Harding Unblemished

#1 posting 4.30.2006

MN RANKINGS
Harding remains undefeated and remains the team to beat in Minnesota. The St. Paul city fills out most of the top 10 with Burnsville and Eden Prairie crashing in at 6 and 5. Minneapolis' lone representative is Henry at 10.
1. St. Paul Harding 11-0 on the road three times this week
2. St. Paul Central 6-4 hosts Johnson on Monday
3. St. Paul Arlington 7-4 hosts Central on Friday
4. St. Paul Johnson 6-4 hosts Harding on Friday
5. Eden Prairie 5-5 hosts Harding on Monday
6. Burnsville 5-5
7. St. Paul Highland Park 5-6 1-6 last seven games
8. St. Paul Como Park 4-7
9. St. Paul Humboldt 3-7
10. Minneapolis Henry 10-1 only loss this year was to Humboldt
11. Mpls Edison 6-3 hosts Henry on Tuesday
12. Mpls Southwest 5-6
13. Mpls Roosevelt 5-8
14. Mpls South 3-6
15. Mpls North 1-8
16. Mpls Washburn 0-8

ILLINOIS ACTION
Lockport won the SW Suburban blue title while Andrew took the SWS red title last week. Here is the Star News with more numbers http://www.starnewspapers.com/star/spsports/smix/301sx8.htm
Naperville Central won the DuPage Valley conference tournament. In Illinois you can play both singles and doubles. Here are the results as reported by the Beacon News http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/sports/2_2_AU30_BADMINTON_S1.asp

THOMAS/UBER CUP
India beat Germany 3-2 in pool play. They now advance to the prequarters against New Zealand on May 1. Here is the Calcutta Telegraph with more on the match http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060430/asp/sports/story_6164046.asp
China swept Germany and now wait for the winners of England or South Africa. Here is the Zee News agency with more http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=291976&ssid=93&sid=SPO

Next up: tomorrow afternoon

Harding Rolls, USA Loses at Thomas Cup

#1 posting 4.29.2oo6

MINNESOTA ACTION
St. Paul City
Central beat Highland Park 5-2. It was Central's second win off Highland this year. The first time it was a 4-3 contest. Highland is 1-6 their last 7 games.
#1 Harding continued to roll with a 7-0 shut out of Como Park. It is Harding's 7th shut out of the year and 4th in a row. Como earlier in the year took a game off Harding. It was the first time all year Como had been shut out.
Non Conference
St. Paul Arlington beat Burnsville 5-2. Arlington is 3-0 against non conference opponents this year. Burnsville is 1-4 against St. Paul City teams.

ILLINOIS ACTION
Mallory Thompson, DeKalb was a volleyballer, but started to play badminton as a junior. Here is the DeKalb Daily Chronicle about her progression in badminton http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2006/04/29/sports/asports02.txt
DeKalb finished 4th in the Upstate Eight tournament held recently. Again here is the DeKalb Daily Chronicle with more http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2006/04/29/sports/asports03.txt

THOMAS/UBER CUP ACTION
From Japan
New Zealand
The NZ women shut out South Africa 5-0. Next is host Japan. Indonesia beat the men 5-0. Here is more about the NZ teams from Newstalk
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=94713
Not everyone likes the scoring format change. Here is the complaints made by the Chinese as reported in the Malay Mail http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/MM/Saturday/Sport/20060429110302/Article/index_html
More about the IBF 21 point system, this time from the New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Saturday/Sport/20060429080048/Article/index_html

The United States does have a mens team at the tournament, but you may have to read the fine print to find it. Here is the Ohmy News from Korea with a Thomas/Uber Cup report http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?menu=f10600&no=288835&rel_no=1
Here is more on the American side, but the story is from the Malaysian Star. The main part of the article is about Mohd Hafiz Hashim's play. http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2006/4/29/sports/14106580&sec=sports

Next up: Tomorrow afternoon MN Rankings

Henry Wins Again; China Rolls in Thomas Cup

#1 posting 4.28.2006

MINNESOTA ACTION
Burnsville has been hot lately. They swept Minneapolis' second place team Edison 7-0. Here is the details in the Burnsville This Week paper http://www.thisweek-online.com/2006/April/28badminton.html

Minneapolis results from yesterday
Roosevelt 6, Washburn 1
Henry 7, Southwest 0
St. Paul
Johnson defeated Humboldt 6-1. This is Johnson's fourth straight win. They previously lost to Humboldt 4-3. That was Humboldt's last win. They are 0-6 since.

