French Open Super Series 2009: Draws Released

The draws for the French Open Super Series have been released, and from the looks of things the only big name missing from the men’s singles is Lee Chong Wei. Now, of course that is a very big name, but certainly with Lin Dan in the mix we can expect some excellent badminton. Lin Dan will be seeded first, and on the opposite side of the draw we have Peter Gade as second seed. In the second round we will have a rematch between Gade and Jan O Jorgensen, and after losing to Jorgensen last week in Odense you can be sure that he will be ready for another fight. It will be much more difficult for Marc Zwiebler to replicate last week’s great run in Paris as he has to face Chen Jin in the first round, but with some new found confidence perhaps Chen Jin has something to be worried about.

With the Chinese team back in full force the womens singles is also jam packed tough competition. Wang Lin is back and is first seed, although Hong Kong’s Zhou Mi has withdrawn for unknown reasons. Denmark’s Tine Rasmussen is the fourth seed, and she will meet her first big test in the quarters against Jiang Yanjiao. Wang Yihan will be the third seed and she has to face the strong youngster Wang Xin in the first round.

Malaysia Goes Down Tamely To China In Final

ALOR SETAR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's junior badminton squad lost 0-3 to China in the final of the World Junior Badminton Championship at Sultan Abdul Halim Indoor Stadium here Monday.

The mixed double pair of Ow You Han-Ng Hui Ern lost 5-21,19-21 to Lu Kai-Boa Yixin while first single player Muhammad Syawal Mohd Ismail lost 15-21,23-25 to Tian Houwei.

China's domination was complete when Lu Kai-Liu-Peixuan beat Ow Yao Han-Chooi Kang Ming in three sets, 21-18,18-21 and 21-17.

With the win, China defended the title it won in Pune, India last year.

Head coach Sun Chenghua said becoming runners-up was quite an achievement although he had hoped that Malaysia would emerge champion.

"I am satisfied with their achievement. There are several events left and I am confident that they will rise to the occasion," he said.

Malaysia is banking on Muhammad Syawal and Iskandar Zulkarnain to reach the single semi-finals.

Yonex New Racquet – ArcSaber Z-Slash

Yonex New Racquet – ArcSaber Z-Slash

Main Features:

New Frame;
Nanoscience + cs carbon nanotube;
compact frame + super slim long shaft;
ultra PE Fiber + super hmg;
new control support cap

It recorded 414km/h. (by top men’s player)
yonex arcsaber z-slash

yonex arcsaber z-slash

Some Results – Yonex Japan Open Super Series 2009
MS
Simon SANTOSO [INA] vs [MAS] Chong Wei LEE (with Arc-Z-Slash) (19-21 21-15 21-19)
MS – Final
Bao Chunlai (with Li-Lang Racquet) VS Taufik HIDAYAT (with Arc-Z-Slash) (21-15 21-12)
Chong Wei Lee with ArcSaber Z-Slash

Chong Wei Lee with ArcSaber Z-Slash
Taufik HIDAYAT

Taufik HIDAYAT
Bao ChunLai with Li-Ning

Bao ChunLai with Li-Ning
Bao ChunLai - MS Winner - Japan Open Super Series 2009

Bao ChunLai - MS Winner - Japan Open Super Series 2009

Malaysia Storm Into Semis

ALOR SETAR, Oct 24 (Bernama)-- The national junior badminton squad stormed into the semifinals of the World Badminton Youth Championships after they edged Japan 3-2 in their final qualifying match in Group Z at the Sultan Abdul Halim Indoor Stadium here Saturday.

Malaysia topped the group and were unbeaten in all the qualifying matches.

Malaysia's mixed doubles pair Chooi Kah Mong-Ng Hui Ern won the first point when they defeated Otaki Naoto-Kanako Konishi 16-21,21-16 and 21-16.

The main singles player Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin gave the home fans much to cheer when he took the second point downing Watanabe Tatsuya in straight sets of 21-12,21-15.

However, the boys' doubles pair of Phang Zheng Lin-Goh Jian Hao were beaten by Hoshiro Shohei-Kobayashi Akira 16-21,19-21.

