What a fun way to spend the weekend in a crowd of very enthusiastic fans! Although, I wasn't feeling so fantabulous in the morning, I weighed the pros and cons of making an appearance, and finally decided, "what the heck, it's only 5 stations away, and I really need to get out of the house before I go crazy". So I went, hoping to see some action between the Indonesia Garuda and the Malaysia Tigers. Except, once again, the tournament took a hit with a few Tigers MIA.
When I entered the FOP- with the whole dimming of the lights with search lights flaring and breeding of excitement with the pumped-up music- it was a great atmosphere. Usually, I'm quite easily influenced by the energy sporting events give off, so it's not a surprise I was more than happy to see it all begin! I must say, they did a really good job with the Badminton Stadium and the whole look and feel. Honestly can't imagine this was the same hall that I visited back in June when the office was there. Anyway, so began the introduction of the teams, and seeing how the Tigers were missing a few, u could feel the Malaysian crowds silent disappointment in the air.
(becoming infected by the atmosphere...)
So began the matches with Men's Singles where Simon (Garuda) played against Liew Darren (Tigers). It was a rough start for both players, but as they eased into the game, Simon took the lead on the scoreboard, and Liew Darren just seemed a bit lost on court. Both were making mistakes here and there, but quite understandable when it's such a small gym with the audience up close at top. Pressures on when u got more than half the crowds cheering for u. With a more solid game, Simon takes the first point for Garuda.
Men's Doubles was just all over the place. The one thing I remember very distinctly was how I couldn't tweet fast enough to keep up with the game. Mistakes from both sides- in the net, out the back, indecisiveness, confusion between the partners, etc. Just ah! At one point, even the umpire got confused of the scores, and overruled a point against Garuda. Then, we had some bad service/service returns, brushing of shuttle but no fault called, and delaying of receiving, etc. It just felt like a mess out there. I didn't particularly like this match simply because some unspoken rules were being purposely tested, and overall an uncomfortable match to watch. Nonetheless, the Garuda barely pulled down the curtains ending the game 24-22 and 22-20.
Last match, Taufik (Garuda) showed why he's still ranked amongst the best players in the world even though he'll be turning the big 3-2 this August. Arif (Tigers) obviously was at a disadvantage with pressures from all sides- home crowd and playing against the 2004 Olympic Champion. But then again, everyone says the less accomplished players should have less pressure when playing against someone who "can't" lose. Hm, the logic's there, but it's a totally different kind of nervousness when ur on court playing. But so, with a few signature net rolls, crazy backhand drives, and overhead cross-court smashes, the game ended shortly. Gotta give it to the junior for trying though. There was a "did you see that" moment when Arif wound up a huge jump smash that seemed to be going out in the back, but Taufik was too slow to get out of the way and got shot in the chest. I had to clap for that one- well done, kid. Now u better keep ur racquet up after every net shot. In any case, I'm sure if he played his normal game, he'd give Taufik a good run for the win.
Can't say I wasn't disappointed that LCW, KKK/TAN didn't come out to join the party, but not surprised either. At least they could've show up for their team. Oh wait, Tan did, so we'll give him credit for that. (If KKK was there, I'm sorry I completely missed him, but I don't think I did...). Anyway, it was a good semi finals, but would've been better if the strengths of both teams were at their best. I mean, the only people I feel sorry for were the fans. They made their way to the games hoping to watch their badminton stars, but only to be left hanging. Well, at least the Indonesian took it seriously. With a packed schedule, the team arrived the day of the matches on Sunday, and some will be heading directly to Sydney first thing Monday morning for the upcoming Australia Open. If that isn't commitment, I don't know what is. Somehow, this makes me want to sing Bruno Mar's "Count On Me".
(Indonesians stayed until the very end...still cheering)
A touching scene: just before the crowd got up to exit the stadium, the Indonesian team collectively waved and bowed as a token of appreciation for their fans. In return, the fans cheered loud and proud until their heros left the stage. It's nice when there's a mutual understanding. Anyway, I had fun watching and doing some live-tweeting experiment on the Axiata Cup. Always interesting to see what else I can do...until next time :)