Here is the Minneapolis Henry/Southwest game from Thursday won by Henry 7-0. It was Henry's 9th shutout on the year, all at the expense of Minneapolis schools. I will fill in the xs and ?s when given updated information

SINGLES
1. Mai Ku Moua (H) def. x 11-3, 11-1 This is Moua's 7th straight win. She has given up only 9 points total in the last four matches against North (0), Washburn (1), Roosevelt (4), and Southwest (4).
2. Houa Pa (H) def. x 11-8, 11-2
3. Mai Vang Vang (H) def. x 11-10, 11-8
4. Mai Pa Vang (H) def. x 11-3, 11-0

DOUBLES
1. Mai Chia Yang/Yer Yang (H) def. x 13-15, 15-7, 15-8
2. Lee Moua/Pa Kou Yang (H) def. x 15-11, 15-2
3. Nong Vue/Mee Vang (H) def. x 15-5, 15-9

THOMAS CUP RESULTS
China defeats India 5-0. Lin Dan won at first singles in three sets 21-8, 21-23, 21-11. Here is more From the Hindu http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/29/stories/2006042903391700.htm
Here is some more detail from Daily News and Analysis http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1026567 Now a Chinese perspective from Xinhua http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-04/28/content_4488115.htm

UBER CUP
The Chinese women and men are both favored for their respective cups (Thomas/men, Uber/women) Here is the Pakistan Daily Times with more on the Chinese women http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006%5C04%5C28%5Cstory_28-4-2006_pg2_15

Next up: Tomorrow afternoon. MN Rankings on Sunday

Illinois Cornucopia

#1 posting 4.27.2006

ILLINOIS ACTION
Lockport did well in doubles in the SW Suburban Blue tournament. Jen and Janine Henry, the #1 doubles, now have a record of 26-5 after a 15-3, 15-6 win over Sandburg. Here is more information from the Herald News http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/sports/4_2_JO27_LOCKBAD_S1.asp

Stevenson beat Glenbrook South last week with wins at 5th singles by Yankun Guo and Katie Lange at 8th singles for an 8-7 win. Stevenson is 11-1. For more on Stevenson's week here is the Deerfield Review article http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/sports/current/de/04-27-06-902188.html

Elk Grove is counting on its doubles teams to pull through this weekend. Aya Uehara, first singles and a Japanese exchange student, will be unable to compete Saturday due to an exchange student meeting. Here is the Elk Grove Times with more http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/sports/current/eg/04-27-06-903462.html

Deerfield is 5-2 this year and is tops in CSL wins with 74. Here is more from the Deerfield Review http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/sports/current/de/04-27-06-902000.html

Schaumberg is the CSL West champs. For more on the rise to the top read the Elk Grove Times http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/sports/current/eg/04-27-06-899470.html

New Trier is in the hunt for a Central Suburban League title. Here is what Coach Deb Ofcky has in store this week end as read in the Glencoe News http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/sports/current/gl/04-27-06-903767.html

Wheeling has been rolling to a MSL title this year. They won the Blue & Gold tournament last weekend. Read more in the Wheeling Countryside. http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/sports/current/wh/04-27-06-902573.html

Christine and Gloria Kim, Glenbrook South's doubles team, won the Hinsdale South ABCD Invitational title last Saturday. The Glenview Announcements has more details http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/sports/current/gv/04-27-06-900340.html

Maine South is getting ready for the CSL tournament this weekend and state the next weekend. Here is the Park Ridge Herald Advocate with the goings on http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/sports/current/pr/04-27-06-903245.html

MINNESOTA ACTION
St. Paul City
#1 Harding defeated Arlington 7-0 (see yesterday's story). Central edged Humboldt 4-3, Como Park took some revenge on Highland Park 6-1. HP beat Como earlier in the year 4-3.
Minneapolis City
Southwest turned the tables on Roosevelt 4-3. Earlier this year Roosevelt won 5-2.
Non Conference
St. Paul Johnson beat Eden Prairie 4-3. It was Johnson's third win in a row.

THOMAS CUP HISTORY 1964
Here is the background of a Thomas Cup that Japan hosted back in 1964. Indonesia won the title, but there was controversy. Here is the New Straits Times with the details http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Thursday/Sport/20060427090322/Article/index_html

THOMAS CUP TRAINING
Get Serious
Malaysia's coaches face what all coaches at times face--players that aren't focused. Here is the Star from Malaysia with the training leading up to the Thomas Cup http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2006/4/27/sports/14079581&sec=sports

Next up: Tomorrow

Court Side: Harding/Arlington

#1 posting 4.26.2006

COURT SIDE
Harding 7, Arlington 0

#1 Harding swept Arlington 7-0 in convincing fashion today at Harding. Harding lost only one game during the competition, and that came in the first game at third singles as Arlington's Jane Lee won 11-7. Harding's Pang Shoua Vang won the next two games 11-7 and 11-2 for the win.
Harding's Mee Xiong had to go extra in the first game at second singles 13-10.
The only shutout took place by Harding's Stephanie King in 4th singles in the second game.