Malaysia's girls' singles player Tee Jing Yi had the crowd in delirium when she scored the winning point against Mitani Minatsu in 21-18,21-11.

The girls' doubles pair Ng Hui Ern-Lai Pei Jing lost to Takahashi Sayaka-Fukuman Naoko in 16-21,2-21.

Results (Night):Group W: China bt Indonesia (4-1), Russia bt New Zealand (5-0), Group Z: Malaysia bt Japan (3-2), Singapore bt France (3-2).

In the play-offs, Taiwan bt India (3-2); Thailand bt Hong Kong (3-2).

Badminton – The Sport Everyone Loves

Badminton has captivated the hearts of the multi-generational family for decades, as the young toddler who hasn’t reached pre-school can play, as well as the grandfather and even the great-grandfather. In England over 2 million people actively, regularly, play badminton.By combining skill, speed and subtlety, one can become a top pro.

The racket is usually about 26 inches long and only weighs about 5 or 5 ½ ounces. And, toddlers can handle the same weight racket as the parents — if their hands reach around the handle. The ‘bird’ is super-light, weighing only 4 to 5 grams. Winter winds blowing don’t stop the badminton lovers. Played indoors with a net, the sport is a year-round possibility. Schools have found that even students who are not athletically inclined can enjoy learning and playing badminton.Many schools offer classes from kindergarten on through high school,increasing the skill level as the students grow.

Hand-eye coordination increases, as does depth perception, concentration, and spatial awareness. Older students learn organizational skills and coaching techniques. Fast! That little ‘bird’ can travel in excess of 100 kph. Players lurch, twist, jump, run forwards, backwards, and sideways while lunging to flip the shuttle back to the other side.

Because both the shuttle and the racket are so light, the slightest twist of one’s wrist can direct where the bird will fly.

Fun! Delightful fun! Badminton brings much joy and laughter to the players.

Carlton Badminton Rackets- a Cheaper Alternative?

If you are looking for an alternative to Yonex, then Carlton badminton rackets could well fit the bill. Carlton are badminton specialists, they only manufacture badminton products, unlike many of their competitors. This focus has enabled them to create high quality rackets, full of innovative technology.

The new Carlton range features the Fireblade and Aeroblade series, which recently replaced the old Powerblades and Airblades. The prices range from £80 for the flagship Fireblade Elite, to around £30 for the bottom of the Aeroblade range. A welcome addition to the Carlton range is the isometric head shape. Almost all the range have this alternative, and is comparable to the Yonex rackets. The Aeroblade rackets are aimed at intermediate players, but in all honesty, if you have good technique, you can use just about any badminton racket and be successful.

The technology in the most expensive Carlton’s is nanopulse carbon, which can also be seen in many Yonex rackets.

SIR CRAIG REEDIE DOES BADMINTON PROUD!

In a terrific honour for badminton, Sir Craig Reedie, CBE, a former Badminton World Federation president, has been elected to serve on the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

BWF president Dr Kang Young Joong expressed delight at Reedie’s election and said it was a recognition of Reedie’s contribution to sport in general and badminton in particular.

“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Sir Craig on his election to the Executive Board. It is a testimony to his dedication and significant contribution to sport over many years,” said Dr Kang. craig-medium

“The new role is recognition of his commitment and service to sport and I am confident his vast experience and abilities will be valuable assets to the IOC Executive Board.”

Reedie, who is also a member of the London 2012 Organising Committee Board, was chairman of the IBF from 1970 to 1981 and later its president from 1981 to 1984. He was also formerly chairman of the British Olympic Association and a key figure in London’s successful bid for the London 2012 Games. In 2006 he gained further recognition of his dedication and achievement in sport with a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II.

The Executive Board manages the affairs of the IOC and amongst its responsibilities are to ensure the observance of the Olympic Charter, administration of the IOC, enacts codes, rulings, norms, guidelines, guides and instructions where necessary to ensure the proper implementation of the Olympic Charter and the organisation of the Olympic Games.

