Thomas Cup 2008 Finals Results & Analysis

Although Korea stepped into the Thomas Cup finals by defeating the host, Indonesia with a surprising victory(3-0), it still fails to claim the Cup. China, with her powerful and skillful squad, claims to be the champion of the game once again, by defeating the Korean 3-1.

At the beginning of the game, Korea has been widely criticized for its strategy by losing game after game in the preliminary round to avoid an early meeting with China. However, this is a team match. There is no rule that said such strategy cannot be used. The strategy spells its effectiveness by sending Denmark and Indonesia, each at quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively back home.

Let us talk about the finals.

1st Singles: Lin Dan(China) vs Park Sung Hwan(Korea)
Scores: 10-21, 21-18, 21-8

Due to a delayed telecast on RTM 1, i have almost missed the first game. So, it's not appropriate for me to comment on the first game. When it comes to second game, we can actually see that Lin Dan regained his "usual" form, which he used psychological strategy and his fierce and incredible smashes. But, Park put on a good fight, and unfortunately, he lost by 3 points and lighted up some hopes for the Chinese by bringing the first match into the rubber game. In the 3rd game, it is quite obvious that Park has lost his tricky net-plays and his placings. He could have reached his tiredness. And that gives China to cling the first point.

1st Doubles: Cai Yun-Fu Hai Feng(China) vs Lee Yong Dae-Jung Jae Sung(Korea)
Scores: 23-25, 16-21

Honestly, this is the best game i have ever watched in this Thomas Cup(as long as there is a live telecast on RTM 1). Both pairs ranked the 2nd and the 3rd best men doubles in the world. And, their performances proved that. Both pairs demonstrate the legendary speed and power in the first game. Fu Hai Feng is really great at his killer-jumping smash. However, the Korean, Jung is exceptionally outstanding in defense and placings. These two men with their counterparts bring the game to a breath-taking 23-25 scores. For the second game, the shuttle swirled at an average speed of 200km/h. The Korean pair is good in net-plays and smashes. Whenever there is a chance to smash, the chance will be grabbed in hands immediately. This rekindles the hope of the Korean to win the cup by snatching the first point from the Chinese.


2nd Singles: Bao Chun Lai(China) vs Lee Hyun-Il(Korea)
Scores: 28-26, 21-11

After gaining victory in their first doubles, the point now ties at 1-1. Therefore, the Korean and the Chinese want to gain the second point from this singles. The first game was indeed interesting. Bao, with his towering heights, can easily change the direction of the shuttle and thus bring him some winning points, nevertheless, Lee, with his marvelous net-plays and lobs, often tricked Bao. But, when they come to the second game, Lee is obviously too exhausted to run for the shuttle and this gives an advantage to Bao. The result? China gains the second point, and makes it to 2-1.

2nd Doubles: Xie Zhong Bo-Guo Zhen Dong(China) vs Lee Jae Jin-Hwang Ji Man(Korea)
Scores: 21-12, 19-21, 21-12

I still remember how this Chinese pair lost to our Malaysian pair, Zakry-Abdul Latiff. However, when this Chinese doubles plays on court with the Korean, they are still at the same level, but the Korean pair's speed and power are comparatively less effective. The Korean pair's placings are considered okay, but their smashes are indeed less powerful. Although they managed to drag the Chinese to the 3rd game, that doesn't stop China from taking the Thomas Cup back home once again.

If possible, I will write a post commenting our Malaysian badminton team's performance. Till we meet.

~~luminodreamer89~~