It was my first event on the St. Paul side and there are some differences. Numbers are big in St. Paul. Also the courts were divided up into varsity and jv. In Minneapolis, in the games I have attended, it is varsity singles on one side, varsity doubles on the other, and jv plays later. As far as playing style--it seemed as if there were more rallys in St. Paul.

SINGLES
1. Pang Thao (H) def. Xiong Yang 11-2, 11-3
2. Mee Xiong (H) def. Pam Vang 13-10, 11-7
3. Pang Shoua Vang (H) def. Jane Lee 7-11, 11-7, 11-2
4. Stephanie King (H) def. Lindey Peet 11-4, 11-0
DOUBLES
1. Mai Tria Lee/KaaBao Yang (H) def. Yer Vang/Khue Yang 15-4, 15-4
2. Dia Xiong/Pa Nhia Yang (H) def. Hnow Vang/Ka Yang 15-8, 15-3
3. Hger Lee/Christina Vang (H) def. Shavon Washington/Tanisha Brown 15-10, 15-3

CANADIAN NEWS
The Goderich badminton team placed second in the recent Huron-Perth regional. The boys double team of Phil Drennan and Cody Berry finished first. Here is more from the Goderich Signal Star
http://www.goderichsignalstar.com/story.php?id=226658

MORE THOMAS CUP NEWS
Here is more on the Malaysian drive to reclaim the Thomas cup crown last won in 1992. China is the favorite Here is the Malay Mail's story http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/MM/Wednesday/Sport/20060426105646/Article/index_html
the Malay Star also has news on the event http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2006/4/26/sports/14061299&sec=sports

Next up: tomorrow afternoon

Thomas Cup Countdown

#1 posting 4.25.2006

MINNESOTA ACTION
St. Paul City
#1 Harding rolled Central 7-0; Arlington edged Como Park 4-3. Arlington won earlier in the year 6-1. Johnson turned the tables on Highland Park 5-2. HP beat Johnson at the start of the season 4-3.
Mpls City:
Henry swept Roosevelt as was reported yesterday. Also Southwest trumped Washburn 6-1.
Burnsville went above .500 with a 7-0 sweep of Minneapolis Edison. It was Edison's third time they were shut out this year, and third loss of the season.

CANADIAN ACTION
Nova Scotia
Sackville won the NSSAF title this past weekend. Ilana Vanderweit won her second singles title in as many years. Here are more winners as the Halifax Chronicle Herald takes it away http://thechronicleherald.ca/Sports/499252.html

THOMAS CUP
The build up has started for the Thomas Cup.
Kuan Beng Hong is raring to go. Here is the New Straits Times out of Malaysia with their preparation http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Tuesday/Sport/20060425144821/Article/index_html
Wong Chun Hann from the same paper has a column talking about what to expect.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Tuesday/Sport/20060425081157/Article/index_html
Here is another spin on Malaysia's prep from the Malysia Star
http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2006/4/24/sports/14045242&sec=sports
Thomas Cup action is team oriented and starts on Friday.

ENGLAND ACTION
Injuries have hampered player development and scheduling has not helped matters. Here is a story from Reuters about roster strength on the eve of the big Thomas Cup and Uber Cup tournaments. http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=sportsNews&storyID=2006-04-25T080905Z_01_B437094_RTRUKOC_0_UK-BADMINTON-ENGLAND.xml&archived=False

Next up: tomorrow afternoon

On the Court: Henry/Roosevelt

#2 posting 4.24.2006

Today I was out and saw the Henry vs. Roosevelt confrontation in Minneapolis. Henry took care of Roosevelt 7-0.
Roosevelt is the only team this year in Minneapolis to take a game off of Henry. Henry's #3 singles Mai Vang Vang avenged the early loss in the year. She started slow, but got the job done with 1-11, 11-7, 11-4 win over Tazing Nordin.
All other matches were two and out.
Henry's #1 singles player Mai Ku Moua won her 9th match of the year. She finished the second game with five straight points. The final point was a slam.

