Archive for September 2, 2008

A thrilling night

I played great three sets with Jordan against Big Steel and Michael.  Big Steel has been coming for the past couple of weeks.  We won the first set convincingly at 15:3.  It was a hard fought game.  I was sweating and panting like there is no tomorrow.  After the game was over, the sweat continuously pouring down for a good 10 minutes!

Although BS has very laid back manner but he hates to lose and shows.  Many times when he went down to save a point and didn’t, he would stay down there for a few seconds.  Jordan Fan (not the kiddie one) on the other hand was really cool, says very little.  Always bow slightly whenever I picked up the birdie for him.  I still consider his back hand is the meanest and sleekest I’ve seen.  Now we’ve been playing together for a while, he becomes the yada coach – constantly reminding me to keep my arms up in the air and stay behind the line.  One girl used to laugh at me: my waiting position isn’t right, is like worshiping the god – I use both hands to hold the racket like tennis but the birdie comes faster than the tennis ball, so my hands were higher (that’s why the badminton waiting position is like surrender, arms are in the air).  I have no intention to change, too lazy.  If Jordan doesn’t remind me, I’ll be on the service line, which is too close.  I always joke that there is a piece of candy or steam hanging on the net.

We lost second set at 15:13.  I was very tired.  The third set Michael demanded to change side, the set facing the door has dimmer lighting.  So we switched and we won again.  My energy seemed to creep back at third set.  I played better.  After BS left, Michael teamed up with Sammy and they won 17:14.  I don’t want to make excuses, but by then my arms and legs were not my own any more.

Sammy got my racket back, with a very sleek looking string.  My good durable quarter century old racket – I purchased it in Hong Kong in 1983 or so!! The badminton people sure don’t know how to make and market their products. Look at the tennis manufactures and marketing execs. They put out new racquets, new outfits very other months and make fortune. Why can’t or won’t the badminton community follow the suit?

I’m really pumped up, wide awake.  It’s passed my bedtime already.  Hello Beijing .. It’s me calling .. harass my friends there 🙂

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