The Board is chaired by the IOC president and comprises four vice presidents and 10 other members.

Besides Reedie, Australian National Olympic Committee president John Coates was also elected at the 121st IOC session which ended on Saturday in Copenhagen.

The Executive Board now comprises Dr Jacques Rogge (Chair), Thomas Bach, Zaiqing Yu, Mario Pescante, Ng Ser Miang, Sam Ramsamy, Gerhard Heiberg, Denis Oswald, Rene Fasel, Mario Vazquez Rana, Frank Fredericks, Nawal El Moutawakel, Richard L. Carrion, Sir Craig Reedie and John Coates.

Smashing on-court record

TWO Lloyd Elsmore Park Junior Badminton Club players have returned from the national age-group championships with plenty of prizes.

The winning achievements of Victoria Cheng and Lilian Shih throughout 2009 continued at the nationals, with both claiming every title possible in their respective age groups.

Shih, captain of Auckland’s under-15 team one, clinched the singles, doubles and mixed doubles competitions, as did Cheng, the skipper of Auckland’s under-17 team one.

Cheng partnered another Lloyd Elsmore club player Jason Leung in capturing the under-17 mixed doubles title.

Club coach Michael Chi, who was part of Auckland’s coaching line-up at the national tournament in the Waikato, says Shih and Cheng’s performances this year have been nothing short of outstanding because of their consistency.

Chi says Shih has won more than 30 titles this season, while Cheng has captured almost 20, including North Island champs and provincial tournaments in the singles and doubles events.

Other Lloyd Elsmore Park Junior Badminton Club members selected for Auckland squads at the nationals were: under-15 team one – Angie Leung, Rowena Devathasan, Daniel Hillier and Daniel Lee; under-15 team two – Angela Luk, Cindy Chou and Matthew Chan; under-17 team one – Carmen Yuen, Gabrielle Ip and Benny Suen.

Auckland Badminton development officer Cliff Freeman says coach Chi has been a key to the successes of Lloyd Elsmore Park Junior Badminton Club players at provincial tournaments in 2009.

“Michael has had a huge part in developing and coaching these players over the years in teams and as individuals.

“This year he was the coach of the under-15 team one in local competitions leading up to the North Island champs.

“It’s heartening to see such a strong pathway for young talent in Auckland and bodes well for the future.

“At the nationals, the games are tough, fast, dynamic and you have to be very fit to compete,” says Freeman.

London 2012: Badminton, gymnastics move to Wembley

Badminton, rhythmic gymnastics will be held at Wembley Arena for 2012 London Olympics

The badminton and rhythmic gymnastics events for London 2012 will be held at Wembley Arena instead of constructing a temporary Olympic venue.

The venue in north London will be visited this week by international gymnastics officials and next week by badminton's world federation.

The switch is expected to save organizers $31.5 million.

British Olympic Association chairman Colin Moynihan said Tuesday that the decision is subject to approval by the International Olympic Committee and international federations.

Badminton England set for start of key season with Japan internationals

England’s two-match series with Japan, starting this week, launches an important few months for the national side after the eight-man squad pulled out of the World Championships in Hyderabad, India two months ago.

The opening match will be at the University of Bath on Friday with the second at the Loughborough University on Saturday evening, which will be a prelude to the 100th All England Open Championships in March and the European Individual Championships the following month.

It will be the first time either venue has staged an international badminton match although the City of Bath hosted a match against China in 1999 with England losing 3-2 at Bath Sports and Leisure Centre.

Japan last toured England in November 2000 when the hosts won a six-match series 5-1. The wins came at Guernsey (4-1), Boston (5-0), Huddersfield (4-1), Wigan (4-1) and North Shields (4-1) with the only defeat at Stevenage (4-1) in the final match.

The previous Japan visit was in 1998 when England won 3-2 at both Bath and Boston. However the last time the two nations played was in the Sudirman Cup in May in Guangzhou, China, when they scored a resounding 4-1 during a campaign which marked doubles stars Nathan Robertson’s 100th appearance and Robert Blair’s 50th England appearance.