SINGLES
1. Mai Ku Moua (Henry) def. Yer Yang 11-4, 11-0
2. Houa Pha (Henry) def. Choua Yang 11-8, 11-7
3. Mai Vang Vang (Henry) def. Tazing Nordin 1-11, 11-7, 11-4
4. Lisa Thao (Henry) def. Alina Lee 11-8, 11-5
DOUBLES
1. Mai Chia Yang/Yer Yang (H) def. Pa Vue/Bao Vang 15-5, 15-6
2. Nong Vue/Mee Vang (H) def. Kunga Ching/Tenzing Wagner 15-6, 15-7
3. Lee Moua/Pa Kou Yang (H) def. Passong Chozan/Tenzing Kochin 15-2, 15-3

Last Thursday Henry beat Washburn 7-0. Henry did not have either their #2 singles or #2 doubles teams, but they didn't miss a beat.
#1 singles Mai Ku Moua only allowed one point in her match. Mai Vang Vang at number 2 singles for the day, Lee Moua/Pa Kou Yang at second doubles, and Mai Chia Yang/Yer Yang also had at least one round with a shut out.

SINGLES
1. Mai Ku Moua (H) def. Vansana 11-1, 11-0
2. Mai Vang Vang (H) def. Daneille 11-6, 11-0
3. Lisa Thao (H) def. Jenny 11-4, 9-11, 11-9
4. Mai Pa Vang (H) def. Somaly 11-3, 11-1
DOUBLES
1. Mai Chia Yang/Yer Yang (H) def. Jennie/Sarah 15-0, 15-5
2. Lee Moua/Pa Kou Yang (H) def. Kalase/Keisha 15-4, 15-0
3. Choua Yang/Yer Yang (H) def. Jessica/Coral 15-5, 15-6

Next up: tomorrow afternoon.

Robot Cup Winners

#1 posting 4.24.2006

ROBOT CUP
Nguyen Tien Minh of Vietnam won the men's singles at the Robot cup in Ho Chi Minh City. Jang Soo Young of South Korea won the women's singles. Here is the details from teh Thanh Nien News.
http://www.thanhniennews.com/sports/?catid=5&newsid=14783
here is more on the tournament from the China View paper http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-04/24/content_4466199.htm

100PLUS TOURNAMENT
Negri and Selangor (these are locations) won most of the top sports in the South Zone 100Plus Tournament. Here is all the winners from the Malay Mail.
http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/MM/Monday/Sport/20060424110730/Article/index_html

INDIA CLUB/WESTERN UNION UAE TOURNAMENT
This month long tournament will be taking place in Dubai from May 10 to June 6. Here are more details from the Khaleej Times:

LATE MN RESULTS
St. Paul City
From Friday April 21
Como Park handcuffed Central 6-1 and #1Harding went through without a scratch against Humboldt 7-0.

Today in St. Paul action
Como Park is at Arlington; Harding faces Central; and Highland Park plays Johnson.
For Minneapolis the schedule looks like this:
Edison travels to Burnsville; Roosevelt is at Henry; North heads South; and Washburn is at Southwest.

Next up: tomorrow afternoon

Harding still #1

#1 posting 4.23.2006

MN RANKINGS
St. Paul Harding remains undefeated and remains the number one team in the state. But they did have their closest match of the year this past week with a 5-2 win over Johnson.
1. St. Paul Harding 7-0
2. St. Paul Central 4-2
3. St. Paul Highland Park 5-3
4. St. Paul Arlington 5-3
5. Eden Prairie 5-4
6. Burnsville 4-4
7. St. Paul Johnson 3-4
8. St. Paul Como Park 3-4
9. St. Paul Humboldt 3-4
10. Mpls Henry 8-1
11. Mpls Edison 4-2
12. Mpls Roosevelt 4-4
13. Mpls Southwest 2-4
14. Mpls North 0-6
15. Mpls South 0-6
16. Mpls Washburn 0-4

BIG GAMES THIS WEEK
Harding plays Central on Monday
Arlington is at Harding on Wednesday
Highland Park is at Central on Friday

CANADIAN ACTION
Ontario
The Korah Colts took home some hardware from the regionals. Suzy Yan won at singles, while Brittany Hogan and Kayla Odorizzi took home top honors in doubles. Ben Ginter and Meghan Roney won at mixed doubles. Now these players advance to the OFSSA championships in Timmins on May 3. Here is the full story from the Sault Ste. Marie "Soo Today" paper http://www.sootoday.com/content/sports/full_story.asp?StoryNumber=16943

ROBOT CUP ACTION
Vietnam
Nguyen Tien Minh, Vietnam will face Jeffer Rosobin, Indonesia in the men's finals in the Robot Cup. Here is the Thanh Nien News article http://www.thanhniennews.com/sports/?catid=5&newsid=14758

