MN Rankings, Seedings, Kollipar, Kims IL Champs

#1 posting 5.14.2006

MINNESOTA RANKINGS
1. St. Paul Harding 15-0
2. St. Paul Johnson 9-5
3. St. Paul Arlington 10-5
4. St. Paul Como Park 7-8
5. Eden Prairie 7-6
6. St. Paul Central 6-7
7. Burnsville 8-7
8. St. Paul Humboldt 4-10
9. St. Paul Highland Park 5-11
10. Minneapolis Edison 8-3
11. Minneapolis Henry 11-2
12. Minneapolis Southwest 5-7
13. Minneapolis Roosevelt 6-9
14. Minneapolis South 3-7
15. Minneapolis North 1-9
16. Minneapolis Washburn 0-8

MN SEEDINGS
The team portion of the state tournament begins on Tuesday. Seeding for the top teams did not produce any real shocks. It looks as if the only seeds given were 1-8. After that it looks like a random draw. In every tournament run by the NCAA, or any other organization 1 would play 16, 2 would play 15 and so on down to 8 playing 9. The only glaring problem in the way it was seeded this season was Henry playing #2 Johnson. In my rankings Henry should have been up against #6 St. Paul Central. As it is on Tuesday the Johnson/Henry contest will feature teams with a combined record of 20-7 easily the tops in the Tuesday pairing.

Action starts Tuesday at #1 Harding; #2 Johnson, #3 Arlington, and #4 Como Park.

ILLINOIS STATE TOURNAMENT
Karishma Kollipar, Hinsdale Central sophomore, won her second singles title in a dominating 15-2, 15-1 victory over Kim Jaros of Downers Grove North. Kollipara did lose one game in the semis, in a 3-11, 11-6, 11-2 to Lindsay Gibbel of Prospect.
Gloria and Christen Kim of Glenbrook South took the doubles title in a 15-12, 15-11 win over Courtney Brooks and Jenny Nguyen of West Aurora.
Hinsdale South shared the team title with Downers Grove North. Hinsdale South won the title last year and it was the first time a school won back to back titles.
The article is from the Chicago Sun Times
Lockport finished 8th in the team play thanks to Jen and Janine Henry. The pair finished third in the doubles tournament. Their story is in the Herald News.

Next up

Illinois State Tournament

#1 posting 5.13.2006

ILLINOIS STATE TOURNAMENT
The Glenbrook South duo of Kim and Kim survived a scare in the first round. They lost the first game to Hinsdale South's Caitlyn Wott and Alexandra Siedlecki 15-10 Here is the Journal Gazette-Times-Courrier (that's a lot of papers). Here was the story from the Glenview Announcements on the Kim duo

Two Mid Suburban powers will meet in the quarterfinals. Kristina Prus, Buffalo Grove will face conference champion Lindsay Gibbel, Prospect in the quarterfinals. The story from the Daily Herald

Here is proof that volleyball players make for good badminton players. Emily Sawin, Lincoln-Way Central, is headed to College of Charleston to play volleyball, but she is in the quarterfinals in the state singles tournament with a 35-2 record. Her story is from the Chicago Sun-Times

In a preview of the tournament two seniors from Andrew and Downers Grove North relive last years tournament. Individual honors are nice, what they want is the team title. Here is more from the Chicago Sun-Times

Here are some teams that will be playing in the state Fremd sent five players as did Maine South. New Trier has a double team at state. Evanston sent Meredith Nelson. Buffalo Grove, Lincoln-Way and Lockport all are sending players to the big event. The Pioneer Press (not the St. Paul version) provided the stories for Fremd, Maine South, New Trier, Evanston, Buffalo Grove. The Joliet Herald News

MINNESOTA NEWS
Burnsvillle split last week with two wins against St. Paul Highland Park (4-3) and Minneapolis Roosevelt (7-0). Megan Olinger at 4th singles took the key match against SPHP. The article is from the This Week paper.

CALIFORNIA NEWS
The CIF will be dropping badminton as an official sport due to the lack of schools fielding teams.
Mt. Eden had a strong showing in the Hayward Area Athletic League. While Carla Carvajal from Newark won the singles title from the Mission Valley Athletic League. Both stories are from Inside Bay.

Next up: Tomorrow with MN rankings and a look at the seeds for the state. Also Illinois State results

Harding Takes Singles, Doubles Titles

#1 posting 5.12.2006

It was a sweep of the singles and doubles titles for St. Paul Harding. Pang Thao took the singles title over Arlington's Xiong Yang 11-5, 5-11, 11-8. Her teammates Mai Tria Lee and Kaa Bao Yang did not have too many problems in the championship against Central's Joua Lor and Cassey Quach 15-5, 15-2

Pang Thao of St. Paul Harding won the singles tournament in the St. Paul City tournament. Thao lost only one game on the day and that was the middle game in the championship battle with Arlington's Xiong Yang. Thao started off with a shut out over Natalie Hamilton of Humboldt. In the quarterfinals Thao beat Lee Vue of Central 11-8 and 11-2. Kalia Vang, another Humboldt player, was the semifinal victim 11-3, 11-7. Thao started off with a win in the championship 11-5, but Yang mirrored that in the second game to force a deciding third game. Thao won 11-8 for the title. For the tournament Thao allowed 4.889 points.