The Japan matches will offer the first opportunity for badminton fans to see Robertson in action at home since reaching his milestone cap. He is likely to feature in the men’s doubles in at least one match with partner Anthony Clark with whom he had success at the Singapore Open in June when they became England’s first Super Series winners. It was the first win by a British pair since 2006.

Derbyshire pair Clark and Donna Kellogg, the European mixed doubles champions who will be defending their title in Manchester in April, will be the No 1 pairing for the mixed doubles and both players will be looking to follow Robertson to 100 caps. Clark, who lives just 10 miles from the Loughborough venue at Ellistown, has so far won 91 caps and Kellogg 87.

The squad, supported by Center Parcs, is also likely to feature Rajiv Ouseph (Middx), who has joined Andrew Smith (Hants) in the world’s top 30 in the men’s singles, and promising doubles players Chris Adcock (Notts), Gabby White (Yorks) and Jenny Wallwork (Yorks).

Adcock and White and White and Wallwork are both in the world top 25 in their respective doubles events.

England will be led by Performance Director Ian Moss, who is taking charge for the first time in a home fixture. He said: “I am looking forward to leading Team England for the first time at home and I am pleased that we are going to two venues that are so important with the training of our emerging squad members.”

Hafiz looks good for first-ever title on local circuit

PETALING JAYA: Coming under the wings of coach Hendrawan has done good to shuttler Mohd Hafiz Hashim.

The former All-England champion Hafiz took the advice of the Indonesian to compete in the Terengganu Open despite being under the weather and he now looks good to win his first-ever title on the national circuit.

Hafiz showed his determination to get the monkey off his back on the circuit when he steamrolled Syamsul Rizalman Mohd of Terengganu 21-6, 21-8 yesterday to check into the quarter-finals. He will play against Kuan Kam Chung for a place in the semi-finals of the second-leg tournament of the national circuit.

Hafiz said that he almost withdrew from the tournament after his nose bled during a training session last Thursday.

“I was taken ill two days before Hari Raya and came back to train last week. But my nose bled and I was left breathless. This is the worst bout of viral fever that I have had,” he said.

“I would have skipped the tournament if not for Hendrawan. He asked me to take some time to recover and not give up the opportunity to play in the tournament. Fortunately, I got better by the day.”

Hafiz added that he enjoyed spending time discussing about badminton with Hendrawan.

“His approach is quite different. We share a lot about badminton and that has helped me to re-ignite the love I have for the sport. I am able to be open to him,” he said.

“Overall, my fitness has improved under him. He always encourages me and that really helps.”

Hafiz now has a golden opportunity to nail a local circuit title in the absence of world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei.

“Chong Wei has been dominating the local circuit for the last seven years. I have not won a domestic Open tournament since 1999. In his absence, I will make the best of the opportunity,” he said.

Another senior Kuan Beng Hong, who is also under the charge of Hendrawan, also made it to the quarter-finals, beating Lim Fang Yang 21-8, 21-13 to set up a match against Mohd Syawal Ismail.

The other two quarter-final matches pit Liew Daren against Mohd Arif Abdul Latif and Tan Chun Seang against Chan Kwong Beng.

Hubei wins last berth of women's badminton semifinals at National Games

QINGDAO, East China, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Hubei beat Zhejiang to win the last berth of semifinals of women's badminton team event at the China's 11th National Games here on Saturday.

The other berths went to Guangdong, Hunan and Jiangsu.

After two losses in first singles and first doubles matches, Zhejiang was put on the cliff as another loss meant they cannot reach the semis. Then current women's singles world No. 1 Wang Lin defeated Chen Xi of Hubei to earn one point for Zhejiang. However, former world champion Gao Ling and Wei Yili dashed the hopes of Zhejiang by pipping Li Xiao and Shen Xiaobo, helping Hubei to the victory of 3-1.

"As our doubles cannot challenge Hubei, three singles players are under great pressure," Wang explained their loss.

Olympic runner-up Xie Xingfang outplayed Cheng Wen of Hunan 21-15, 21-13, putting Guangdong on the right track for the 3-0 victory.