100PLUS ACTION
Ester Ratna Devi, Kuala Lampur is in the finals for the 18u girls division. The Malay Mail takes you on the rest of the story http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/MM/Sunday/Sport/20060423102844/Article/index_html

THOMAS CUP PREPARATIONS
Malyasia
The Malaysian squad has about wrapped up preparations for the Thomas Cup. Choong Han, the men's singles player has been singled out for a break out performance. Here is the article from the Star http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2006/4/23/sports/14040771&sec=sports

Next up: tomorrow evening

Canadian Regional Results

#1 posting 4.22.2006

CANADIAN ACTION
MANITOBA
Portage Collegiate Institute (a high school) cleaned up in regional competition yesterday. Next stop will be the zone 4 tournament. A full run down of who won what event is told by the Portage La Prairie Daily Graphic http://www.portagedailygraphic.com/story.php?id=226094
ONTARIO
Parkside is sending five on to the WOSSAA championships. They had three players advance after finishing second in the Thames Valley Region Athletic Association South tournament. Here is the run down of who did what in the tournament.
http://www.stthomastimesjournal.com/story.php?id=226006

MINNESOTA RESULTS
St. Paul City
Johnson handed Arlington its second straight loss 4-3. Arlington is now 3-3 in the conference Johnson is 2-4. I will get the other results up when they are available.

SPREADING THE BADMINTON WORD
Howard Bach and Tony Gunawan are traveling the school circuit promoting badminton and dreams. Bach and Gunawan won the Men's Doubles Gold Medals at the 2005 IBF World Championships last year. They are the first Americans to win such medals. Here is the article from the Durham NC Herald Sun http://www.herald-sun.com/durham/4-727050.html

Next up: tomorrow afternoon--Minnesota ratings

Robot Cup Action

#1 posting 4.21.2006

ROBOT CUP
VIET NAM
Nguyen Tien Minh is the only Vietnamese player to advance to the semis in the Robot Cup being held in Ho Chi Minh City. He is the Vietnamese national champion. Here are some of the details from the Thanh Nien News http://www.thanhniennews.com/sports/?catid=5&newsid=14726

BAM 100 PLUS
MALAYSIA
The Badminton Association of Malaysia is being held this weekend. The north division is being held in Kedah and the south is in Pahang. Here is the story from the Malay Mail http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/MM/Friday/Sport/20060421121621/Article/index_html

MINNESOTA ACTION
Minneapolis Conference
Henry continued its march to the conference championship with another 7-0 sweep. This time the victim was Washburn. Henry is 8-0 in conference and has only lost one game in the city while winning 55.
Edison is in second place as they beat Roosevelt 5-2. Roosevelt falls to third.
Southwest has fourth place to itself with a 4-3 win over North. North has not won this year.

CANADIAN HONOR
Marty Deacon has won the Lund Award for her work to promote badminton in Canada. She is the president of Badminton Canada. Here is the write up in the Kitchener Record http://www.therecord.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=record/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1145569815961&call_pageid=1024322085460&col=1024322199505

Next up: tomorrow afternoon

Milpitas Loses at Home

#1 posting 4.20.2006

CALIFORNIA ACTION
Milpitas lost at home for the first time in two years 28-17. Here is the story from the Milpitas Post http://www.themilpitaspost.com/sports/ci_3728037

CANADIAN ACTION
Manitoba
The Portage La Prairie regional is slated for tomorrow. The Portage Daily Graphic sorts out the line ups and the hopes for the schools involved http://www.portagedailygraphic.com/story.php?id=225771

ILLINOIS ACTION
Gloria and Christine Kim of Glenbrook South have been ripping up the courts. They are 24-2 on the year. Here is the report from the Glenview Announcements http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/sports/current/gv/04-20-06-893209.html
New Trier is suffering from the injury bugs, and trips. Here is the story from the Glencoe News http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/sports/current/gl/04-20-06-896552.html
Wheeling won it's own quad on Saturday. Kate Flanagan remains undefeated. Here is the short report in the Cary-Grove Countryside http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/sports/current/cg/04-20-06-895508.html

MINNESOTA ACTION
St. Paul City
All three games yesterday finished 5-2 with Central upsetting Arlington; Harding beating Johnson, but in the closest match the #1 team has had; and Highland Park getting back on the winning track against Humboldt.
Non-conference
Burnsville edged St. Paul Como Park 4-3, while Eden Prairie shut out Minneapolis South 7-0.

ENGLISH ACTION
The Essex 15U finished fourth in the National Team Challenge. Here is the Bishops stortford Citizen's story on the tournament.
http://www.bishopsstortfordcitizen.co.uk/display.var.737664.0.fourth_spot_for_essex_badminton.php

Next up: tomorrow afternoon.