Lee & Yang did not lose a game all day. Their tightest contest was in game one in the semifinals when they beat Como Park's Ka Yang and Ping Hoang, Como Park 15-10. Their average points given up was 4.875 on the tournament.

FIRST ROUND
Natalie Hamilton, Humboldt def Khoua Xiong, Highland Park 1-11, 11-9, 11-9
Ling Wang, Arlington def Yer Vue, Johnson 11-6, 11-8
Lee Vue, Central def Yer Yang, Como Park 11-4, 11-3
Pa Kou Vang, Johnson def Jane Lee, Arlington 6-11, 11-6, 11-8
Phetsamay Chindayong, Central def Micha Evertz, Highland Park 11-0, 11-4
Dee Xiong, Como Park def Stephanie King, Harding 9-11, 11-5, 3-0
Nha Phan, Central def Jillian Vue, Humboldt 11-7, 11-2
Khoua Yang, Highland Park def Linda Xiong, Johnson 11-7, 11-9
Mee Xiong, Harding def Pao Sue Vue, Como Park 11-8, 11-3
Sheng Yang, Como Park def Lee Thao, Humboldt 9-11, 11-5, 11-3
Pam Vang, Arlington def Yer Vang, Central 11-1, 11-8
Pang Shoua Vang, Harding def Cydney Vang, Johnson 3-0, 3-0
SECOND ROUND
Pang Thao, Harding def. Natalie Hamiton, Humboldt 11-0, 11-0
Lee Vue, Central def Ling Wang, Arlington 11-7, 11-5
Kalia Yang, Humboldt def Pa Kou Vang, Johnson 11-3, 11-2
Kao Song Yang, Highland Park def Phetsamay Chindayong, Central 11-1, 11-1
Xiong Yang, Arlington def Dee Xiong, Como Park 11-5, 11-7
Nha Phan, Central def Khoua Yang, Highland Park 11-5, 11-6
Mee Xiong, Harding def Sheng Yang, Como Park 11-5, 11-8Pam Vang, Arlington def Pang Shoua Vang, Harding 11-8, 11-5
QUARTERFINALS
Pang Thao, Harding def. Lee Vue, Central 11-8, 11-2Kalia Yang, Humboldt def Kao Song Yang, Highland Park 11-9, 9-11, 11-6
Xiong Yang, Arlington def Nha Phan, Central 11-1, 11-0
Pam Vang, Arlington def Mee Xiong, Harding 11-5, 11-9
SEMIFINALS
Pang Thao, Harding def Kalia Yang, Humboldt 11-3, 11-7
Xiong Yang, Arlington def Pam Vang, Arlington 3-0, 11-8
CONSOLATION
Pao Sue Vue, Como Park def Khoua Xiong, Highland Park score unknown
3RD PLACE
Kalia Yang, Humboldt def Pam Vang, Arlington 11-5, 11-5
CHAMPIONSHIP
Pang Thao, Harding def Xiong Yang, Arlington 11-5, 5-11, 11-8

