Malaysia likely to find it tough in Indonesia Open 2012 – Badminton News
In absence of their maestro Lee Chong Wei, the Malaysian campaigners will find it an uphill task to excel in Indonesia Open, set to be held in Jakarta from June 12, 2012.
This Super Series event will be the last prominent tournament before mega London Olympics as prime shuttlers from all over the world will grace this event with their presence.
Malaysia will be banking on Hafiz Hashim, Daren Liew, Arif Abdul Latif and Misbun Ramdan Misbun in Men’s Singles event while Doubles flank will be represented by Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah and Tan Wee Kiong-Hoon Thien How.
World Number one shuttler Chong Wei will not be defending his title due to ankle injury and this will put his compatriots under huge pressure to save country’s honour.
For the record, Men’s Singles event will also miss Chinese ace Lin Dan who has decided to swing his arms in the Thailand Open.
Hafiz Hashim, currently ranked 26 in the world, is subjected to a tough trial as he will be up against top seeded player Chen Long who stamped him with great ease in recently concluded Thomas Cup.
National number three Daren Liew will have to surpass lower ranked Shesar Hiren Rhustavito and Sai Praneeth to earn a spot in main round where he will open his marathon against former World and Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat.
The other Malaysian Singles campaigner will be Misbun Ramdan and Arif Latif in qualifying round of the event.
Meanwhile, World Number eight duo Kien Keat-Boon Heong is in danger to face an early exit as they are going to lock horns with higher ranked pair Angga Pratama-Ryan Agung Saputra of Indonesia.
It is not going to be a smooth ride even if they win their opening match as German couple Johannes Schoettler-Ingo Kindervater and World Number one Chinese pair Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng will be waiting in the next rounds.
On the other hand, World Number 25 partnership V Shem-Khim Wah is blessed with an easy opponent in first round. They will meet lower ranked Rendy Sugiarto-Afiat Yuris Wirawan from Indonesia.
However, their compatriots Wee Kiong-Thien How will face World Number six Mohammad Ahsan-Bona Septano in opening match.
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