Interactive Badminton

#1 posting 4.19.2006

CANADIAN ACTION
Goderich competed in the Mitchell tournament with the senior division faring quite well, while the junior set stumbled. Here is the report from the Goderich Signal-Star http://www.goderichsignalstar.com/story.php?id=225340

INTERACTIVE BADMINTON
The International Badminton Federation and Total Sports Asia have launched an interactive badminton game. Read more about it from the Indian Televisioin site http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k6/apr/apr242.htm

MINNESOTA RESULTS
Minneapolis Conference
As reported last night Henry swept North 7-0 for the second time this season.
Roosevelt broke a two game losing streak in a 6-1 win over neighboring South. The Tigers are looking for their first win of the year.
Non Conference
Eden Prairie swept Minneapolis Southwest 7-0. It was EP's second sweep of a Minneapolis conference team this year. Southwest has been swept twice this season.

TOMORROW'S ACTION
Henry is at Washburn
Edison travels to Roosevelt
Southwest heads to North

Got news? information? pass it along. Go to my profile and e-mail me.
Next up: Tomorrow evening

Asians to Eurpoe, Europeans to Asia

#1 posting 4.18.2006

ASIANS IN EUROPE
Xu Huaiwen, #5 in the world, won the European Singles title. She is Chinese, and is also a naturalized German citizen. Here is the story from the Malaysia Star article http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2006/4/18/sports/13984298&sec=sports

EUROPEANS IN ASIA
The road goes both ways. Jamie Faircloug is a 17 year old headed to Shanghai University to train for the 2012 Olympics. This is from the Liverpool Echo http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0200sport/0800othersports/tm_objectid=16961910&method=full&siteid=50061&headline=badminton-star-fairclough-on-his-way-to-shanghai--name_page.html

ILLINOIS NEWS
Leah Witkov, Downers Grove South, is in the hunt for a state singles title in Illinois. Read how she got into badminton and how she has progressed in the article from the Chicago Sun-Times http://www.suntimes.com/output/prep/cst-spt-bad18.html

MINNESOTA RESULTS
Minneapolis action (4/18)
Henry 7, North 0
St. Paul City Action (4/17)
#2 Arlington 6, Humboldt 1
#1 Harding 6, Highland Park 1
Johnson 4, Como Park 3
Non conference
Burnsville 6, Mpls Roosevelt 1

BOXES
Mpls Henry 7, Mpls North 0
Henry swept the singles and doubles today against North. Mai Ku Moua did not give away a point in her first singles match against Mekka. Mimi at second singles for North was the only Northerner to get a game. She won the second game 11-8 in her three game match with Houa Pha.

Singles
1: Mai Ku Moua (Henry) def. Mekka 11-0, 11-0
2: Houa Pha (Henry) def. Mimi 11-4, 8-11, 11-5
3: Mai Vang Vang (Henry) def. Sassy 11-9, 11-9
4: Lisa Thao (Henry) def Blia 11-3, 11-1
Doubles
1: Mai Chia Yang/Yer Yang (Henry) def. Vang/Phoua 15-2, 15-4
2: Nong Vue/Mee Vang (Henry) def. Pa/Koder 15-2, 15-4
3. Lee Moua/Pa Kou Yang (Henry) def. Shalanda/Mi Nhia 15-3, 15-6

Late Box Score
Mpls Henry 7, Mpls South 0 (April 13)
Singles
1: Mai Ku Moua (Henry) def. Wanda ? 11-8, 11-5
2: Houa Pha (Henry) def. Na 11-1, 11-3
3: Mai Vang Vang (Henry) def. Kaeley 11-5, 11-8
4: Lisa Thao (Henry) def Jennifer 11-1, 11-6
Doubles
1: Mai Chia Yang/Yer Yang (Henry) def. Kristina/Mai Thao 15-11, 15-3
2: Nong Vue/Mee Vang (Henry) def. Karen/Kia 15-11,. 15-3
3. Lee Moua/Pa Kou Yang (Henry) def. Gaoman/Thu 15-3, 15-2
Mai Ku Moua had a reaction to some food she ate before the match with South, but overcame the stomach problems to notch her sixth win of the year.