DOUBLES
FIRST ROUND
Shavon Washington/Tanisha Brown, Arlington def Drew Thao/Mai Nong Hang, Highland Park 15-0, 15-2
Ger Lee/NaLee Xiong, Harding def Shoua Thao/Ka Bao Yang, Highland Park 15-13, 15-9
Ka Yang/Hnou Xiong, Arlington def Ia Thao/Isabel Torres, Humboldt 15-7, 15-5
Karen Obermeyer-Kolb/Pang Thao, Johnson def Bee Yang/Emily Huynh, Highland Park 15-4, 15-5
PaNhia Lee/Ker Lor, Como Park def Mai Chor Lee/Dia Mee Xiong, Humboldt 15-4, 15-4
SECOND ROUND
Mai Tria Lee/Kao Bao Yang, Harding def Xiong Xiong/Tracy Vangh, Central 15-2, 15-3
Shavon Washington/Tanisha Brown, Arlington def Sheng Yang/Choua Vang, Humboldt 15-9, 15-5
Ka Yang/Ping Hoang, Como Park def Belick Pha/Kia Thao, Johnson 15-9, 15-12
Yer Vang/Khue Yang, Arlington def Ger Lee/NaLee Xiong, Harding 15-13, 15-10
Joua Lor/Cassty Quach, Central def Mai Ka Lee/Kao Lee Xiong, Johnson 15-1, 15-0
Ka Yang/Hnou Xiong, Arlington def Mai Tia Yang/Mai Kao Yang, Como Park 9-15, 15-12, 15-8
Dia Xiong/PaNhia Yang, Harding def Karen Obermeyer-Kolb/Pang Thao, Johnson 15-6, 15-4
PaNhia Lee/Ker Lor, Como Park def Xia Lee/Ashley Vitulli, Central 15-9, 15-12
QUARTERFINALS
Mai Tria Lee/Kao Bao Yang, Harding def Shavon Washington/Tanisha Brown, Arlington 15-4, 15-8
Ka Yang/Ping Hoang, Como Park def Yer Vang/Khue Yang, Arlington 12-15, 3-2, 15-8
Joua Lor/Cassty Quach, Central def Ka Yang/Hnou Xiong, Arlington 15-6, 15-4
Dia Xiong/PaNhia Yang, Harding def PaNhia Lee/Ker Lor, Como Park 15-2, 15-3
SEMIFINALS
Mai Tria Lee/Kao Bao Yang, Harding def Ka Yang/Ping Hoang, Como Park 15-10, 15-5
Joua Lor/Cassty Quach, Central def Dia Xiong/PaNhia Yang, Harding 15-5, 15-4
CONSOLATION
Belick Pha/Kia Thao, Johnson, def. Sheng Yang/Choua Vang, Humboldt, 15-6, 15-11
3RD PLACE
Dia Xiong/PaNhia Yang, Harding, def. Ka Yang/Ping Hoang, Como Park, 15-8, 13-15, 15-6
CHAMPIONSHIP
Mai Tria Lee/Kaa Bao Yang, Harding, def. Joua Lor/Cassey Quach, Central, 15-5, 15-2

MN STATE NEXT WEEK
The team portion begins next week on Tuesday with four sites hosting
#1 Harding will face North with #8 Humboldt playing Edison in the other contest
#4 Como Park faces Highland Park and #5 Eden Prairie plays South
#2 Johnson plays Henry while #7 Burnsville takes on Southwest
#3 Arlington battles Washburn as #6 Central tussels Roosevelt
On Wednesday the action moves to Burnsville for the semis and finals
On Thursday the individual tournament begins. More on that later

Next up: tomorrow afternoon.

Moua, Behl & Kelly Minneapolis Champs

#1 posting 5.11.2006

MINNEAPOLIS CITY TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Mai Ku Moua, Minneapolis Henry avenged a loss to Edison's Mai Vue Xiong two weeks ago to claim the Minneapolis Singles title. Moua lost the first game, but came back and won 11-2, 11-5 to win the title.
Abby Behl and Lydia Kelly, Southwest won the doubles title against Edison's #2 team Ala Xiong & Charlotte Rymanowski.
Both Moua and Behl & Kelly were the second seeded in their respective tournaments.
Southwest was the only other school to be represented in the Henry/Edison semi party. Edison advanced both of their 1s and 2s to the semis.

SINGLES
SEMIS
Mai Vue Xiong, Edison def. Houa Pha, Henry 11-6, 11-4
Mai Ku Moua, Henry def Stacy Xiong, Edison 11-7, 11-6
3rd Place
Houa Pha, Henry def Stacy Xiong, Edison 11-7, 13-10
Championship
Mai Ku Moua, Henry def Mai Vue Xiong, Edison 9-11, 11-2, 11-5
This was the third time this year Moua and Xiong faced each other and Moua won the rubber match on Edison's home floor. Moua beat Xiong April 11 13-12, 11-6, while Xiong won on May 2 11-9, 11-4.
Game one was fairly tight early with Moua grabbing a 3-2 lead, but Xiong was able to side out against Moua six straight times. At this point Xiong outscored Moua 5-0 including three points on the 9th serve. Moua stormed back (I had the game tied at 10) but after gaining two points Moua had a hitting error. Xiong finished the game on her 13th service with Moua providing the point on a hitting error. Moua gave Edison 5 points with hitting errors, while Xiong also gave away five points.
Moua led right from the start after a missed serve by Xiong. By the seventh serve Moua led 7-1. Moua sided out five straight times against Xiong. On Moua's 10th serve she added four points, three of which were Xiong hitting errors 11-2. Xiong had 10 hitting errors for Moua points. Moua did not give away any points this game.
In the deciding third game Xiong led at 3-1 and 4-2. Moua took the lead at 5-4 on her 6th serve. Five straight side outs kept the score the same. Moua added an insurance point on her 9th serve. Xiong took her final point on her 9th serve. Moua scored on a drop on her 10th serve. On serve number 12 Moua finished the contest with a drop, a clear, a smash and a Xiong hitting error. Moua gave away four points on hitting errors, while Xiong gave away two.
Moua seemed to get stronger and played with a mission. Her power and placement making Xiong cover the whole court wore out her smaller opponent.