"I have been taking up systematic training with Guangdong team," the 28-year-old veteran said. "We are working hard to play each match no matter how strong our rival is."

Apart from Xie, Guangdong also has Olympic women's doubles champions Yang Wei and Zhang Jiewen. They are eyeing for the team champion to better their second placing in last National Games.

Hosts Shandong notched up their first match by frustrating Fujian 3-2. Liu Jie, serving as Shandong's first singles player, said: "We played a better match than before."

Shanghai, who reserved big names like Wang Yihan and Zhu Lin, lost to Liaoning 3-0. Jiangsu, who has secured a semi berth, gave way to People's Liberation Army 3-0.

London told to choose 2012 venues

The International Olympic Committee has told London 2012 organisers they need to finalise venues for badminton and rhythmic gymnastics at the Games.

The sports were initially set to be held in a temporary arena, but could now be housed in existing facilities.

"I have to express a concern that three years before the Games their venue has not been finalised," chief co-ordinator for the Games Denis Oswald said.

However, London's chief executive Paul Deighton has moved to allay his fears.

"We are finalising our venue masterplan working with the two sports and we will have this resolved by the end of the year," he said.

"We are focusing right now on finding the right venue for the two sports that meets the needs of the athletes, legacy and costs and it has always been about balancing those," he said.

Both badminton and rhythmic gymnastics were originally planned to be located in a temporary venue called North Greenwich Arena 2. However, organisers are now looking to site them in existing venues, which could save £40m.

Speaking at an IOC meeting in Copenhagen, Oswald added: "London has still not yet achieved the final masterplan and two venues are still under discussion."

Oswald added that he was impressed by London's overall preparations, but stated the venues issue should be resolved before the next IOC visit in November.

Chairman of London 2012 Sebastian Coe told the session that the venues and Olympic Park would be ready "in plenty of time to test and practise".

Super Dan spearheads PLA in badminton team event at National Games

QINGDAO, East China, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- "Super Dan", as Chinese top shuttler Lin Dan was nicknamed, led Peple's Liberation Army (PLA) to beat Hong Kong 3-1 in the first round of men's team badminton tournament at China's 11th National Games here on Thursday.

Lin, world No. 2, served as PLA's second singles player and beat Wong Wing Ki from Hong Kong 21-10, 21-17.

"I was a little bit nervous in the first set but restored my composure in the second," said Lin after the match.

Acturally Lin won easily in the first set at 21-10 but received a tough challenge from Wong in the second but Lin finally notched up the match 21-17.

"PLA is not expected to be a strong candidate for men's team champion." added Lin. "We have to fight hard match by match."

Lin crowned in the world championships this year in India and became the first player to win three world titles in a row and only the second to hold the Olympic and world titles at the same time. He has also kept a good form recently by clinching the title in China Masters in September.

China's No. 3 men's singles player Bao Chunlai, representing Hunan, defeated Liu Jingru of Shandong in a comfortable way at 21-18, 21-5, putting Hunan on the right track for the 3-0 victory.

Bao said after the match, "I was under pressure from Shandong fans and my opponent fought very hard in the first set. However, I found my rhythm in the later match and gained the upper hand."

When talking about his singles tour at the National Games, Bao said, "I will do my utmost as there will be many tough rivals."

Chen Hong, former world champion, made a good start for Fujian by nipping Du Pengyu of Beijing 21-18, 17-21, 21-12 and helped Fujian seal the win 3-1.

In other matches, Guangdong came from behind to beat Hubei 3-2 and Liaoning frustrated Shanghai 3-2.

Earlier in the first round of women's team competition in the morning, Guangdong nipped Fujian 3-0. Olympic runner-up and world No. 6 Xie Xingfang served as Guangdong's first singles player, beating Wang Yini 21-11, 21-7.

"I'm now back in good form," said Xie after the match, who may retire after the National Games.

In the 3-1 victory that Zhejiang beat Hong Kong, the duel between current world No. 1-2 Wang Lin and Zhou Mi was highlighted with the victory going to Wang 22-20, 20-15.

