TUC`12 - Semifinals

So, like I said, and like most of us know, it's the Thomas and Uber Cups season. Those who know me well enough would know I'm busy, because even if I don't have to work(write/report), I'll be busy watching and supporting. 

Who? 

You should've known. :P

Uber Cup semifinals: Korea beat Japan 3-0 yesterday.

Yesterday was a great day because the Korean ladies - Uber Cup's defending champions - won Japan and made it into the finals again. I was dreaming of a twist that Thailand would beat China and make it a Korea-Thailand final, but I was indeed dreaming. I know it's not gonna be easy at all for the Koreans to win it again, unlike two years ago, because the Chinese would definitely be extra careful this time since they've unexpectedly thrown the Cup in 2010.

Today, it was an extremely tough and exciting Thomas Cup match between Korea and Denmark. Before the game, when Lee Hyun Il was getting ready to play Peter Gade as first singles, I said, "I like Lee Hyun Il, but till now I still do not know whether to say he's good or not. He wins when you don't expect him to."

I didn't really expect him to win, really, against Peter Gade. I knew the Danes were so enthusiastic about going for Gold and the first singles was a match between the team captains. I just thought Gade wouldn't let it go so easily.

It wasn't easy in fact, but I sure was glad Lee Hyun Il made it.

When Ko / Yoo lost in the first doubles, I thought I should be prepared to be heartbroken. We all know Korea's relatively weaker at singles, and their doubles are definitely crucial points. Besides, it was Jan O on Denmark's second singles. Glad to say, I guess for an instant I had forgotten that Shon Wan Ho had just made his name huge by beating our Dato' Lee Chong Wei in India last month.

Now I know why Shon Wan Ho was able to beat the World #1. He's good. Grabbed Korea's second point to lead 2-1. Sad for Jan O, though.

Shon Wan Ho.

Next up was a scratch pair of Lee Yong Dae and Kim Sa Rang. They hadn't played before, at least not in Wuhan this week, and before the game I was really fond of this pair because YD - as we all know - is my most beloved, and Kim Sa Rang, we had a short talk during the Malaysia Open this year, and I truly liked him and Kim Ki Jung; the pair.

However, during the first set, even the commentator said that Korea's coach had made a very wrong decision to put Lee and Kim in the second doubles. They were totally no match for the experienced Danish veterans. But, when they began to rise in the second set, it was kinda funny how even the commentator had to say he'd like to apologise to the Korean coaches because he was starting to like the pair.  

Yeahhh. Like I said, whoever gets a chance to partner Lee Yong Dae, is definitely gonna learn and gain a lot! 

Dragon Big and Love. LOL
(Literal translations of 'Yong Dae' and 'Sa Rang')
P.S.: Lee Yong Dae's new racquet was specially designed for him.
Victor's Brave Sword-LYD (BRS-LYD). How awesome is that!

Lovely, that last match was. Thrilling and fascinating. I bet even Jonas Rasmussen and Joachim Fischer felt it was a great game despite their loss.

Korea 3, Denmark 1. I found it a teeny-weeny bit ironic that two of the three points for Korea came from their singles- versus Denmark! I'm glad for sure, though. :D

As for the Thomas and Uber's finals this weekend, Korea vs China for both, very likely. We'll just see how it goes. I'm not gonna push too much. Happy either way. Love them either way. ♥


P.S
Anyone's dreaming that China will lose to Japan in the other semis tonight? 
Awww, I don't know. But I'd sure love to see something new ;D