Bao Chunlai Vs Boonsak Ponsana

Today's mens singles finals has to be one of the best badminton matches I have watched. Perhaps it was because both players have not won much in their careers and therefore gave their best, salvaging every point lunging, leaping, back-paddling and even resorting to diving. In the current 21-point game, there is no time for pretty strokes, every point is rewarded or punished.

Boonsak is clearly showing his age although his overall play and reading of the game has improved since his win in 2007. He is also more agressive and has adopted a more smashing game to suit the times. In contrast, Peter Gade's severe lack of speed and aggression and without a killer stroke cost him dearly and lost to an unknown Anup Sridhar.

I have always admired Bao Chunlai's technical game since I first saw him many years ago at the Singapore Open. However, despite his excellent stroke play, the reason why he has not matched his compatriot Lin Dan's achievement is that he cannot kill the game. Lin Dan can by smashing hard, and pouncing on the weak return to win the point.

The crowd was into the game today, lustily cheering and banging the clappers. But the Singapore kiasu streak showed itself again. When the score reached 19 in Bao's favour, some people can be seen rising and walking away from the stands. When Bao finally won, almost three quarters of the crowd stood up to leave even though there was still a prize presentation. This prompted the emcee to request the audience to stay, but this is Singapore, we must all go early in case our cars get stuck in a jam!