FLEX-PRO JR SINGLE SERIES OCT 2014

I was critical with the way some tournament organisers ignored fundamental guidelines regarding draws. To me it reflects the lack of empathy these organisers have regarding players welfare. At the very least, open tournaments must identify state players from the rest. I have made my assertions to seed these players so as to avoid matches worthy of a final to occur in the early rounds. Otherwise, open draws will be very much a tournament of chance.

A look at the lob-sided draw in U11 this month had me fuming as Aaron was drawn in the same half with two state players, whereas the other half was virtually an express lane to artificial glory. How is it that the organisers could turn a blind eye on this flaw although they have an archive of all previous results published in their own website at their disposal?

I dont need a crystal ball to predict how Aaron’s tournament is going to end. In the quarters, he has an outside chance to get the better of Chia Jeng Hon (Pahang) whom would have been the first seed. Nevertheless, we can draw some positives out of this game. He can match the Pahang ace now in his racquet craft but still lacks the astuteness for the final kill. He is still a little short on big-match temperament.

Back to the draw, it is my fervent hope that  tournament organisers will give this a serious thought. I am sure many participants and parents will support the adoption of the seeding system (where ever possible) to bring equity and quality to grassroots badminton in Malaysia.

 BOYS SINGLES U11

1^st Preliminary – Aaron vs  Frederico Jonathan      30 – 12
2^nd Preliminary – Aaron vs Hadrian Soh                   30 – 21
Qtr Final – Aaron vs Chia Jeng Hon (Ph)                  16 – 21, 12 – 21

USJ23 JUNIOR BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIP 2014

It is already a foregone conclusion now that there is an obvious difference in levels between both brothers. Aaron being a gifted player has consistently outplayed Ryan for months now. The younger sibling has advantage in speed, court coverage and skill.  Their routine sparring will require Aaron to give at least 6 to 8 handicap points to Ryan. As Aaron is progressing well, we are constantly reviewing the approach on the quality of his training programmes so as not to restrict the development of his talent. 

Aaron turn 11 on Oct 2014

This realization was a case in point in the recent concluded USJ23 Junior Tournament whereby Aaron was tipped to meet Muhd Atef Haikal in the third round. Atef Haikal is the National Junior GP semi-finalist whereby Aaron almost produced an upset. Aaron matched the Selangor ace all the way until half way, he was trailing 14 – 15. Subsequently both were fighting tooth and nail until Aaron led 29 -27 with only one solitary point to close the game off with a historic win. Wrong! Aaron conceded 3 unforced errors consecutively to hand the match over to the much bemused Selangor state player.

Despite his agonising defeat, the match however has raised many eyebrows as Aaron almost toppled the more fancied player. The elders knew full well that little Aaron has another year to his advantage as he just turned 11 on October 2014. Atef Haikal went on to the final but subsequently fell to Yap Juin An of Yap Twin Sport. Enroute to the final, the formidable Yap  Juin An overpowered Ryan earlier in the round, 30 -25.

The next 4 months before the 2015 MSSD, will be a telling revelation as to how much more Aaron can develop his game further. As it is now, he is already making dents on the armour of top notch state players. How sharp his battle axe is will depends on how he grinds it.  It will boils down to the quality of his trainings henceforth.  

BOYS SINGLES U12

1^st Round - Ryan vs Bye

2^nd Round – Ryan vs Yap Juin An                              25 – 30

 

1^st Round – Aaron vs Bye

2^nd Round – Aaron vs Chong Zheng Yang                30 - 15

Qtr Final – Aaron vs Muhd Atef Haikal                    29 – 30