Could this be redemption for Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong? The Malaysian pair are eager to reclaim their title in the world standings and what better why to do so by nailing their first Super Series title of the year – the Li Ning China Open Super Series 2010.
Kien Keat and Boon Heong are tired of playing bridesmaid to China in two major events – the World Championships and the recently concluded Asian Games in Guangzhou.
Beating a China pair in their own backyard would prove to be a bittersweet victory for the Malaysian duo. Judging by the draw, Kien Keat and Boon Heong ought to have minimal problems getting to the semi-finals.
Top Chinese pair Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng, meanwhile, have a tricky path ahead of them including facing the likes of seasoned shuttlers Howard Bach-Tony Gunawan and possibly Koreans Lee Yong Dae-Jung Jae Sung. If all goes as planned, they could meet Kein Keat-Boon Heong in the semi-finals.
In the women’s doubles event, first seeded pair Cheng Wen Hsing-Chien Yu Chin of Chinese Taipei join teammates Hung Shih Chieh-Yang Chia Chen in Round 2 after receiving byes in the opening round.
Also enjoying a ticket to the second round is Singapore duo Chen Jiayuan-Gu Juan. Malaysia’s scratch pair of Chin Eei Hui-Goh Liu Ying could face a tough challenge against local players Wang Xiaoli-Yu Yang but could pull it through if they employ the right moves in the court.
Eyes will also be on the sole Korean pair of Ha Jung Eun-Jung Kyung Eun. Seeded eighth in the tournament, they meet China’s Huan Xia-Tang Jinhua in round one before setting a possible date with Chen-Gu.
The mixed doubles event also generates much interest. While China and to a certain extent Indoneisna continue to be the powerhouse, many are eager to see a European pair stamping their authority in the scene.
Or emerging force Thailand – in the form of Sudket Prapakamol-Saralee Thounghthongkam and Songphon Anugritayawon-Kunchala Voravichitchaikul – could raise eyebrows throughout the tournament.
It was an all China affair in the qualifying rounds of the mixed doubles. Liu Cheng-Ying Luo was pushed to the limit before defeating Guo Junjie-Deng Yuting 23-21, 16-21, 21-18 while Peixuan Liu-Tang Jinhua had a more comfortable outing after beating Tianyi Pei Pei-Dong Yourong 21-16, 21-4 in 21 minutes.
