Hosts counting on Malaysian expertise to beef up the squad

Badminton News

PETALING JAYA: Hosts Hong Kong will be relying on Malaysian expertise, spearheaded by Wong Choong Hann and his team, as they aim to deliver success in the Hong Kong Open beginning today.

Among the pairs to watch are Hong Kong’s top mixed doubles duo, Tang Chun Man-Tse Ying Suet, who could be making their final appearance in the tournament after announcing plans to retire next year.

Currently ranked world No. 5, Chun Man-Ying Suet are under the guidance of Jeremy Gan and are hoping to replicate their podium finish from 2023.

That year, they stunned fourth seeds Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie en route to the final, before eventually settling for runners-up spot after losing to China’s Guo Xinwa-Wei Yaxin.

“Of course the goal this year is to get on the podium. It’s rare to have another opportunity to compete in the Hong Kong Open this year. I hope to play a few more days and reach the final,” said Ying Suet.

Interestingly, Jeremy’s stint with Japan previously saw him guide Yuta Watanabe-Arisa Higashino to back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019.

His arrival in Hong Kong last December could now prove timely for Chun Man-Ying Suet, who are chasing their dream of lifting the crown.

No Hong Kong mixed doubles pair has ever won the tournament since its inception in 1982.

With this set to be their last Hong Kong Open, Chun Man-Ying Suet are also hoping for strong home support, not just for themselves but for the entire Hong Kong squad competing at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Kowloon.

Seeded fifth, they will open their campaign against Malaysia’s Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien in the first round.

Apart from Choong Hann and Jeremy, Hong Kong have also brought in Malaysians Loh Wei Sheng and Tan Bin Shen to strengthen their coaching set-up.

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From rivals to partners – Seo and Kim out to etch names in history

Badminton News

PETALING JAYA: Winning a world title is already a rare feat, but defending it is an achievement only a select few have managed.

Top seeds and reigning champions Seo Seung-jae and Kim Won-ho are now out to etch their names in history as they begin their campaign at the World Championships in Paris today.

The Korean pair may be the favourites, but they remain cautious, acknowledging the fierce competition in men’s doubles where any pair is capable of mounting a challenge for the podium this week.

“We are really thankful that people think we can win the world championships but we believe it is very open and anyone can win,” said Seung-jae. Seung-jae claimed the title two years ago in Copenhagen with Kang Min-hyuk.

China’s Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng are the most successful pair when they won three times in a row from 2009 to 2011 after first winning in 2006, while compatriots Li Yongbo-Tian Bingyi achieved the feat in 1987 and 1989.

And if Seung-jae succeeds this year, he will follow in the footsteps of Indonesian legend Ricky Subagja, who won back-to-back titles with different partners, first with Rudy Gunawan in 1993 and then two years later with Rexy Mainaky.

For Seung-jae, returning to the Adidas Arena feels surreal as only a year ago he and Won-ho were on opposite sides during the Paris Olympics.

Back then, Seung-jae and Chae Yoo-jung lost in the mixed doubles semi-finals to Won-ho and Jeong Na-eun, who went on to win silver after falling to China’s Zheng Siwei-Huang Yaqiong in the final.

It was a painful outing for Seung-jae, who not only missed out on bronze after losing to Japan’s Yuta Watanabe-Arisa Higashino but also saw his men’s doubles run with Min-hyuk cut short in the quarter-finals by Denmark’s Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen.

“It feels really good to come back to Paris after the Olympics. We’ve good memories here. He (Won-ho) was my rival at the Olympics, but now he is my partner and I feel like he is a pillar to me,” added Seung-jae.

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Tang Jie-Ee Wei’s commendable show one of the positives for Malaysia

Badminton News

PETALING JAYA: It wasn’t all doom and gloom.

While Malaysia’s early exit from the Sudirman Cup badminton tournament after failing to reach the semi-finals raised plenty of concerns, there were still some positives to take away from the campaign.

One of them was the performance of mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, who stood out with a commendable showing despite earlier tension in their partnership.

In Xiamen, they were fielded against Australia’s Ricky Tang-Gronya Somerville in the group stage and delivered a convincing 21-8, 21-12 win.

They also contributed a vital point in Malaysia’s tense group tie against Japan, overcoming Hiroki Midorikawa-Arisa Higashino 21-19, 21-18 in the final Group C match.