"I'm not physically well recently but I played well today. Though I lost to Wang Lin, I enjoyed the whole match," said Zhou.

Hunan beat Liaoning 3-0, Shanghai defeated Shandong 3-0, Hubei outlasted PLA 3-1 and Jiangsu overcame Sichuan 3-0.

According to the schedule, two team events will be played from Oct. 8 to 13 while five singles and doubles events are slated from Oct. 14 to 18.

Tien Minh ranks among highest-earning athletes in Vietnam

Nguyen Tien Minh, Vietnam’s number one badminton player, earns approximately VND 100 million per month, becoming one of the highest earning athletes in Vietnam.

His income comes from a newly signed contract with Becamex Binh Duong which offers VND50 million per month for his progress in the world’s ranking, US$2,000 funded by Victor Company and monthly salary.

Minh has made great efforts to advance to the 7th place in the world.
He will protect his championship at the Vietnam Open tournament, which will kick off in Ho Chi Minh City on October 6.

BAM have failed to elevate the status of the national circiut

PETALING JAYA: The absence of several top elite shuttlers and many walkovers took the shine off the Terengganu Open, which ended on Saturday.

The poor participation certainly showed that the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) had failed in their bid to elevate the status of the national circuit even though there had been big talk about popularising the domestic championships.

If the BAM continue to waver in their stand to make the event compulsory for the best of best, the local circuit is set to suffer a natural death.

And Malaysia can forget about using the tournament as a platform to unearth new stars for the country.

Missing from the Terengganu Open were world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei, top men’s doubles pair Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and No. 1 national women’s shuttler Wong Mew Choo.

The BAM had given Chong Wei, who wanted a break from a hectic schedule, the nod to skip the Open before the player suffered a knee injury in the Japan Open.

They also allowed Kien Keat-Boon Heong to skip it because of the duo’s commitment to sponsors, which saw them extending their stay in Tokyo for days more after the international Super Series tournament last week.

And it seems that Mew Choo’s absence is due to her injury acting up again.

Their absence failed to provide the back-up shuttlers and upcoming juniors an avenue to brush shoulders with the best in the country.

On top of that, the entries for the women’s singles in Division One was also pathetic with only seven players in the fray.

There were also 14 walkovers in the Division Two competition. The girls’ doubles and mixed doubles events had fewer than 16 entries respectively.

The limited number of local Open tournaments also reflected several state’s poor running and promotion of the sport.

The Terengganu Open was not only the second leg of the circuit but also the final stop on the calendar this year. Pahang hosted the other Open in May.

In the past, the states compete against each other to win the right to host tournaments. The states’ lack of interest could be due to poor funding, lack of facilities or the office bearers were probably too occupied in ensuring their seats in the association.

Selangor and Kuala Lumpur were the badminton powerhouses in the country. But they are currently clearing the mess as far as their administration is concerned to ensure that development of the sport is not neglected.

It seems that the BAM are unable to get some of the “sleeping states” back on their feet. Probably, some of the officials in the BAM are also trying to keep their seats. After all, they are selected to the “hot seats” by the states representatives.

The BAM general manager, Kenny Goh, agreed that their circuit needed to be reviewed to make it a main attraction event for the local players.

“Scheduling is a problem. Sometimes, we are put in a spot because the elite players also have commitments to play in international tournaments,” he said.

“But I agree that the participation of top players is important to maintain the stature of the circuit championships. We will look into this and work on making it a popular event on our calendar.”

The National Grand Prix Finals will be held in Johor Baru from Dec 20-23.

Things To consider when Choosing Their Set of Badminton

Have you been asking over and over again that sound to choose from in store for all badminton badminton, or probably what kind of transfer where the use, feathers or plastic? Well, I like to help you build the right decision with ease. Before you even contemplate until the racket and clothes to buy, ask yourself this question, “Am I taking this sport purely for fun or competitive?”

If it’s for fun, then today is what to do when choosing your badminton set. You can just buy according to supermarkets or stores multiple sports utility. You do not need to go to stores that are experts in badminton rackets as rackets do not make such high quality. The cost will be definitely able to put a hole in your wallet. Besides rackets, you also have to make shuttles for use in the game.

