Maybank Malaysia Open 2012 - Part 1

Badminton Malaysia Open this year was sponsored by Maybank - instead of Proton the past years - though I should mention as well, it was presented by Proton. So the name- Maybank Malaysia Open presented by Proton.

The bluish-ness of Proton and yellowish-ness of Maybank.

10 - 15 January 2012. It was a great week! ..though, really tiring. But also because of the tiredness, I realised Yong Dae was actually my source of energy. *cough**blush*

Went to Bukit Jalil Putra Stadium on Tuesday, the 10th, to collect my pass and stayed around for awhile to check out the qualifying rounds a bit. On Wednesday, I skipped it for classes. I started reporting on Tuesday, but Thursday was more like the real start to it.

Thursday, January 12, 2012
Early in the day, I had a funny and interesting little encounter with my beloved same-birthday guy YD; and that totally jump-started my day. At the press conference with Peter Gade(lost to Tago Kenichi) and Jan O Jorgensen(beat Lin Dan), I was really touched. First by Peter's love for Malaysia, then by Jan O's comeback after the great downfall end of last year.

Out of four courts on Thursday,
Yong Dae's match was played right in front of my place!

I was somewhat pleased, because I called for an upset in the match between Jan O and Lin Dan. Not many people agreed with me, but it happened - Jan O defeated Lin Dan. I don't care about the possible presence of reasons behind (like those pro-Chinese or anti-Chinese fans would say. I'm neutral, anyway), I just felt lucky enough to have 'ordered' for our photographer to shoot pictures of that match.

As for Peter Gade's loss to Kenichi Tago, I was on Peter's side, though I like Tago, because it was Peter's last Malaysia Open before his retirement, and he loves Malaysia. So of course I hoped he'll stay longer. 

As Tago was leading, I had mixed emotions (LIKE TOTALLY). Tago winning means I'll be happy because one of my favourites won, and it'll make a good feature story. But Peter losing means I'll be sad because I like Peter too, and he'll be really disappointed to have to leave so soon.

Visit badzine.net to read them
and other reports on the Malaysia Open 2012.

So in a way, Peter Gade and Jan O saved my day; by giving me interesting stories to write. And as always, press conferences with this two Danish men are awesome. :)

The day ended well for me, and I got home at midnight. The last meal I had was lunch, at noon, and a piece of bread while rushing on the article in the stadium. So prior to leaving the stadium, I bought Ramly burger- for dinner at midnight.

Before going to bed, I dropped a message to Peter Gade: 

He was already on his way back to Denmark, and as expected, was pretty much affected by the defeat. But I know he'll get back up because like he said, he's gone through it so many times and he knows how to get out of it.

I'll remember Peter Gade. One of the friendliest players I know. A great man, and a very loving father, I'm sure. Also, one of the oldest top players in the world. Very respectable.

[End of January 12th's entry]

...To Be Continued