-21, and men's doubles to Howard Bach/Bob Malaythong 21-14 16-15 21-16.
Unfortunately, despite the solid performance in the first game by Howard/Eva, they couldn't consistently play aggressive in the second and third game. They lost to Keita Masuda/Miyuki Maeda 21-19 11-21 and 19-21.
For the men's doubles, Keita Matsuda/Tadashi Ohtsuka showed their dominance and beat Howard/Bob 21-18 21-11. Matsuda and Ohtsuka showed their strength in both attacking and defending; and they managed to stay focus throughout the match in spite of the home cheering for Howard/Bach.
Many young US players played well in this tournament and that is a good news. After spending about five years coaching and sparring with them, it is absolutely my dream to see them do well in many international tournaments and hope they qualify for the 2008 Olympic.
Friday, August 31, 2007
US Open 2007
US Open is one of my favorite tournaments. It is just wonderful to play in the arena where you have so many friends come to support you. This year US Open holds a special meaning as I partner with US young player Raju Rai in men's doubles and Minarti Timur, my former Indonesian teammate in mixed doubles.
Regeneration in badminton team is very critical. I won US Open with Bob Malaythong in year 2002 and 2003. Then I won with Howard Bach in 2004 and 2005. Now, Howard and Bob are playing together and trying to qualify for the Olympic. In year 2006, I played with Halim Haryanto and won. So, this year, it's just a matter of choosing another young player to play with.
Raju and I are doing good in this tournament. We beat Kyle Holoboff/Toby Ng from Australia 21-6 21-5. Second round we beat Noriyasu Hirata/Takao Yone from Japan 21-14 21-19. In the quarter final, we beat Roman Spitko/Michael Fuchs from Germany 21-13 21-10.
Minarti and I are also doing good. After defeating two US junior players, we beat Rudy Wijaya and Lili Wang from Philippines 21-12 21-12.
However, most importantly in this tournament is I get to proudly see two of my teammates doing well. Howard Bach/Eva Lee in mixed doubles played excellent in the quarter final and defeated Tadashi Ohtsuka/Satoko Suetsuna 21-12 21-14. Another is Howard Bach/Bob Malaythong. They did great by defeating Chien Yu Hsun/Lin Yu Lang 21-16 21-15. Both players are in the semifinal and will play against me. Whatever the result is, it is going to be another great US open for me.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Stopped in Quarter Final
Our journey in 2007 World Championships ended in Quarter Final. We lost against young Indonesian, Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan. Of course there is a feeling of sadness because our mission here is to create history for ourselves. However, there will be no prolonged regret as winning and losing is just part of the game.
Candra and I had a poor run this year. From total of six Super Series tournaments, our best result was just final in Malaysia early January. In five others, we were semifinalist. We lost all semifinal rounds in three games; managed to win the first game, but lost the second and third. Our worst result was the Gold Grand Prix Philippine Open where we lost in second round.
For me, the learning continues. Badminton games always evolve throughout the years. Certainly for men's doubles now, one of the characteristics shared by many top pairs is the quickness in both hand and leg coordination to attack. It is not only about big smash anymore. It is the combination of fast smash, drive, defense, net, and counter-attack. From all four semifinalists this year, three are considered the new generation of men's doubles. Only Lee Wan Wah and Choong Tan Fook have been around for more than ten years. Also, only Lee Wan Wah and Choong Tan Fook have different playing style. They depend mostly on their solid defense first and as soon as they place a great shot, then they launch their smashes.
The other three pairs (Kido/Setiawan, Lee/Jung, Ikeda/Sakamoto) - along with Koo/Tan and Cai/Fu start off each rally by attacking right away. All have quick reflexes to return the coming shots. They all play effectively and they waste no time; especially in the new rally system where all that matters is to collect as many points in the shortest amount of time possible. They rely on their fitness in jumping left and right to get to the shot right away. To defeat them, you either as fit (or fitter) than they are or you have an extremely solid defense to tired them out first.
They are still many Super Series and Grand Prix tournaments left until the year end. Candra and I have to pace ourselves in choosing the right tournaments as it is impossible to fulfill all the invitations to play here and there. Next, I will be playing in US Open (with Raju Rai) and then join Candra again in India and Japan Open. Hope we have a better run next time.
Thursday, Aug 16, 2007
Coming Through Second Round at World Championships
Our second round opponent was the young korean: Lee Jae Jin/Hwang Ji Man. We managed to overcome their speed and power game 21-17 21-16.
A year prior to Olympic is always going to be the toughest competition years. Players are more focused and motivated in each tournament to earn points. This World Championship certainly shows some great battle between top players and upcoming challengers.
Wednesday, Aug 15, 2007
Coming Through First Round at World Championships
Candra and I, we started our new journey at the World Championships, Kuala Lumpur, by winning our first round against Australian, Glenn Warfe/Ross Smith 22-20 21-9.
It is interesting how Candra and I both won the World Championships before; but with different partner. Candra first won it in 1997 with Sigit Budiarto, and I won it twice: 2001 with Halim Haryanto and 2005 with Howard Bach.
