Piala Thomas dan Uber 2010 - Review

What a fussed? Blaming game and fiasco after Thomas Cup campaign between BAM, players, media and public.

First of all, I don’t see it as a failed campaign (nor success). Yes, we've humiliated by Japan in group stage. Closed won against Denmark but crashed out against tournament favourite, China.


If we're really badminton fans and well informed about badminton world nowadays, defeat against China aren’t catastrophe. They’re  by far a superior team and individually. On paper, we’ve an edge in First Single (Chong Wei) and First Double (Kien Keat / Boon Heong). But that based on ranking solely. Every dogs and his master knew that Lin Dan is the better player than Chong Wei. Both First Double are equally good, and that’ll be 50-50 chance. And the rest, Chinese are superior outfit, no argument.

We can hope to pull a surprise win against China, but that’s not expectation, far from it. My early expectation before the tournament, I hope we can navigate route towards the final by avoiding China. In the final, win or lose, I’ll say we had a very good tournament.

Some say, we might avoid China (in Semi Final) if we beat Japan in group stage. But,  that is if-and-then argument, there’s no certainty we can avoid China if we beat Japan. It’s a random draw (the only certainty are, we can avoid China or other group winners in Quater Final only thorough seeding system).

The biggest worry are, its about youth setup and replacement for senior players. Choon Han will not be around in 2 years time. I don’t expect Chong Wei and Hafiz can raise their game anymore than their recent standards, and they’ll 30+ years old then. So, at least we need 3 very competent single players to fill the gaps.

Kien  Keat/ Boon Heong had time on their side, they’ll be pillar in double department. Fairuzizuan /Zakry seem had lost it. I’m expecting Rexy (or the new coach) will split them. A few decent young pairs are coming through, but still need time and exposure to make their marks.

The main players should be selective on which tournament they should participate in, and BAM should give more priorities to youngster to take parts in major tournament. Ranking aren't as important anymore, as Chinese mocking and manipulating it. (Maybe important if the players prioritized bigger prize -money and paycheck)

Media are nothing to blame. OK, sometimes they're suck and unprofessional. Even if they played their part for this failure, a professional athlete should capable to cope with the pressure, expectation and public’s hope. In conclusion, BAM and the players should shut up and starts work their butts off right now!