First hurdle cleared

triumph 

ROAD TO THOMAS CUP - 1/8.

I managed to watch the match up against Korea yesterday. I was post call and my adrenaline rush pressed me on as i was very sleepy. I was on call on Tuesday and it was very hectic. I practically did not sleep at all as there were too many things going on at the same time.

So far , we are not tested yet as our opponents in group stage did not pose much threat. USA and England was a breeze and we thought them well about how to play real badminton. The last match i saw us playing the Koreans was in 2001 , in Putra Stadium - we lost to them because of Roslin's pathetic display.

Chong Wei was in his element in the first singles. Eventhough he was a bit jittery in the beginning , he managed to conquer his fear and displayed vintage badminton. Anyway , i was a bit dissapointed when Keng Kiat and Chon Ming lost to the Koreans. We were simply making too many enforced errors.In the new format , your mistakes are punished therefore one has to aim for perfection. Choon Han was next and seeing the way he played , i did not think it was a problem to beat them. Suddenly he had an awkward fall and injured himself. I said Damn !! And when they announced his retirement I was like... alamak !! we can lose this tie you know !! SOS !!

Next was Tan Fook and Wan Wah. I was worried about them because they can be really bad especially under pressure. On the next court was PArk Joo Bong's protege. Koreans are known to produce world champions and we always loose to them in doubles match up. However , our doubles played perfect badminton and "TITIK" them well ! haks.. i suppose , the Korean doubles are still young and was awed by the atmosphere to play to their true ability. Watch for Lee.. I'm sure he'll conquer the world in time.

Then came Hafiz Hashim.. Misbun's product. He looked nervous when he started the game and made everyone in Malaysia worried. You know.. that.. I've done all i can look and still playing crap !! haks.. But Hafiz managed to control his nerves and won the game for Malaysia !! His opponent was not that good and he smashed himself to victory in the second game.

Fuuuhh.. Our supporters in Japan were really great !! Tabik spring to you guys!! We certainly made the stadium ours with our Heeaaaaahhh... !! Satuu... DUaa.... Tigaa.... !!! cry . Spirits were certainly high and that inspired our athletes to win for the country. Next will be Denmark on Friday. Viva MAlaysia !!!!