Tang Jie and Ee Wei were once again called upon in the last-eight clash against China. Despite showing great fighting spirit, they were unable to overcome world No. 2 duo Feng Yanzhe-Huang Dongping, losing 17-21, 17-21.

Ee Wei admitted that unforced errors proved costly in their quarter-final defeat.

“We made too many simple mistakes, and they took advantage of it by putting us under pressure. That’s something we really need to learn from,” she said. “I’m thankful to all the fans who supported us, whether in the stadium or back home in Malaysia. We truly appreciate it. It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t contribute a point in this match, but we’ll keep fighting.”

Tensions between Tang Jie and Ee Wei came to light shortly after the All-England in March, when their strained partnership drew the attention of the coaching staff, leading to a temporary split.

Ahead of the tournament in Xiamen, mixed doubles head coach Nova Widianto had hinted that both players could be paired with different partners. After all, Malaysia had also brought along two other combinations — Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie and Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin.

But following a five-week cooling-off period and an ultimatum from Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh regarding their status in the elite Road to Gold programme, Tang Jie and Ee Wei agreed to reunite and patch things up.

“There’s still a lot for us to improve on. To be able to deliver in critical matches for the country, we need to continue learning — both about ourselves and our opponents,” said Ee Wei.

For now, the pair will go their separate ways once again at the Taiwan Open starting next Tuesday, with Tang Jie partnering Wong Vin Sean in the men’s doubles and Ee Wei teaming up with Loo Bing Kun in the mixed doubles.

Tang Jie and Vin Sean are set to face Czech pair Jiri Kral-Ondrej Kral in the qualifying round, while Ee Wei and Bing Kun will take on Indonesia’s Adnan Maulana-Indah Cahya Sari Jamil in the first round.

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Kenneth tells Jun Hao and Co to chin up and step up after Japan setback

Badminton News

PETALING JAYA: Now, it’s all about regrouping and turning their focus to today’s quarter-final clash against China.

That’s the mindset Malaysia must adopt after falling short once again to Japan, losing 2-3 in their final Group C tie at the Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, China, yesterday.

Malaysia got off brilliantly through wins from Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei (mixed doubles) and Leong Jun Hao (men’s singles), but Goh Jin Wei (women’s singles), Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (men’s doubles) and Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah (women’s doubles) were unable to provide points.

Aaron-Wooi Yik probably had the best chance to win but they went down fighting to 21-12, 20-22, 21-23 to Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi in a battle between former world champions.

National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen felt the team had given everything against the three-time runners-up but admitted that luck simply wasn’t on their side this time.

Still, the defeat does not spell the end.

Malaysia have advanced to the quarter-finals as group runners-up and must now carry the same fighting spirit into the knockout stage if they are to keep their hopes of at least a bronze medal alive.

Under the Sudirman Cup format, a place in the semi-finals is enough to guarantee a medal.

Malaysia have won bronze medals in the last two editions, ending a 12-year wait in Vantaa, Finland in 2021 and repeating the achievement in Suzhou in 2023.

“I think overall we can be very proud of our team effort, our aggressive spirit on court, and the support from the bench.

“I felt we were a little unlucky today not to get the win against Japan, but they also showed what they’re made of and fought all the way.

“As I just mentioned to the team, with this spirit and aggression, we stand a chance against anybody if we believe in ourselves. But now, we need to focus on our recovery,” said Jonassen.

Jonassen encouraged the team to keep the same fighting spirit in the quarters.

“Maybe we need a little bit of luck, so to speak. But we don’t need to do much differently than we did today. Stay aggressive and keep believing. If we do that, we’ve got a real chance.

“I do believe that the level tomorrow (today) will be even higher but that’s the task ahead,” he added.

RESULTS

Group A: China bt Thailand 4-1.

Group B: Korea bt Taiwan 4-1.

Group C: Japan bt Malaysia 3-2 (Hiroki Midorikawa-Arisa Higashino lost to Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei 19-21, 18-21; Kodai Naraoka lost to Leong Jun Hao 8-21, 21-13, 18-21; Tomoka Miyazaki bt. Goh Jin Wei 21-14, 21-17; Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi bt Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik 12-21, 22-20, 23-21; Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida bt Pearly Tan- M. Thinaah18-21-18, 18-21, 21-18).

