The Proton Malaysia Open Badminton Super Series 2008 (Malaysia
Open) kicked off in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday as players from 30
countries and regions started their performances in the qualifying
matches to vie for the titles or rankings.
The Malaysia Open this year bore extra significance as some top
shuttlers might seek the opportunity to seize an entry ticket to
the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, which will take place in Beijing
this August. Thus fiercer rivals are expected to be seen in the
Malaysia Open this year.
In the men's singles, China is sending almost all of its top
players, including Bao Chunlai, Chen Yu, Chen Jin and Chen Hong who
are expected to meet Malaysian top player Lee Chong Wei,
Indonesians Taufik Hidayat and Sony Dwi Kuncoro as well as Kenneth
Jonassen from Denmark.
In the women's singles, Chinese prominent shuttlers Xie
Xingfang, Zhang Ning and Zhu Lin will be present, while in the
women's doubles, China is sending top pairs Yang Wei/Zhang
Jiewen.
In other events, a strong presence of Chinese players are
expected to be seen, but all of these top Chinese shuttlers or
pairs will skip the qualifying matches on Tuesday and show up on
Wednesday.
The semifinals and finals will be held on Saturday and
Sunday.
(Xinhua News Agency January 15, 2008)