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Saturday, January 20,2007
Final Tomorrow!!
Candra and I proceed to the final without playing because Lee Yong Dae is badly injured. I noticed how he was limping throughout the quarter final round last night; apparently, his ankle is in really bad condition.
Tomorrow, we will be playing home favorite Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong. Unfortunately our teammate Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan didn't perform their best tonight and had to lose in two games. It will be fun tomorrow and their fans will certainly go crazy.
Friday, January 19,2007
Entering Semi Final
Candra and I, we passed our first test against younger generation of men's doubles in this Malaysia Open Super Series. We defeated Tan Bin Shen/Ong Soon Hock from Malaysia 21-18 and 21-10. It was quite close on the first game; however, the young Malaysian looked a little bit too tense on the second game and created more unforced errors.
Our opponent in the semi final is another young pair, Lee Yong Dae and Jung Jae Sung from Korea. On the other semi final, our teammate Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan will challenge the recent crowned Asian Games Champion, Koo Kien Kiat and Tan Boon Heong. Both matches will be real thrill for badminton fans in Malaysia.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
An Interview with Gillian Clark
After finishing our practice session this morning, Gillian Clark, the former England top ladies doubles and now TV commentator asked to interview Candra and me. I have a feeling on what the interview would be about; however, I still feel uncertain on responding to certain questions.
The topic revolves around the issue on me playing for Indonesia again. It is an honor to be asked to represent your country, especially for prestigious events like Olympic, Thomas Cup, and Sudirman Cup. However, it won't be an easy switch because so many parties, technicalities, and regulations are involved in this matter. That is why, there will not be any decision made as of now.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
So Far So Good!!
Candra and I secured a spot in 2007 Malaysia Super Series quarter final after defeating Aji Basuki Sindoro/Ashley Brehaut from Australia 21-16 and 21-15. Aji is still young and determine; and I believe he will do well in the future if he has more opportunities to compete in major tournaments.
Our next opponent is Tan Bin Shen/Ong Soon Hock from Malaysia, who played fast and aggressive when defeating the 2006 World Champion, Cai Yun/Fu Hai Feng 25-23 and 21-17. It looks like Rexy Mainaky is doing a great job in passing his aggressive playing style to his students. And yes, it will be an interesting match tomorrow night.
Wednesday, January 17,2007
Entering The Second Round
Candra and I just won our first round, against Kristof Hopp/Ingo Kindervater from Germany 21-12 and 21-15. Our opponent for the second round would be Aji Basuki Sindoro/Ashley Brehaut from Australia. As you may recognize, Aji is actually from Indonesia. He was part of the National Training Center before.
It is interesting to see so many Indonesian players reside in many different part of the world. Sometimes, due to extreme competition among national players and lack of opportunities to compete internationally, many players found it more beneficial to move to other countries and pursue their badminton career there.
Tuesday, January 16,2007
Off We Go To Malaysia
Malaysia Super Series!! Candra and I are really excited with the new format of badminton tournaments in 2007. We believe it increases the intensity of competition among top players; thus, it will automatically increase the level of profesionallism for the sport as well.
Both of us are in very good condition and are looking forward to competing against many top players from other countries. For this tournament, our status are still the same: Candra is representing Indonesia and I am representing USA.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
My Badminton Activities in Jakarta
Now, I’m back to my routine as a badminton player. No more make up, hair gel, or fancy suits. Just shorts, shirts, rackets, and sweat. Besides practicing together with Candra, I spend around two or three times a week playing at Djarum Jakarta Badminton Court.
Djarum is one of the best junior clubs in Indonesia. The club has produced many legendary players such as Liem Swie King, Hastomo Arbi, Christian Hadinata, Eddy Hartono, Harianto Arbi, Antonius, and Denny Kantono. Six months ago, Djarum built superior badminton courts in Kudus, Central Java. It is one of the most advanced badminton courts in Asia. Both Djarum: Jakarta and Kudus, often host international players who wish to join their intensive training program.
For me, it is very fun to visit old friends and play badminton together; while at the same time, have the opportunity to meet many junior club players and motivate them. I love playing badminton in Jakarta, because of its humid weather, you sweat all out every time you play; just like when you do Bikram Yoga (Yoga exercise at a temperature set close to human’s body internal temperature – about 98 degree).