Group D: Indonesia bt Denmark 4-1 (Rinov Rivaldy-Gloria Widjaja lost to Jesper Toft-Amalie Magelund 22-20, 21-23, 21-16; Alwi Farhan bt Anders Antonsen 21-17, 15-21, 21-17; Putri Kusuma bt Line Kjaersfeldt 21-6, 21-5; Shohibul Fikri-Daniel Marthin bt Kim Astrup Anders Skaarup Rasmussen 21-16, 21-18; Febriana Kusuma-Amallia Pratiwi bt Alexandra Boje-Line Christophersen 21-15, 21-15).

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Aaron-Soh, Pearly-Thinaah go down fighting as M’sia lose 2-3 to Japan

Badminton News

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s wait to beat Japan in the Sudirman Cup continued after they went down fighting 2-3 in their final Group C tie in Xiamen, China, on Thursday (May 1).

It looked like the drought was about to end when Malaysia got off to a promising start by winning the first two points through Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and Leong Jun Hao in the mixed doubles and men’s singles events respectively.

Tang Jie-Ee Wei pulled off a 21-19, 21-18 win over scratch pairs, Hiroki Midorikawa-Arisa Higashino in just 39 minutes.

The lead was doubled when Jun Hao gave a gutsy performance to overcome world No. 8 Kodai Naraoka 21-8, 13-21, 21-18.

And it looked like a win was on the plate when the Asian champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik dominated the opening game against Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi with a commanding performance in the battle between former world champions.

But the Japanese pair, coached by former Malaysian shuttler Lee Wan Wah, fought back to force a rubber and eventually dashed Malaysia’s hopes with a 12-21, 22-20, 23-21 win in a 69-minute thriller.

Japan then narrowed the gap through Tomoka Miyazaki, who defeated Goh Jin Wei 21-14, 21-17 in 38 minutes.

“I think she is a good player and I’m honoured to be playing against her. I learned a lot of things from today’s match,” said Jin Wei.

“To chase her with that kind of point gap was very tough. All I can say is, she’s way better than me, in court coverage, shuttle control, everything.”

The deciding point went Japan’s way in the women’s doubles when world No. 2 Chiharu Shida-Nami Matsuyama outlasted Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah 18-21, 21-18, 21-18 in a fiercely contested rubber game.

The result saw Japan top Group C, with Malaysia joining them in the quarter-finals as the group runners-up.

The quarter-final draw will be conducted later tonight after the conclusion of all group matches.



 

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Pang Ron-Su Yin need to level up in Sudirman Cup

Badminton News

PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles pair Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin are determined not to be mere passengers in the national squad for the Sudirman Cup, which gets underway this Sunday in Xiamen, China.

For Pang Ron, this will mark his third appearance at the prestigious team event. He has previously won two bronze medals with different partners.

In Vantaa, he partnered Cheah Yee See and was Malaysia’s main bet in key matches, including the tie against England’s Marcus Ellis-Lauren Smith, as well as the Group D decider against Japan’s Yuta Watanabe-Arisa Higashino. They also featured in the quarter-final clash against Indonesia’s Praveen Jordan-Melati Daeva Oktavianti.

However, things were different in Suzhou. Although listed alongside Teoh Mei Xing, they did not get to play a single match as Malaysia had brought along established pairs Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie, Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing, and Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei.

This time around, Pang Ron-Su Yin know they must raise their game to impress the coaching panel, as they face stiff competition from the other two pairs, Soon Huat-Shevon and Tang Jie-Ee Wei if they hope to see action even in the group stage.

Still, Pang Ron knows earning a spot in the line-up won’t come easy, especially with the pair currently struggling to rediscover their form. Since their impressive runner-up finish at the China Masters last November, they have yet to deliver any standout performances this year.

“I felt happy when I found out I made the team, and I believe we have a strong squad,” said Pang Ron.

“Su Yin and I may be facing some issues at the moment, but we’re working hard to overcome them, and it’s clear to everyone what those issues are.

“After the China Masters, many pairs have started to take note of our abilities. They’ve been analysing our game closely, and now I can say it’s no longer easy to play against any opponent.”

The mixed doubles squad are shaping up to be one of Malaysia’s strongest departments at this year’s Sudirman Cup, alongside the men’s doubles line-up.

The men’s team will be spearheaded by top-tier combinations, including Asian champions Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik, world No. 2 pair Goh Sze Fei–Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, and rising duo Man Wei Chong–Tee Kai Wun.

Malaysia will begin their Sudirman Cup campaign in Group C against France on April 28, followed by a clash with Australia on April 29, before wrapping up the group stage against three-time runners-up Japan on May 1.