TOMORROW'S ACTION
St. Paul
Arlington takes on Central
Como Park travels to Burnsville
Humboldt plays Highland Park
Johnson faces #1 Harding

Thomas Cup Preparations

#1 posting 4.17.2006

THOMAS CUP PREPS
MAYLAYSIA
There is optimism with the Malaysia Badminton squad for the upcoming Thomas Cup tournament in Japan on April 28 to May 7. The #2 singles player in the world accordint to the rankings Lee Chong Wei is ready to go. Read more about the preparations from the New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Monday/Sport/20060417080949/Article/index_html

ASIAN PLAYERS FOR EUROPE
Some Asian players with dual papers are playing for European nations and having success. Here are some in the Malay Mail http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/MM/Monday/Sport/20060417123912/Article/index_html

MN ACTION TODAY
St. Paul City
Como Park is at Johnson
Highland Park is at #1 Harding
Humboldt is facing Arlington

Got news? email me at my profile.
Next up: tomorrow evening

Minnesota Team Ratings

#1 posting 4.16.2006

THOMAS CUP NEWS
INDONESIA
Taufik Hidayat, Indonesian Olympic champion is the number one singles player listed for the upcoming Thomas Cup in Japan April 28 through May 7
http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2006/4/16/sports/13975386&sec=sports

MINNESOTA TEAM RATINGS
1. St. Paul Harding
2. St. Paul Arlington
3. St. Paul Central
4. St. Paul Como Park
5. Eden Prairie
6. St. Paul Highland Park
7. Burnsville
8. St. Paul Humboldt
9. Mpls Henry
10. St. Paul Johnson
11. Mpls Roosevelt
12. Mpls Edison
13. Mpls Southwest
14. Mpls South
15. Mpls North
16. Mpls Washburn

HAPPY EASTER

Next up tomorrow

Hidayat Athlete of the Year

#1 posting 4.15.2006

CANADIAN ACTION
The Centre Wellington of Fergus won the District 10 title up in Guelph. Micalah Seth, Centre Wellington won the singles title. Rebecca Harrop/Christine Simmons, Centre Wellington took the doubles title. Here is the Guelph Mercury story http://www.guelphmercury.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=mercury/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1145099689437&call_pageid=1050067726101&col=1050421501465

HONORS
INDONESIA
World men's singles champion Taufik Hidayat was named Indonesian athlete of the year. Here is the story from the People's Daily
http://english.people.com.cn/200604/15/eng20060415_258603.html

Next up: tomorrow afternoon

Harding Sweeps Twice

#1 posting 4.14.2006

MINNESOTA ACTION
St. Paul Harding continued its dominance yesterday with two sweeps of suburban schools. They traveled to Burnsville and beat both the hosts and Eden Prairie 7-0.
In St. Paul:
Como Park picked up their first conference win with a 6-1 win over Humboldt.
Arlington handed Highland Park their second loss in a row. Arlington is 2-1 in conference and 4-1 overall.
In Minneapolis:
Edison got back on the winning track with a 5-2 win over Southwest.

INTERNATIONAL ACTION
CANADA
Sault Ste. Marie had their city championships and the Korah Colts won for the 15th year in a row. Kyle Cormier and Suzie Yang each won singles titles for Korah. Here is the rest of the results from the SooToday website http://www.sootoday.com/content/sports/full_story.asp?StoryNumber=16825

CHINA
Chen Jin has moved up to number 9 in the world rankings. The number one female is Zhang Ning. This article is from the CRIEnglish site http://en.chinabroadcast.cn/301/2006/04/14/165@77555.htm

Eden Prairie sweeps Roosevelt

#1 posting 4.13.2006

ILLINOIS ACTION
Wheeling rolled over two opponents last week with wins over Buffalo Grove and Hersey. Here is the Wheeling Countryside paper's story http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/sports/current/wh/04-13-06-889095.html
Glenbrook South has a potent double team. Gloria and Christine Kim won the doubles title at the Prospect Invitational last Saturday. This story is from the Glenview Announcements paper http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/sports/current/gv/04-13-06-886353.html

MINNESOTA ACTION
Eden Prairie swept Roosevelt 7-0. It was EP's first sweep on the year. EP is 2-3 on the year.

INTERNATIONAL ACTION
INDIA
Here is a story about the top Indian female player Trupti Murgunde and all the changes in rankings in India. This is from the Kolkata Newsline http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=177877
VIET NAM
Seedings have been announced for the big tournament next week. Here is the Vietnam News Agency story http://www.vnagency.com.vn/NewsA.asp?LANGUAGE_ID=2&CATEGORY_ID=31&NEWS_ID=194888

got news? email me. go to the profile and send me the latest happenings.
Next up: tomorrow evening

Illinois/Minnesota differences

#1 posting 4.12.2006

MN RESULTS
St. Paul Highland Park lost its first match of the season yesterday to St. Paul Central 4-3. That leaves St. Paul Harding as the only undefeated team left in the state. Harding beat Como Park 6-1, and Humboldt edged Johnson 4-3 in St. Paul City action.
In Minneapolis city action Henry and Roosevelt both swept Edison and North respectively 7-0 (you can check out the Henry/Edison game in yesterday's posting). No word on South and Southwest.
In non-con action the suburbs split with the city as Burnsville swept Washburn 7-0, while St. Paul Arlington gave the city folks a win agains Eden Prairie 4-3. Arlington is now 3-1.