DOUBLES
SEMIS
Ala Xiong/Charlotte Rymanowski, Edison def Mai Chia Yang/Yer Yang, Henry 15-13, 13-15, 15-9. This was an upset as the Henry team of Yang & Yang were 13-0. In fact they had only lost three games all year.
Henry had a 6-3 lead on their fourth service. Edison took the lead at 7-6 on the strength of Rymanowski's three serves. All of those points were delivered on hitting errors by Henry. Henry did retake the lead on Yer Yang's serve 9-8. Again the three points on Yer Yang's serve were all the result of Edison hitting errors. On Edison's next service they cashed in four points, three on Xiong's serve. Edison led 12-9 at this point. Henry tied it at 13, but after Yer Yang tied it, she missed the next serve. Xiong then provided the final two points: one on a Henry hitting error, and one on an ace.
Henry gave 10 points to Edison with hitting errors, Edison gave six points on hitting errors.
In game two Henry again jumped out to a 6-2 lead. Again Edison came back and led 7-6. It was back and forth at that point with Henry grabbing a 9-7 lead only for Edison to reclaim it at 11-9. It was during Mai Chia Yang's serve that Henry had the lead for good. MCY served up five straight points, three of which were Edison hitting errors. Henry led 14-12. Xiong cut the lead to 14-13 on a MCY hitting error, but then Edison had two straight hitting errors to give the serve back to Henry. Rymanowski fanned and Henry won game two 15-13.
Game three had the same exact elements as the previous two with Henry taking a 6-3 lead. Rymanowski served up seven straight points once Edison got the serve. All seven were hitting error points. Three were wide, two were short, and two were in the net. It was Edison 10-6 at this point. Henry did cut that lead to 10-9, but after giving back the serve to Edison in was all Rymanowski as she served out the game 15-9. But Edison earned some of the points in this go round. Rymanowski had a smash, Xiong a drop, and a drive to end the game.
The two played earlier in the year with Yang & Yang winning on April 11 15-11, 15-12 when Xiong & Rymanowski were playing first doubles.

Abby Behl/Lydia Kelly, Southwest def See Vang/Chue Mi Thao, Edison --I somehow forgot to get this score.
3rd Place
Yang/Yang, Henry def. Vang/Thao, Edison 15-11, 15-4
Championship
Behl/Kelly, Southwest def. Xiong/Rymanowski 17-14, 6-15, 15-6

Next up: tomorrow afternoon with St. Paul results (I hope)

Minneapolis Tournament Results

#2 posting 5.10.2006

Today the Minneapolis Tournament began with the first round and quarterfinals completed.
Here are the results
SINGLES
FIRST ROUND
North #1 def Choua Vang Roosevelt #2 11-6, 8-11, 11-5

South #2 def Washburn #1 11-8, 11-9
South scored first 1-0, but Washburn scored twice on their opening serve, added three more on the second serve. Washburn led 8-4. South scored twice on their 6th and 7th serve to tie the game up at 8. After both teams sided out three times South finished off Washburn with three straight points on their 9th serve. All three of those points were hitting errors.
In game two Washburn took the early lead again at 6-0 after their fifth serve. After that South scored one point on their sixth serve. The game broke wide open on South's seventh serve when they scored eight straight points. Five of the points were due to South hitting errors. At this point the score was 9-6. Washburn closed to within on an ace 9-8. South had an ace to make it 10-8. It took South four more serves when South ended it on her 12th serve. Again it was a hitting error.

Houa Pha (Henry #2) def Martha Streng (Southwest #1) 11-0, 11-1
Pha scored three straight on her second serve. She sided out four straight times and on her fifth serve wrapped up the win with 7 straight points. Of the 11 points 5 were on Southwest hitting errors.
In game two it was more of the same. The only point for Southwest came on a fan of serve. Pha had service runs of 4 (5-1) and five (10-1). It took Pha three tries before SW had a hitting error to end it. SW provide four points on hitting errors.

Stacy Xiong Edison #2 def Astia Roper Southwest #2 8-11, 11-5, 11-1

Roosevelt #1 def Washburn #2 9-11, 11-6, 11-5

South #1 def Sassy Yang North #2 11-1, 11-1

QUARTERFINALS
Mai Vue Xiong (Edison #1) def North #1 11-0, 11-1

Houa Pha (Henry #2) def South #2 11-1, 11-4

Stacy Xiong (Edison #2) def Roosevelt #1

Mai Ku Moua (Henry #1) def South #1 11-4, 11-0
Mai Ku Moua opened the scoring first on her first service with two straight points. South hung around though with one point on her second serve and two more on her third. This tied the game at three. MKM on her fourth serve scored three times to make it 6-3. She ended the first game with four points on her 8th serve including a smash to end it at 11-4.
The second game lasted four services for MKM. She didn't start the scoring until her second serve with two points. On serve 3 MKM ripped the game open with 8 straight points. Only one of those points was a result of a South hitting error.

