Sunday, March 13, 2011

Terima Kasih Dato' for silencing me


Let's face it. Each time we hear of the dream final between Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei, all too often we have already predicted the outcome. We may hope that our Dato' can at least pull a few off Lin Dan, but we always face despair instead.
It's not to say that Lee Chong Wei is not good. Heck, compared to other badminton singles players, Lee Chong Wei is in a class of his own.
Being able to watch him tear Bao Chun Lai apart in the second round, clearly shows that he is untouchable by other lesser mortal badminton players. The gap between him and other players is a gap which may be miles apart.
However, the gap between Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan was also seen to be miles apart.
Which makes Lin Dan, a super deity in badminton, ahahha.
BUt of course, we all know that Lee Chong Wei, on a good day may be able to win Lin Dan on a bad day. But that's not what makes a champion, a real champion.

So come this 2011 edition of the all England finals, and we hear of the much anticipated Dream Final. Lee Chong Wei vs Lin Dan.
Perhaps what comes to mind is similar to an European Champions League Final between Barcelona and Real Madrid (or Man Utd, take your pick :))
Everyone was already pre-judging that Lin Dan will win, including myself.
BUt deep down in our hearts, we all truly wanted our Dato' to finally beat the hoodoo and stigma of always being second fiddle to Lin Dan.

And today, he did it! Both players, fitness to boot, had terrific rallies, attacks and defence.
Although it is said that Lin Dan made many unforced errors, which was quite uncharacteristic of him to do so, this time perhaps, he could not hide behind the excuse that he was unwell or anything. You can see that he is also playing his game and was going FTW. Perhaps, it was an issue of confidence, and the more errors he made, the more his confidence eroded. Such is my view of him tonite.
But it was Chong Wei's night, and tonight he showed that he could pull of the tricks up his sleeve that he has tried to but often times chose not to against his old nemesis. Brimming with confidence, he too could have lost the lead.
But he held on for the win despite the close call.
For once, Chong Wei did not give the respect he always gave Lin Dan. And this is something good :)
Even if Dato were to lose today, i would still be proud because he showed a display never seen before against Lin Dan, and tonight he could do not wrong.
But having said that, this is just one victory although a major tournament and not the usual minor opens. However, this could provide the boost that he has desperately needed for years against Lin Dan and we do hope that this victory is a sign of things to come.
And when LCW is finally on par with Lin Dan, then truly we will have many dream finals to look forward to. :) Well Done Dato, and terima kasih

As for Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong, you guys could have won it, with your skills and prowess. But alas you both allowed a 5 point lead to deteriorate. Confidence is something that you both need to work on. But over-confidence is also something that you both need to address.
World beaters you guys could be, but you need to show it and not always end up second best.In sports, second best is always forgotten....The only enemies that you have are yourselves. Work harder :)

But tonight, it's LEE CHONG WEI's to celebrate :) Keep it up and make this nation proud :) and thank you for silencing me, your critic and a Malaysian badminton fan.

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