This was the second time attending a tournament in Malaysia since I arrived, n knowing how crazy locals are when it comes to their Badminton, I had high expectations of the atmosphere n overall look-n-feel of the event. Actually, it's the first year for the Axiata Cup, so I was a bit more relaxed with what to expect, n since the venue was where the old office was (hm, it didn't leave a very good impression for me, so I wasn't exactly excited to drop by, but it's what it is. The tourney's there, n if I wanna go check it out, I'll have to go there. *exhale*).
As I had a few friends coming to play the event, I thought it'd be nice to say hello's n cheer them on, etc. (since I didn't have a 'home team' playing, I can cheer for anyone!). When we reached the stadium, parking wasn't too difficult, n upon entering, I have to say, Badminton Asia did a really good job transforming the whole place! Almost less frightening, but it could be because there were more bodies walking around, so the environment looked more alive. It wasn't a large venue, so it may have been easier to manage in terms of sponsorship placements n things like that. So, for first impression, better than I expected.
Once we grabbed our seats up on the top stands, the play was to begin shortly. It's funny because most people would die to sit on the ground floor, but seriously, the view's better from up top, n u can see the close line-calls more accurately. They even prepared the mist-effect when the players entered the field of play to grab their seats next to the courts. Apart from this one ladyboy who had a comment to make about everything, the environment was relatively "calm". Though, when the home team came up to the plate- they were scheduled for the second section- the crowd was more lively.
(Green's not really my colour, but meh~)
But I mean, it's the first year n slightly feels like an Asian Thomas Cup, with no lady representatives on any teams. It would be quite interesting to how they can create a tournament to include both genders, n still stand apart from the world team events (ex. Thomas Cup, Uber Cup, & Sudirman Cup). What's also interesting to see was the Danish invasion in team Philippines this year with the inclusion of Marc Zwiebler for Men's Singles & Mathias Boe for Men's Doubles). It's great to see a mix of partnerships on the different teams. For one, it brings new combinations of game style, which actually is a good thing for players because as they've been playing with the same partners for ever, they lose the creative factor that comes with change- change of communication, change of tactics, change of thought process etc. That's exactly why players always find new people to spar with, so they can stimulate that change in their games. Another positive outcome is that the audience are in luck to experience the game from a different point of view. It's no longer just national pride, but also to recognise the players individually. Overall, it's a good way to promote players outside of their own nationality.
I'll be heading over there for the last preliminary round in Malaysia, n the location of semi-finals will depend on the qualifiers. Seeing how the Malaysian Tigers are doing well, I'm sure the semi-finals will be back! *excited* Oh yah, on a side note, I thought it was a little 'EH?' when my friends told me the official tournament shuttle was police-escorted. Well, I can't blame them, because if they weren't, they'll have to spend more than an hour just to get to/from the hall to/from the tournament hotel in Shah Alam. Ridiculously inconvenient! Oh wells, even with the special treatment, the ride still takes 40minutes. Brilliant! Anyways, it's always fun to get out of my routine for a change. U should too!
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(Just thought this was cool: if only life were this obvious)