DOUBLES
FIRST ROUND
Roosevelt #1 def North #2 15-3, 15-8
Ala Xiong/Charlotte Rymanowski (Edison #2) def Vansan Sisomphane/Dani Sack (Washburn #1) 15-7, 15-3
South #1 def Southwest #2 15-9, 10-15, 15-12
See Vang/Chue Mi Thao (Edison #1) def Washburn #2 15-1, 15-0
South #2 def Pa Vue/Bao Vang (Roosevelt #2) 12-15, 15-9, 17-15
Lee Moua/Pa Kou Yang (Henry #2) def Vang Khang/Phoua Khang (North #1) 15-4, 15-7
QUARTERS
Mai Chia Yang/Yer Yang (Henry #1) def Roosevelt #1 15-1, 15-2

Ala Xiong/Charlotte Rymanowski (Edison #2) def South #1 15-3, 13-15, 15-7

See Vang/Chue Mi Thao (Edison #1) def South #2 15-5, 15-10
Edison started off with an ace in game one. South came back and scored three points. On Edison's next service they added three points to reclaim the lead 4-3. Two straight side outs by Edison brought service back to the Tommies. They added five more points in the next service and led 9-3. South added two points with hitting errors by Edison. Once Edison came back with serve they never gave it back. Edison added 6 points to finish game one 15-5.
South led in this contest 5-3 after each team had completed one service. Edison made a move in service two closing the gap to 7-6. Edison grabbed the lead for good at 10-7 after the third serve. Edison had 8 smashes in the last game. The last point came on a South hitting error.

Abby Behl/Lydia Kelly (Southwest #1) def Lee Moua/Pa Kou Yang (Henry #2) 15-10, 15-13

SEMIS TOMORROW
SINGLES
Mai Vue Xiong (Edison #1) vs Houa Pha (Henry #2)
Stacy Xiong (Edison #2) vs Mai Ku Moua (Henry #1)
DOUBLES
Mai Chia Yang/Yer Yang (Henry #1) vs Ala Xiong/Charlotte Rymanowski (Edison #2)
See Vang/Chue Mi Thao (Edison #1) vs Abby Behl/Lydia Kelly (Southwest #1)

Next up: Tomorrow with the finals for Minneapolis, and St. Paul

Vacaville Squeaks out a Victory

#1 posting 5.10.2006

MINNESOTA ACTION
Burnsville beat St. Paul Highland Park in a revenge match 4-3. Earlier in the year SPHP dumped Burnsville 5-2. The loss was SPHP's 8th in a row and second to a suburban team in two days.

ILLINOIS ACTION
In sections last week Leyden improved up in the standings to fourth. Here is their progression up the ladder from the River Grove Messenger http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/sports/current/rg/05-10-06-916640.html

CALIFORNIA ACTION
Vacaville was victorious over Vintage 8-7 thanks to Blanca Pina and Gaby Ruiz's win in a doubles match 17-15, 13-15, 15-11. Here is more from the Vacaville reporter http://www.thereporter.com/sports/ci_3801639


CANADIAN ACTION
Alberta
The provincal tournaments were held last weekend. Two students from Lacombe (Colin Hodgson and Crystal Watson) made it to the event, but finished 0-3 in their mixed doubles competition. Here is more from the Lacombe Globe http://www.lacombeglobe.com/story.php?id=229612

next up: tonight's recap of the Minneapolis city tournament

China Dominates Thomas/Uber Cup

#1 posting 5.9.2006

MINNESOTA ACTION
St. Paul City
#1 Harding continues to show they are the team to beat with a 6-1 win over Humboldt.
In the showcase game yesterday #2 Arlington was dropped by #3 Johnson 5-2 yesterday. It was Johnson's second win against Arlington.
Como Park won for the second time against Central 6-1.
Non Conference
Eden Prairie had a measure of revenge against St. Paul Highland Park 6-1. HP beat EP 4-3 earlier this year.

Both Minneapolis and St. Paul will hold their city championships on Wednesday and Thursday.
Minneapolis is at Edison starting at 4 pm.

CALIFORNIA ACTION
Cerritos HS received a bye in the upcoming CIF Southern Section playoffs. Here is the Long Beach Press Telegram with more seeding information http://www.presstelegram.com/sports/ci_3799991

THOMAS/UBER CUP WRAP
China
China showed its dominance with a double win. They are already making plans for 2008 in Jakarta. Not one player from China lost a match in the tournament. Here is the CRI story http://en.chinabroadcast.cn/301/2006/05/09/165@86443.htm
Here is a Radio New Zealand article on the Chinese focus on the Beijing Olympics http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/bulletins/sport/200605091053/2c48c4be
Indonesia
Taufik Hidayat, Olympic and world champ, did not have a great tournament. Indonesia did not have a great tournament. It appears Indonesia will be going with a youth movement after being dropped by China in the semis. Here is the Jakarta Post
http://www.thejakartapost.com/detailsports.asp?fileid=20060509.U01&irec=0

Next up: tomorrow after day one of the city tournaments.

