So Near, Yet So Far

Sigh..words can't describe how I'm feeling now.

Woke up at 7am today, all excited to catch the Thomas Cup semi-final clash between Malaysia & China (despite only having a few hours of sleep, to me it was well worth it!). This semi-final meet between the titans was predicted right after the draws were released and Malaysia chose to fight all the way through to the semis instead of opting to field an understrength team against Korea so that they will end up at the other side of the draw, which I'm very proud of.. coz that's the whole point of sportsmanship.. >.<

Anyways, there I was, clutching my laptop and hiding under my duvet, watching the first tie between LCW and Lin Dan. Honestly, I didn't have high hopes on the Malaysian team winning this match considering the strength of the Chinese team, so long as they give their best, I'd be happy lar. However, I must say LCW played exceptionally well to beat Lin Dan, straight sets!! Well, I won't regard the win as a successful game plan by LCW, Lin Dan was just not his usual self..didn't see much of his lethal attacking shots. -.- Score: MAS 1-0 CHN

At this point, it suddenly struck me that...its actually not impossible for our boys to break the strong wall of China after all..we have a shot at entering the finals!!! XD

Excited I could be, the much credited pair of KKK-TBH lost to the Chinese doubles pair. *gasp* Sigh, hopes of us riding into the finals was as slim as a thread again..because the Malaysian team was banking on both doubles to win their ties, and probably steal a point from one of the singles, you see. Now that our world number 5 lost their match, even if our 2nd pair managed to chalk up a win, it would be hard for the remaining singles to steal a point from the mighty China players :(

Score: MAS 1-1 CHN

As expected, WCH lost to the young and talented BCL.. age catching up I guess o.O

Score: MAS 1-2 CHN

Right now, all eyes were on the young Malaysian pair of Fairuzizuan-Zakry to save Malaysia from defeat. Indeed, they played a fantastic game to tah-pau the Chinese pair in a convincing way. Impressive! Can really see the semangat-ness in their attacks and the way they return their shots, very very proud XD

Now that the tie is leveled at 2-2, its all up to Hafiz to battle it out with Chen Jin. Based on his recent win over BCL and his current form, I would say he has a 50-50 chance over Chen Jin. The game was so nerve-wrecking (!!) coz their scores were so close, I was so excited I couldn't sit still and kept rolling up and down in bed, I kid you not! (I know I shouldn't have let you know the results, stitch, but I was too excited!! forgive me :p) but still..Chen Jin managed to defeat Hafiz in straight sets, despite Hafiz having a good lead in the beginning of both games. Utterly disappointing.. Final score: China 3-2 Malaysia

So, there you go, another golden opportunity wasted. Nevertheless, I would say our boys did a great job by giving the Chinese a good fight. Well, blame it on the draw, the system, the strategy of the team, whatever.. it's all over now. Am happy with their overall performance, but frankly, I can't help but to feel disappointed (just a tad bit la, what to do, it was just way too close!). Whatever it is, it'll be another 2-years wait before our players have a shot at bringing the Cup back to our land again. Now the focus for our players will be fighting for glory in the Beijing Olympics...wishing you guys best of luck..ho ho..

That's all for the roundup of this morning's semi-finals. Good luck to IND & KOR. although I so want IND to win!! :p :p :p

Okays, time to get back to work *growl*