Tomorrow’s semi-final match between China and Malaysia in the 2008 Thomas Cup may be a prelude to the 2008 Beijing Olympics in August.   It’s the battle between the men’s single powerhouse of China against the unpredictable men’s double pairings of Malaysia.

China crushed Thailand on their quarterfinal match, courtesy of their singles players’ Lin Dan and Bao Chunlai’s decisive victories.  The other win for China came from former world number 1 men’s doubles shuttlers Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng.  All three games were won by China in a commanding fashion.

Malaysia, on the other end, totally dominated their quarterfinals matches against their Japanese opponents.  Lee Chong Wei, Malaysia’s number 1 singles player, and the other singles shuttler Wong Choong Han both secured convincing victories for Malaysia.  The surprise of the day came from Malaysia’s new men’s doubles pairings of Koo Kien Keat and Choong Tan Fook.  Koo’s usual partner, Tan Boon Heong teamed up with Zakry Latif this time.  According to National’s doubles coach Rexy Mainaky, the new pairings is intended to keep China guessing and make their strategy unpredictable for their upcoming semi-finals match. 

Both China and Malaysia are home of great badminton players.  Both have made it to the top as Thomas Cup champions.  Both have something to prove.  For China, to defend its crown and maintain its supremacy in World badminton.  For Malaysia, to prove that they can bring down powerhouse China and bring the glorious Thomas Cup back to Malaysia.  It will be a showdown of blazing shuttles and powerful smashes.  It will be a display of surprising tactics and amazing rallies.  It will be a match to remember.