Our last participation at the World Championships was in 1999 - where we lost three games in quarterfinal to Kim Dong Moon/Ha Tae Kwon. Certainly, our mission this time is to create history for ourselves.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Bingo Bonanza Phillipine Badminton Open - Stopped in Second Round
This time, Candra and I couldn't overcome the speed and power game from Guo Zhendong/Xie Zhongbo and lost 16-21 16-21. This is the very first time we lost to them after two or three time encounters. Unlike previous matches, this time they managed to put out excellent defense and then counter attack us.
We will be staying in Phillipines and use the opportunity to practice together. The next tournament, World Championships, is certainly the most important one and our mission is to do really well there.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Bingo Bonanza Phillipine Badminton Open - First Round
Regardless of the three-hour delay at the tournament, Candra and I were managed to stay focus and defeat Chan Chong Ming/Hoon Thien How 21-11 21-16. Often, due to the long waiting hours, players can lose their concentration. For our second round, we will be playing Guo Zhendong/Xie Zhongbo.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Bingo Bonanza Phillipine Badminton Open - Gold Grand Prix
Candra and I are ready to compete at the Phillipine Open. In addition to fulfill the invitation from the tournament committee, this tournament will serve as a solid warm-up prior to the August World Championships.
We will be playing our first round against Malaysian: Chan Chong Ming/Hoon Thien How this Wednesday at 6:30 pm local time.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Interaction and Discussion at Claremont City Blessing Church
This Saturday, I will be speaking to many young people at Claremont City Blessing Church as part of the church program to honor those who graduate this month.
The event will run from 6:00 to 9:00 pm and you can find more information at their website LA City Blessing.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Stopped in Semi Final
Again, Candra and I were stopped in the Semi Final by another young Malaysian, Latif and Tazari 23-21, 15-21, and 18-21. It was very dissapointing as our target was to defend our title.
Latif and Tazari consistently used their strength in speed and power to overcome our defense. On the other hand, Candra and I made many unforced errors; especially at the beginning of the third game. We were behind 6-11 and then 8-15, and it was a little bit too late to recover.
As Candra and I evaluate our performance lately, we realize that we lack consistency in playing fast all the time. For 21-point game, consistency plays a very important role.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Entering Semi Final
Today, Guo Zhendong/Xie Zhongbo gave a more solid performance against us; compare to last week at Singapore Super Series. Although we beat them 21-15 and 21-15, we were behind many times toward the beginning of both games. Fortunately, they made so many unforced errors toward the end of both games.
For the semi final, we will be playing another young Malaysian, Latif and Tazari, one of the promising doubles pairs. Candra and I have to take advantage by using our experience to overcome their speed and power game.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Going to Quarter Final - Indonesia Super Series
We passed the second round of Indonesia Super Series by defeating Gan Teik Chai/Lin Woon Fui 21-15 and 21-14. Similar to all other Malaysian pairs, this pair shows quite strong defense skill and good fighting spirit on the court.
We will be playing Guo Zhendong/Xie Zhongbo from China in the quarter final tomorrow. Although we defeated them in two games, last week in Singapore Super Series, Candra and I will keep focus as Chinese players always go all out during tournament.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Second Round - Indonesia Super Series
We just finished our first round match against young Malaysian Tan Bin Shen/Ong Soon Hock 21-13 and 21-16. Tomorrow we will be playing another young Malaysian Gan Teik Chai/Lin Woon Fui.
The fact that Malaysia has sent six men's doubles pairs to this tournament serves as a strong signal that they have the ambition in becoming very dominant in men's doubles; just like Indonesia in late 90's.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Stopped in Semi Final
Another opportunity to pass Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng and yet, Candra and I couldn't wrap the second game to secure the win. After winning first game 21-18, we came really close to win the second game when we led 17-14.
We gave them a chance to turn the game around when made four mistakes in a row. They got their energy and confidence back to tie the score at 20-20. Although the window of opportunity was wide open as we led 21-20; still we couldn't finish it.
Stamina is the essential key. Two minute break between second and third game seems enough for them but maybe not for us. Regardless, I am happier with my performance here than in the previous four super series tournaments. Absolutely, this match will motivate us to defend our Indonesian Open title next week.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Semi Final - Singapore Super Series
Tonight, we won against Hwang Ji Man/Han Sang Hoon from Korea 21-14 and 21-18 for a ticket to semi final. The young pair from Korea played more aggressive in the second game and gave us a hard time. Tomorrow, we will be playing Cai Yun/Fu Haifeng and it will be an exciting match.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Quarter Final - Singapore Super Series
Candra and I secured a spot in the Singapore Super Series quarter final and scheduled to meet Hwang Ji Man/Han Sang Hoon from Korea.
First round we defeated Hendri Saputra/Hendra Wijaya from Singapore 21-7 and 21-16. Tonight, we just finished our second round, defeating Guo Zhendong/Xie Zhongbo 21-14 21-7.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Fourth Place - Denmark Badminton League
The bronze medal was almost in our hand; unfortunately, Robert Blair / Thomas Rojkjaer from Team Vendsyssel beat me and Rasmus Mangor 24/22 – 11/21 – 21/17. We finished fourth in this season. Please visit http://www.badzine.info for more news on the league.
This was my first experience competing in the Denmark Interclub League and it is an honor to be part of Team Vestsjaelland. I enjoy the team work, the competition, the support, and the great atmosphere wherever we play. I look forward to being part of the league again in the near future.