Court Side: Henry/South

#1 posting 5.8.2006

Court Side: Henry vs South

This is better late than never.

Henry beat South 7-0 last Thursday. This salved the wounds suffered against Edison on Tuesday ruining their plans of an undefeated season.

Henry swept the singles and doubles, but there were a couple of matches that went the distance--kind of a Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde type experience. Houa Pha at second singles, and the doubles team at #1 Yer Yang and Mai Chia Yang; and Nong Vue and Mee Vang each went the distance. Each won the first game. Pha and Yang/Yang, after crunching their opponents in the first game, struggled mightly in the second frame. Pha and Yang/Yang put on a tour de force in game three. Third doubles Vue/Vang had tight contests all the way with the widest gap three points.

SINGLES
1) Mai Ku Moua (H) def. Wanda 11-0, 11-6
2) Houa Pha (H) def. Ma 11-1, 9-11, 11-2
3) Lisa Thao (H) def. Karly 11-6, 11-7
4) Mai Vang Vang (H) def. Jennifer 11-8, 11-0

DOUBLES
1) Yer Yang/Mai Chia Yang (H) def. Kristina/Mai Thao 15-1, 10-15, 15-2
2) Lee Moua/Pakou Yang (H) def. Thu/Gao Nou 15-10, 15-4
3) Nong Vue/Mee Vang (H) def. Karen/Katherine 17-14, 13-15, 17-15

The Minneapolis and St. Paul conferences will hold their tournaments this Wednesday and Thursday. Edison will host the Minneapolis tournament starting at 4 pm Wednesday.

Next up: tomorrow afternoon

Harding Still #1

#1 posting 5.7.2006

MINNESOTA RANKINGS
1. St. Paul Harding 14-0
2. St. Paul Arlington 10-4
3. St. Paul Johnson 8-5
4. St. Paul Como Park 6-8
5. Eden Prairie 5-6
6. St. Paul Central 6-6
7. Burnsville 7-6
8. St. Paul Humboldt 4-9
9. St. Paul Highland Park 5-9
10. Minneapolis Edison 8-3
11. Minneapolis Henry 11-2
12. Minneapolis Southwest 5-7
13. Minneapolis Roosevelt 6-9
14. Minneapolis South 3-7
15. Minneapolis North 1-9
16. Minneapolis Washburn 0-8

ILLINOIS STATE TOURNAMENT
Wheeling and Prospect of the Mid Suburban League get the full treatment for their state tournament prospects from the Des Plaines Journal http://www.journal-topics.com/sports/06/sp060505.1.html
Lincoln-Way Central is sending four players including #1 singles Emily Sawin. This is from the Star newspapers http://www.starnewspapers.com/star/spsports/smix/071sx8.htm

PHILIPPINES
Diosan Abangan won both the singles (she beat her sister) and doubles (with her sister) in the JVC Regional. More from the Sun Star
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2006/05/07/sports/davao.s.abangan.shines.in.jvc.badminton.html

Next up: tomorrow afternoon

China Takes 5th Straight Uber Cup

#1 posting 5.6.2006

MINNESOTA ACTION
St. Paul
Arlington beat up on Central 6-1. It was second place Arlington's fourth straight win and avenges a 2-5 loss to Central earlier.
#1 undefeated Harding pushed their score against Johnson 6-1. Earlier they had beaten their East Side rival 5-2. Johnson's six game winning streak was snapped.
Non Conference
St. Paul Como Park avenged and earlier loss to 4-3 Burnsville with a solid 5-2 win.


CHINA WINS UBER CUP
China swept the Netherlands 3-0 to win their fifth straight Uber Cup. Zhang Ning won the first singles competition 21-18, 19-21, 21-18. Here is more from the People's Daily http://english.people.com.cn/200605/06/eng20060506_263516.html
Here are some photos of the celebration from Xinhua http://english.people.com.cn/200605/06/eng20060506_263519.html

SCORING CHANGE
The International Badminton Federation has changed its scoring system to a point on every serve. Currently the only way to score was when a player was serving. Now it is more like volleyball. First to 21 will be the standard now, not the 11 for females currently in place. Here is more from Badders (the independent voice of badminton) http://www.badders.com/news/item/774/New-scoring-system-for-badminton

Next up: tomorrow with MN rankings

Illinois Section Results

#1 posting 5.5.2006

ILLINOIS ACTION
Here are the winners in the Illinois sections. These players advance to the Illinois State Tournament. The list is from the Chicago Sports section of the Chicago Tribune. You may need to register to read http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/cs-badmintonsectionals,0,5744840.htmlstory?coll=cs-highschool-utility
West Aurora's double team of Jenny Nguyen and Courtney Brooks will take a 36-1 record into the state tournament. Brooks was 4th in last year's tournament with another partner. This is Nguyen's first trip. The Beacon News fills in the blanks http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/sports/2_2_AU05_BADMINTON_S1.asp
Lindsey Gibbel, Prospect, is adding space to her trophy case. Last night she added section championship to her awards. Here is the Daily Herald with more http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/story.asp?id=185512

