Proton Malaysia Open 2010

Date: 22-Jan-2010

UNDERDOGS TAG FINE FOR CHAI BIAO-ZHANG NAN

KUALA LUMPUR (22 Jan 2010) - China's young doubles pair of Chai Biao-Zhang Nan came together only in August last year at the Macau Open.

But are already making heads turn and could well find themselves a place in the Chinese team for the Thomas Cup Finals in May.

Chai Biao-Zhang Nang reached the semi-finals of the on-going Proton Malaysia Open Super Series after a 21-11, 21-16 win over Japan's Naoki Kawamae-Shoji Sato in the quarter-finals. Last week, they made the semi-finals in the Super Series' season opening Korean Open where they lost eventual champions Jung Jae-sung-Lee Yong-dae 21-16, 22-20.

The Chinese are likely to meet Malaysian top pair and top seeds Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong in the semi-finals.

Incidentally, Chai Biao-Zhang Nang lost to the Malaysians in the Macau Open in straight sets.

"They (the Malaysians) are a good all round pair. They are strong in attack and strong in defence. Koo and Tan can also create opportunities at the net," said Chai Biao.

When asked of their chances of making the Chinese team for the Thomas Cup Finals, Chai Baio said: "There are so many talented badminton players in the country and so many doubles pair.

"It is left for the top management to decide if we get into the team. No doubt we have reached the semi-finals in two Super Series tournament this year but we are not sure if we will get a call-up."

"We will be the underdogs in the semi-finals, no matter who we play. But we will be well prepared for the semis and we aim to go all the way."