TOMORROW'S ACTION
St. Paul Harding takes its show on the road to Burnsville for a triangular with Eden Prairie
In St. Paul action:
Central travels to Johnson; Como Park faces Humboldt; and Highland Park plays Arlington in a battle of teams with one loss each.
In Minneapolis action:
Southwest is at Edison; Henry travels to South; and Washburn is at North

ILLINOIS STYLE
In Illinois games are played to 15, not 7, so a final score could be (and was)
Palatine 8, Conant 7 or Glenbrook South 15, Waukegan 0
There are 85 high school teams playing badminton in Illinois

When deciding state champions they will take the individual results and doubles results, add them together and come up with a champion. Tinley Park was state champ last year with a total score of 10.5--5 points from singles, 5.5 from doulbes.
The defending individual single champ is Karishma Kollipara, Chicago Latin. She is a sophomore this year.
There will be a new doubles champ as Katie Batkiewicz & Meghan LaVallie, Downers Grove North both graduated.
The state tournament will be May 12 and 13 at Eastern Illinois
Here is the Illinois Badminton page from the IHSA
http://www.ihsa.org/activity/bad/index.htm

HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEWS
IL
Here is a look at some suburban Chicago schools, who the coaches are, and some key players. This is from the Beacon News http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/sports/2_2_AU11_BADMINTON_S1.asp

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT
VIET NAM
The Robot Vietnam Satellite championships will take place April 19th to 23rd in Saigon. Here is the Saigon Times with details on some of the world's top players http://www.saigontimes.com.vn/daily/detail.asp?muc=3&Sobao=2667&SoTT=16

Got news? email me

next up tomorrow evening

On the Town: Henry /Edison

#2 posting 4.11.2006

HENRY 7, EDISON 0
Today Minneapolis Henry hosted Minneapolis Edison and swept all events in a 7-0 win. Henry not only won all seven events, but did not lose a set. They did have four sets that went into overtime however including the first singles first set, the second singles second set, the third singles second set, and the third doubles second set.

Here is the breakdown:
SINGLES
1: Mai Ku Mou (H) def. Mai Vue Xiong (E) 3-2, 11-6
2: Houa Pha (H) def. Stacy Xiong (E) 11-2, 3-1
3: Mai Vang Vang (H) def. See Vang (E) 11-5, 3-1
4: Mai Pa Vang (H) def. Chue Thao (E) 11-6, 11-9
DOUBLES
1: Mai Chia Yang/Yer Yang (H) def. Ala Xiong/Charlotte Rymanowski (E) 15-11, 15-12
2: Nong Vue/Mee Vang (H) def. Der Lee/Yer Vue (E) 15-2, 15-5
3: Lee Moua/Pa Kou Yang (H) def. Kalia Thao/Pa Nhia Lor (E) 15-11, 3-1

Henry wins came in like this: 4th singles, 2nd singles, 2nd doubles, 3rd singles, 1st doubles, 1st singles and 3rd doubles.

Henry has not lost in the Minneapolis City conference this season. They will be at Minneapolis South on Thursday afternoon.

I would like to highlight all games like this. If the coaches could get the information to me (go to my profile to email me), the information will go up as soon as possible.

If you have news or photos email me.
Next posting tomorrow evening.

First Badminton posting

#1 posting 4.11.2006

This is the first posting on badminton.
In this blog I will be getting you the badminton news from Minnesota, and other states. It will highlight players, teams, and what is happening in badminton.

First off badminton is played by few schools at the present. Both the Minneapolis and St. Paul Conference fields teams for all schools. Burnsville and Eden Prairie field teams from the suburbs.

BURNSVILLE
The first article talks about what is happening in the Burnsville program. It is from the Burnsville This Week paper http://www.thisweek-online.com/2006/April/7badminton.html

METRO OVERVIEW
Here is the StarTribune's overview of the season. The power center is in St. Paul with Harding the team to beat. Pang Thao, Harding is considered one of the top singles players in the state.
http://www.startribune.com/526/story/363055.html

Next up: tonight after I get back from the Mpls Henry vs Mpls Edison match.