Only the top two teams from the group will advance to the quarter-finals.

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Comprehensive Interpretation: The 12-member Roster of Japan’s Badminton Team for the 2024 Paris Olympics

Badminton News

The 2024 Paris Olympics is poised to capture global attention, and the anticipation intensifies with the announcement of Japan’s badminton team roster. Comprising 12 exceptional athletes, this team promises to deliver thrilling performances in one of the world’s most prestigious sports events. In this article, we will explore the roster of these remarkable individuals, highlight their past achievements, and discuss the implications of their participation in Paris.

The Remarkable Athletes of Japan’s Badminton Team

Japan’s badminton team boasts a lineup that exemplifies both talent and experience, showcasing the country’s strength in the sport. Here are the athletes selected to represent Japan, organized alphabetically:

  • Takuro Hoki
  • Aya Ohori
  • Arisa Higashino
  • Yudai Watanabe
  • Kodai Naraoka
  • Akane Yamaguchi
  • Mayu Matsumoto
  • Nami Matsuyama
  • Kenta Nishimoto
  • Yugo Kobayashi
  • Kana Nakanishi
  • Chihaya Shida

This roster reflects Japan’s dedication to cultivating elite badminton talent through rigorous training and international competition. Notably, athletes like Akane Yamaguchi are setting their sights on the podium, while the mixed doubles team of Hoki and Ohori has already made waves in global tournaments.

Key Highlights from the Team’s Background

The inclusion of these athletes signifies a pivotal moment in their sporting careers and for Japanese badminton as a whole. For example:

  • Akane Yamaguchi: A formidable player in women’s singles, Yamaguchi is known for her attacking style and previous successes on the world stage.
  • Takuro Hoki and Aya Ohori: This mixed doubles pair has gained recognition for their outstanding synergy and tactical prowess, evident from their commendable placements in various international championships.

As these athletes prepare for the competition, their performance records instill confidence within the Japanese badminton community and its supporters. Moreover, they serve as inspirations for younger players striving to reach similar heights.

Athletes’ Details and Participation Dates

For fans eager to follow their favorites, here are further details on each athlete, including their participation dates:

  1. Takuro Hoki – 2024-8-8221326
  2. Aya Ohori (ku-1) – 2024-8-8221340
  3. Arisa Higashino – 2024-8-8221324
  4. Yudai Watanabe – 2024-8-8221343
  5. Kodai Naraoka – 2024-8-8221336
  6. Akane Yamaguchi – 2024-8-8221345
  7. Mayu Matsumoto – 2024-8-8221329
  8. Nami Matsuyama – 2024-8-8221331
  9. Kenta Nishimoto – 2024-8-8221338
  10. Yugo Kobayashi – 2024-8-8221328
  11. Kana Nakanishi – 2024-8-8221333
  12. Chihaya Shida – 2024-8-8221342

By providing these details, fans can remain updated on their favorite players, fostering a deeper connection to the sport during the Olympics.

Anticipation for the 2024 Paris Olympics

As excitement builds for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the badminton matches promise to deliver extraordinary displays of skill and spirit. The selected athletes carry not only their individual aspirations but also the hopes of a nation eager for success. The renewed interest in Japanese badminton, following the previous Olympic cycle, showcases the team’s competitive spirit and the evolving nature of the sport globally.

The announcement of this roster has sparked lively discussions among fans and analysts alike, with many eagerly speculating on the outcomes of the various matches. With a strong combination of experienced and young talent, Japan’s badminton team is a contender to watch in Paris.

Conclusion

In summary, the 12-member roster of Japan’s badminton team heading to the 2024 Paris Olympics showcases an impressive assembly of talent poised to make an impact on the global stage. As these athletes aim for excellence, their journey serves as a testament to dedication and sportsmanship in badminton. For fans, this is an opportune moment to support these athletes and engage with the sport. As we await the excitement of the Olympic matches, which athlete are you most eager to watch and why?返回搜狐，查看更多

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Choong Hann says he will let results speak louder than words after hiring M’sian coaches

Badminton News

PETALING JAYA: It’s strictly professional, says Wong Choong Hann.

Hong Kong’s badminton supremo Choong Hann has been successful in drawing home-grown coaches Tan Bin Shen, Jeremy Gan and Loh Wei Sheng to make up the biggest number of coaches based in a national setup abroad.

But to Choong Hann, it’s all about being true to his role.