There are two types of craft, ie, feathers and plastic. I suggest that plastic to be used for casual play. This is because properties last longer, while ferries are required to be changed feather on several occasions as the wearing properties with ease. The disadvantage of plastic is a ferry that is heavier and you do not feel the same as a wheel with feathers. There are also several other things to ponder, such as badminton bags, shoes, tiaras, etc. These are optional elements.

Now, for those planning to play competitive badminton, I mean that to go to stores that are experts in snowshoes. I would not hesitate to help or personalized service experience in choosing a racket. Choosing a bad racket will result in wrist injuries and lack of precision, so be sure to get a racket that you feel comfortable. You may need a minimum of two rackets and one of them can act as a reserve, provided it is in a tournament. It ensures what you are buying any small detail certainly makes a difference.

In vogue the box of launch, we like a lowest amount of 2 packs of plume shuttles each generation you train as definitely disappear and proper to be untouched habitually. Plastic shuttles and can be spent, but be affirmative so as to the head is made of cork and not plastic. Also tell somebody to positively you contain a proper woo to train in. It has to be equipped with an authorized measurements of the size of the woo and a system to the correct height. Add-on items such as clothing, shoes, badminton, and special bands necessity be sold as properties not no more than offer comfort through the game, but serving them given away of the lesions.

Minh climbs to seventh in world badminton rankings

Minh moved up thanks to the 2,820 points he earned for advancing to the semifinals of the Yonex Open Japan Super Series, which ended Sunday. He has 50,310 points in total.

He replaced Thailand’s number one player Poonsak Ponsana in the seventh spot as Ponsana was swept aside in the first round of the Tokyo tournament by the world’s number one Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia.

The only Vietnamese badminton player to enter the world’s top one hundred had climbed from ninth to eighth last week.

Minh qualified for the Super Series in England and Switzerland last year, but bowed out after the first round at both events.

However, his ranking moved from 38th to 33rd after the events, initiating his dramatic climb to 15th by the end of the year.

Buy a badminton set as part of your workout equipment

Playing badminton is an excellent way to workout. Most physicians recommend some form of strenuous activity that will raise the heart rate for at least 30 minutes. A typical 3 game badminton match will take approximately this long. By raising your heart rate each day for a half an hour, you will be increasing your metabolism, as well as lowering your resting heart rate. Physical activity is a great way to build and tone muscles in the body, and badminton is one of the best physical activities to accomplish this! The consistent moving back and forth across the court and swinging of the badminton racket, works nearly all the muscles in your arms and legs, as well as some muscles you may not even be aware that you are using. A badminton set will be one of the least expensive additions to your workout equipment, and will likely provide the most benefits.

Badminton Newfoundland and Labrador to Focus on Developing Players

The officials of the Badminton Newfoundland and Labrador revealed that as of this moment, the highest priority of the organization is to develop its players in order to excel in tournaments, both local and international events.

In a recent annual general assembly conducted at St. John’s, Corner Brook’s John Gillam got the nod from the members to become the Western Director for the association. This will give Gillam the chance to share his badminton racket experiences as a badminton coach to the players.

Being a Level 3 Coach, Gillam was the clear choice to take the post. He’s been certified by the National Coaching Certification Program and has also undergone trainings with other international coaches. He also served as coach to both college and university levels.

Gillam revealed that one of the projects that will be implemented is the weekend coaching clinics which will be held in different locations to aid the aspiring young players to play the game better.

The program will concentrate first on intermediate or beginners with ages 12 to 16.
Badminton is already gaining popularity in this part of the world after it was cited as one of the members sports of the 2011 Canada Games. Badminton Newfoundland and Labrador set up a selection team specifically for this prestigious sporting event.

This team will discover fresh talents which can be coached for the upcoming Games.
Other officials were voted during the general assembly including those for the post of Central Director, Easter Director, Board Vice President and many more.