MINNESOTA ACTION
Burnsville lost to Arlington 5-2 on Monday and beat Washburn 7-0 on Wednesday. Burnsville took the first two singles against Arlington, but did not take any more. Here is the This Week paper with the action http://www.thisweek-online.com/2006/May/5badminton.html
Minneapolis
Edison, on the heels of their upset of Henry on Tuesday, beat Southwest 6-1.
Henry rebounded with a 7-0 sweep of South. Both Edison and Henry tied for the city championship.
St. Paul
Humboldt got back on the winning track for the first time since April 11 with a 6-1 win over Highland Park. Earlier HP beat Humboldt 5-2. HP has lost six in a row.
Johnson squeaked a win over Como Park 4-3. It was Johnson's fifth win in a row. Earlier Johnson won over Como Park by the identical score.
Non conference
Burnsville picked up win number seven with a sweep of Minneapolis Roosevelt 7-0. It is Burnsville's sixth win against a Minneapolis school, and fifth sweep.

THOMAS/UBER CUP
China is dominating both sides of the Thomas/Uber cup. The women will face the Netherlands for the Uber Cup championship. China will play Denmark or Malaysia for the Thomas Cup championship. Here is the Ohmy News from South Korea http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?menu=f10600&no=290083&rel_no=1
China dominated Indonesia 3-0 in the Thomas Cup. Here is the Xinhua press release on the match http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-05/05/content_4511591.htm
Here is the official site for the Thomas/Uber cup http://www.yonex-tuc.com/english/index.html

Next up: tomorrow afternoon, coming Sunday MN Rankings

Illinois Begins Section Play

#1 posting 5.4.2006

ILLINOIS ACTION
West Aurora's doubles team of Jenny Nguyen and Courtney Brooks were undefeated until the DuPage Valley tournament. Naperville Central's Amy Huang and Alina Ahsieh beat them 17-14, 8-15, 17-16. Now the pair are preparing for the sections. Here is the story from the Beacon News http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/sports/2_2_AU04_BADMINTON_S1.asp
The Fremd duo of Judy Hsieh and Sarah Hong won the MSL title last Friday beating Wheeling's Kate Flanagan and Sam Diesel 15-4, 15-11. But they won't be together in the sections. Why? read on with the Rolling Meadows Review http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/sports/current/rm/05-04-06-911523.html
Glenbrook South won the Central Suburban title for the first time. Gloria and Christine Kim provided Glenbrook South with it's only first place finish. Read about the rest of the meet here in the Glenview Announcements http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/sports/current/gv/05-04-06-907687.html
A pair of Elk Grove singles players got together to claim third place in the MSL tournament. Aya Uehara and Nozomi Nakamura beat Tiffany Compton and Yeji Chun of Schaumberg 15-5, 15-6. For more here is the Hoffman Estates Review http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/sports/current/he/05-04-06-908940.html
Lockport is looking to send more than one to the State Badminton tournament. Here is how they plan on doing it according to the Herald Times http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/sports/4_2_JO04_BAD_S1.asp


THOMAS/UBER CUP ACTION
The Chinese women beat Germany to advance to the finals of the Uber Cup. Olympic champion Zhang Ning defeated a Chinese German Xu Huaiwen 21-17, 21-14. Here is more from the Xinhua press release. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-05/04/content_4508707.htm
Chinese Taipai also won beating South Korea in the quarters. Here is the English Eastday acount http://english.eastday.com/eastday/englishedition/sports/userobject1ai2018002.html this is the South Korean perspective from the Korean Times (this article also tells about the men's loss in the quarters) http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/sports/200605/kt2006050418123211640.htm
Indonesia beat Japan in the quarterfinals of the Thomas cup as recounted in the People's Daily http://english.people.com.cn/200605/04/eng20060504_262969.html

Next up Tomorrow Afternoon

China Rolls; Illinois Districts to begin

#1 posting 5.3.2006

MINNESOTA ACTION
Minneapolis
Edison knocked Henry off the unbeaten ranks in the city with a 5-2 win. Read more on court Side: Edison/Henry posted yesterday.
Roosevelt won its second match against North this year 6-1. Previously they swept North.
St. Paul
Harding continues to be unblemished with a 5-2 win over Highland Park. Harding has 13 straight wins, and its second 5-2 decision in St. Paul. HP has lost three straight by scores of 5-2, and it was their 5th overall.
Arlington beat Humboldt 5-2. Arlington has three straight wins. Humboldt has 8 straight losses.

