Day two and the Saiqi Invitational World Cup 2005 is proving to be an interesting event. Some of the younger players are having difficulty catching up with their seniors as the “older” ones are showing that it is experience that counts.

The atmosphere at the Yiyang Olympic Park Stadium was abuzz with activity. In the arena, officials and players got ready to face the second day of this historical event where the new 3x21 rally point system is being officially tested. The audience, some of whom seemed a little unclear yesterday about how their heroes scored, today displayed almost expert knowledge, shouting and screaming for point after point.

While most of the matches were played for durations of about 30 to 45 minutes each, some ended in less than that time. Of course, there were those that went on for longer than expected…56 minutes. Men’s doubles Jens Eriksen/Martin Lungaard Hansen of Denmark took 56 minutes to beat China’s Xie Xongbo/Guo Zhendong 17-21, 24-22, 21-19.

In the mixed doubles, Denmark continued their winning streak in a match that had the whole stadium cheering for the home team. The decider provided some thrills before Schjoldager/Eriksen beat Zheng Bo/Huang Sui 21,-11, 7-21, 21-19. Thailand’s Songpol/Kulchala could not overcome World Champions Widianto/Natsir, who won 21-16, 21-16, but their more-experienced team mates Saralee/Sudket beat Zhang Wei/Yu Yang 22-20, 21-18.

The men’s singles event saw Lin Dan beat Yohan Wiratama, 21-17, 21-14, relegating Yohan to third spot in their Group A. Shon Seung Mo however earned his top spot in his Group C after he beat Kenneth Jonassen, 21-17, 21-13.

 The Malaysians did not have a good day as all their players were defeated. Sairul Amar Ayob was seen battling it out against the taller, more skilled Bao Chunlai. Sadly, Sairul had to concede the match 20-22, 21-19, 14-21. His team mate Hafiz Hashim also took on another of the host nation’s battalion of players, Chen Hong, but lost 17-21, 16-21.

Newlywed, Lee Wan Wah and badminton partner Choong Tan Fook were seen giving Fu Haifen/Cai Yun a bit of a scare in this high speed match, when they won the first game 21-13. The Chinese then came back to win 21-14 and in the third set, despite all their efforts, Lee/Choong lost 22-24. Women’s doubles Lim Pek Siah/Chor Hooi Yee lost to a younger pair of Kulchala/Duang-Among of Thailand.

The event has received positive feedback from many people and although there are some quarters who have expressed alternative opinions, it seems that the overall consensus is that many have welcomed the new scoring system. Umpire Tomoharu Sano of Japan said, ”The game is now very fast and the officials have to be very alert too at all times. It’s an exciting change.”