Disabled world champ debarred from exams

SAMBALPUR: Pramod Bhagat's joys knew no bounds after winning the world championship in badminton for the disabled in Seoul recently. But Pramod's

institute in Hirakud decided to "honour" him differently. The promising lad was debarred him from appearing in the final exams because of poor attendance.

But this setback did not dent the youth's will to excel. "I am now studying hard for next year's examination," said Pramod, who won the single standing-waist-below-class-one category beating Sub Pong of Thailand in the final of the 2009 championship hosted by the International Badminton Association for Disabled (IBAD). "I was absent from my institute for two months because I had gone to participate in a preparatory training at Angul ahead of the championship in South Korea," he added.

ITI (Hirakud) principal Nisakar Mallick confirmed that Pramod was not allowed to sit for his final year exam. "We have, however, told him to give an application so that we can reconsider his case," Mallick added.

Pramod, who has a defect on his left leg, hails from Attabira in Bargarh district. He started his career while he was 15.

Despite his disability, he continued playing badminton. His talent was discovered by the members of a club at Attabira and they encouraged him to go ahead. But financial crunch made him lose the golden chance of participating in the Israeli Open championship held in Jerusalem in 2005.

The efforts of a few generous people from the locality, led by Rabi Panda, saw him launch his international career in 2006, when he participated in the Asia Pacific games in Malaysia. "I lost in the quarter finals, but the international exposure and experience helped me a lot," Pramod said.

In the 2007 World Badminton Championship for the Disabled held in Bangkok, Pramod established his credentials in the international arena by grabbing the bronze medal in both the single and doubles categories.

He went on to win the gold in the doubles and the bronze in the singles categories in the Asia Para-Olympic held in Thailand in 2008. But the crowning moment came when he got the gold in the Seoul world championship.

Pramod's on court heroics, however, has failed to impress the district administration. "When we saw Pramod's talent, we tried to encourage him. We are grateful to everyone who helped him to become the world champion. But we are sorry to say that neither the government nor the district administration has till date come forward to reward his talent," said Rabi Panda, senior member of Players' Club at Attabira.

Hailing from a poor family, Pramod is one among six brother and sisters. He has shouldered the responsibility of the family ever since the death of his father two years ago.

"He is a jewel of Orissa. The government should provide a scholarship to him. The OCA has provided Rs 25,000 to him on our request. He would bring more gold to the country if he gets proper financial assistance and promotion," Sambalpur sport association general secretary Sabbir Hussein said.

Swiss Open Super Series 2009 Results: Classic finals

52 minutes after they started what can be called as a modern classic encounter, Lee Chong Wei, MAS, had beaten Lin Dan, CHN, in straight games 21-16, 21-16. It was number 1 and 2 of the event meeting in the 2009 WBSO final, and judging by reaction from the numerous crowd they most definitely liked what they saw! And how could they not!

The Women's Singles was a clash between two young Chinese players, Yanjiao Jiang and Yihan Wang. Yihan Wang came out on top after nearly one hours play - 59 minutes to be exact! 21-17, 17-21, 21-13 Yanjiao Jiang have been on the international scene almost a couple of years now while it's the first year Yihan Wang really has made herself known to the World.


They went all the way in the Mixed doubles, Zheng Bo/Ma Jin, CHN, when they Sunday won their first Super Series by beating the number 2 seed Lee Yong Dae/Lee Hyo Jung, KOR, in straight games. Throughout the event the Chinese pairing have shown positive badminton and enjoyment on court and it is well deserved that they made it to the top.

There was not any doubt who was to come out on top in the Women's doubles when Du Jing/Yu Yang, CHN, seeded 4 was up against number 3 seeded Lee Hyo Jung/Lee Kyung Won, KOR. The Chinese won in two games 21-11,21-12

The 2nd and 3rd seeds met in the Men's Doubles final! That was a sure win for the Malaysians who was just pushing and pushing for those vital points.... even lying down they managed to scoopthe shuttle over the net, sometimes even making winners! Boe/Mogensen seemed to have used up all of their energy yesterday in the Semi final, having said that it was an incredible match with a lot of throwing themselves on court, simply selling themselves at the highest price....!! Malaysia won in straight games!