ILLINOIS ACTION
Downers Grove is looking for their third title in four years. A big reason for their success is Kim Jaros. Here is the Chicago Sun Times with more. http://www.suntimes.com/output/prep/cst-spt-bad03.html
Leyden finished fourth in the WSC conference tournament. They finished fifth the year before. More from the Franklin Park Herald-Journal http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-story/sports/current/fp/05-03-06-908972.html
Illinois Districts begin this week. Here is the link to the IHSA badminton page. http://www.ihsa.org/activity/bad/index.htm

THOMAS/UBER CUP ACTION
China continues to roll through competiton in Japan. Here is the Xinhua report on the men's win over England and the women's win over Singapore http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-05/03/content_4505235.htm This is the English version from Reuters http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=sportsNews&storyID=2006-05-03T150638Z_01_L03691773_RTRUKOC_0_UK-BADMINTON.xml
Denmark beat India on the men's side. Here is the India Daily with a story http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/8424.asp

Court Side: Edison/Henry

#2 posting 5.2.2006

Edison 5, Henry 2

Edison threw a wrench in Henry's plan to win the Minneapolis conference outright with a 5-2 win at Edison this afternoon. It was Henry's first conference loss, and second overall this year. Edison broke a seven game sweep streak by Henry.
Edison swept the singles and took 2nd doubles to avenge an earlier 7-0 sweep at Henry. The closest match was at 2nd singles as Stacey Xiong went to extra points to beat Houa Pha 13-12 twice. Fourth singles went three games and was extremely close as See Vang won game one 11-9, and game three 13-11.
Edison's second doubles team was previously first doubles in the early match. They lost in the first doubles earlier in the year 15-11, 15-12.
In the first single match Mai Vue Xiong broke a 6-6 tie in the first game. She took a 8-6 lead with a drive for 7 and a smash for 8. In game two the game was tied at four when Mai Vue Xiong picked up single points on her 5th and 7th serve. It was the 8th serve where the game broke open. MVX picked up four straight points--on a hitting error, two drives, and a deep shot by Mai Ku Moua. MVX's last point was an ace.

Henry has one week to get ready for the city championships.

SINGLES
1. Mai Vue Xiong (E) def. Mai Ku Moua 15-9, 15-4
2. Stacey Xiong (E) def Houa Pha 13-12, 13-12
3. Chue Thao (E) def Mai Vang Vang 11-6, 11-6
4. See Vang (E) def Mai Pa Vang 11-9, 5-11, 13-11
DOUBLES
1. Mai Chia Yang/Yer Yang (H) def Yer Vue/Fabia 15-4, 15-4
2. Ala Xiong/Charlotte Rymanowski (E) def Lee Moua/Pa Kou Yang 15-7, 15-7
3. Nong/Me (H) def Pa/Der Lee 15-8, 15-6

Next up: tomorrow afternoon

Johnson Picks up 5th in a row

#1 posting 5.2.2006

MINNESOTA ACTION
St. Paul Conference
Arlington beat Highland Park 5-2. Arlington has two wins over HP this season. HP is 1-7 the last eight matches.
Como Park shut out Humboldt 7-0. CP has two wins over Humboldt. It was Como's first shut out of the year. Humboldt is 3-8, but one of those wins was against Patrick Henry, the leader in Minneapolis.
Johnson beat Central 5-2. Johnson took a bit of revenge on Central since SPC beat Johnson in the first match up 4-3. Johnson is 7-1 and has won their last 5 matches.
Non Conference
Harding beat Eden Prairie 6-1. Last time Harding swept EP. This match also ended a four game sweep streak by Harding. Harding is still undefeated.

OLYMPICS APPROVE QUALIFICATIONS
The International Olympic Committee approved the International Badminton Federation qualification plans. Here is the legalese from the meeting from the USA Badminton press release http://www.usabadminton.org/page.asp?Page=News&iID=324

CANADIAN ACTION
Prince Edward Island
PEI held their provincal championships last weekend Elysia Atkinson of Colonal Gray won both the singles title and doubles title as well. Here are all the results courtesy of the Guardian which covers PEI like the dew http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=2451&sc=3

THOMAS/UBER CUP ACTION
New Zealand is done on both the men's and women's side. Here with the news is TV New Zealand http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/709346

Next up: tomorrow afternoon

England, Indonesia, China Advance in Thomas Cup

#1 posting 5.1.2006

THOMAS CUP
England beat South Africa and now will face China in the Thomas Cup. This is the Reuters news wire on the event http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=sportsNews&storyID=2006-05-01T143707Z_01_T165386_RTRUKOC_0_UK-BADMINTON.xml&archived=False
New Zealand lost to Indonesia and virtually knocks them out of the championship bracket. Here is the New Zealand Herald with their story http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=4&ObjectID=10379677 You heard from the NZ side, now Indonesia's view from the Malaysian Star http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2006/4/30/sports/14113224&sec=sports
China continued its domination with a convincing 5-0 win over Germany. Here is the Calcutta Telegraph with more http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060501/asp/sports/story_6167702.asp

Next up tomorrow afternoon with Minnesota results.

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