The transfer of the former internationals had received different reactions.

While some raised concerns over the exodus of Malaysian coaches abroad, others applauded the move as it proved that the local breed were good enough and were in demand.

Choong Hann, who was the country’s badminton supremo before leaving last year, said he valued the coaches’ credentials and the wealth of experience they bring along.

“Both Bin Shen and Jeremy are triple majors’ medallist coach over two Olympic Games cycles, why not I include them in my setup?” said Choong Hann.

“It’s about doing your best at your job and as professional as it should be. There is no intent to make it complicated.

“I’m just doing my job. I prefer to lay low in Hong Kong and let the results speak louder than words. I’ve always believed in that.”

Choong Hann’s trust in the coaches is certainly justified.

Under Bin Shen, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik have won the world titles and the Olympic Games bronze medals in two editions – in Tokyo and Paris while Jeremy had impressed during his stint in Japan.

Thanks to Jeremy’s input and guidance as the mixed doubles coach, Yuta Watanabe-Arisa Higashino emerged as the bronze medal winners at the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games and bagged the silvers at two world championships editions.

Wei Sheng was coaching in Singapore before Choong Hann offered the former Youth Olympic Games winner the job.

“We merely put the offer on the table, and it’s up to these coaches to make their own choices based on their personal commitment and needs… and I’m glad they are coming here,” said Choong Hann.

He however, is not expecting immediate results.

“Hong Kong still have a relatively medium size squad comparatively to other major badminton powerhouses,” he said.

“Thus our coaches’ role, include multitasking at times to all departments although they will have specific jobs to do.”

“They need time to settle down but we are committed to assist them to realise their full potential in their respective positions.

Bin Shen and Jeremy will handle the doubles department with the former spending more time on the men’s doubles and the latter on the mixed doubles.

“Wei Sheng will be in the men’s singles at this moment, and we will assist him until he is ready to take full charge later on.”

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Choong Hann announces Bin Shen, Jeremy and Wei Sheng in HK coaching team

Badminton News

PETALING JAYA: Head coach Wong Choong Hann has lured three other Malaysians to join Hong Kong badminton, including Tan Bin Shen.

On Friday, Choong Hann announced his coaching staff, which also included Jeremy Gan and Loh Wei Sheng.

Men’s doubles head coach Bin Shen, who handled two-time Olympic Games bronze medal winners Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Co, will officially leave the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) after serving the association since 2020.

Bin Shen, whose contract with BAM ends this month, is looking forward to his new job in Hong Kong.

Jeremy will head to Hong Kong after ending his service in Japan. In Japan, he did well to raise the standard of the mixed doubles pair, including Olympic Games bronze medal winners Yuta Watanabe-Arisa Higashino.

Wei Sheng was the BAM’s singles assistant coach before he left to Singapore. He will now help with Hong Kong’s singles department.

Said Choong Hann:”Both will handle the whole doubles department, with Jeremy focusing more in mixed and Bin Shen on the doubles. Wei Sheng will help out in the singles, we will assist until he is ready to take charge.”

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Pang Ron-Su Yin upstage Yuta-Maya to join Tan-Lai in Denmark Open second round

Badminton News

ODENSE: Mixed doubles pair Hoo Pan Rong-Cheng Su Yin knocked out an experienced Yuta Watanabe and his new partner Maya Taguchi of Japan to enter the second round of the Denmark Open.

The Malaysian duo carved out a 21-14, 21-17 win against Watanabe-Taguchi in 40 minutes and are likely to play second seeds Jiang Zhenbang-Wei Yaxin of China.

Watanabe has won the Olympic Games bronze medal twice with Arisa Higashino but both have gone separate ways after the recent Paris Olympic Games.

Pang Ron was happy with the win.

“It’s great to beat the experienced Yuta and his new partner. I’ve to admit that as a new pair, they had their struggles and we took advantage of that,” said Pang Ron.

“Still, it’s a good win for Su Yin and I as this is our first Denmark Open.

“In fact, I’m proud of Su Yin as she did well today to step up at times when I was unable to cover the court well.”

Earlier, the more experienced Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing also cleared their opening round with a 21-7, 21-14 win against Ethan Van Leeuwen-Chloe Birch of England.

They will face third seeds Kim Wan-ho-Jeong Na-eun of South Korea next.

Said Pei Jing: “Kian Meng and I are more steady now on the court. It has been a better year for us and hopefully, we will continue to be consistent.”

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