Latest news with #Super1000IndonesiaOpen
Indian Express
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
Cancer survivor, migrant rights advocate and crowd favourite: Badminton's gentle giant Chou Tien Chen
Another tournament, the Super 1000 Indonesia Open this time, another finals loss for Taiwanese Chou Tien Chen, losing to Danish Anders Antonsen. The 35-year-old immortal of badminton even led 20-17 in the first set. But despite having pushed aside World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn earlier, Tien Chen could not go the distance. The Indonesians at Istora – perhaps the noisiest per square metre grouping of humans yelling like crazy for mere sport – however, were undaunted. Istora adores its badminton magicians like Taufik Hidayat and Kidambi Srikanth of course. It can also get extremely intimidating if a Malaysian is up against one of their Indonesians with brutal war cries, so it's not strictly a sporting crowd at all times. But for Chou Tien Chen, there is immense, everlasting love. Antonsen would've wondered for a moment where he was, because the E-a, E-a, E-a that forms an acoustic wall of support for Tien Chen, can mess with ear drums. Their adoration for the Taiwanese is unquestionable — win or lose. For Tien Chen himself, the story always restarts, the page turns, after every loss. Especially after defeats. He is a cancer survivor. His game and shuttle control are extremely solid. You literally can't be sure that you have beaten him till you actually have beaten him. The tenacity is off the charts, and no top-10 player, much less top-25, likes to come up against him. He has an extremely chirpy trainer-psychologist-coach-cheerleader in Miss Gao Min Shan, a smiling lady who lends not just the lead vocals, but also a jumpy blurry wave of emotion that distracts opponents. 'Annoys' is a word used often. But she has helped him with spiritual mentoring and regular roles of a physio, trainer as he came out of cancer and hit the courts, and he continues to look to her as a support system. Istora + Miss Gao can be a formidable aural challenge for any opponent. But Tien Chen, called Little Day despite his considerable achievements and 6-foot-plus frame, has another army of supporters whose loyalty he has earned these last five years – poor Indonesian women migrant workers in Taiwan, and their families back home. Last December, Tien Chen put out a lengthy post for a cause that is close to his heart: the well-being of migrant workers from South East Asia — Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines — who eke out a living after travelling to Taiwan. Chou Tien Chen is back in his happy place at the Istora. 🫶#BWFWorldTour #IndonesiaOpen2025 — BWF (@bwfmedia) June 7, 2025 In a world that is literally exploding with hate, suspicion and absolute scorn for all manners of migrants, the Taiwanese had struck a rare note of empathy. Last December, he followed it with practical action as he urged his fanbase to extend warmth and put donations at the convenience stores, where Indonesian women identifiable in headscarves and rattled eyes quietly went about their labour. Tien Chen is a practising Christian, the migrants belong to various religions, but the shuttler had at some point noticed their reserve and struggles, and was rallying support for them. Negative sentiment and prejudicial stereotypes are never far behind when it concerns migrants and a section of the media's portrayal of them in Taiwan had the same bent, but Tien Chen was moved by their plight after meeting Kaixiang Chen, a fellow Taiwanese entrepreneur who started a non-profit '1-40' for migrants from the Philippines. Tien Chen's post read: 'Always wanted to say Thankyou to the migrants who came to Taiwan to work. Just yesterday at the award ceremony of Taiwan's true hero, I met Kaixiang, the winner of one-forty, very grateful he has done this. And it's been 10 years to do it,' it said. 'Now finally I have the opportunity to help migrant workers with practical action. These friends from South East Asia are already indispensable helpers in Taiwan. I hope you can support the 'family friendly workers' program. Put change at the convenience store or donate to the family app,' he would write. Having gone through cancer treatment himself and receiving the best possible medical help given he is Taiwan's ace athlete, a World Championship medallist and former World No. 2, Tien Chen was also closely privy to subjects like access to medical care. Tien Chen, a much-loved figure in Taiwan, regularly appears in de-discrimination awareness pitches, and advertisements, for AIDS patients, though it was at the peak of Covid when he first crossed paths with migrant issues. In November 2020, he urged kindness towards poor Indonesian migrants who were infected by the coronavirus and couldn't travel back. Subtly first and then directly he urged fellow Taiwanese to treat them humanely. Anders Antonsen and Chou Tien Chen go toe-to-toe for crowning glory.#BWFWorldTour #IndonesiaOpen2025 — BWF (@bwfmedia) June 8, 2025 His post back then read, 'I believe that no one willingly wants to get infected. Overseas migrant workers are mostly hardworking people at the bottom of the society, and there are insufficient resources for health, education.' An interaction with Dr Jiang Jianxin, then Taiwanese head of the infectious disease department, who told him to 'emphasise on treatment of infected, not attack on infected,' had crystallized his thoughts. Using his badminton fame and cred, he would directly address the Indonesian migrants who were fearful of being stuck away from home while the infection razed, by saying, 'Welcome to Taiwan, you are not alone. Don't worry about Covid, Taiwan medical team will take care of you. You will be ok.' It was a short note, but there was reassurance extended to the meekest of those in Taiwanese society, at a frightful point in time. And it came from a figure that Indonesians, crazy about badminton wherever they went, were familiar with. Tien Chen's own bounceback from cancer is inspiring enough. But each time he gets onto the badminton court and puts in one of his epic fights, you know giving up hasn't quite entered his mindspace. His come-from-behind wins are legendary – once at the Arctic Open against Jonatan Christie from the brink. And another at World Championships where he was 11-18 down in the decider. Istora dotes on Jojo Christie, but they have a special affection for Tien Chen. The first time they met in Indonesia, Tien Chen twice trailed Kunlavut 15-18 but went on to win the match. Last week, he once again toppled the now World No. 1 and Istora Arena celebrated like they do their own. For his sustained support of the poorest Indonesians who travel to his country as migrants, he might just be one of their own. He has earned the coveted Istora decibel.
New Straits Times
14-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Xin Yee hopes her idols Pearly-Thinaah stay with BAM
KUALA LUMPUR: Rising women's doubles shuttler Ong Xin Yee has her eyes firmly set on a dream debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and is looking to her idols Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah for inspiration. Xin Yee, 19, and partner Carmen Ting are ranked world No. 42 and are making steady progress. The pair have already gained valuable experience playing in top-tier tournaments, including Super 500 and Super 1000 events. Their best showing this year came at last week's Super 1000 Indonesia Open, where they reached the second round — a result that has left the teenager pleasantly surprised. "I didn't expect to reach this level so fast after juniors," said Xin Yee. "But watching and sparring with seniors like Pearly-Thinaah really motivates us." World No. 3 Pearly-Thinaah continue to train under the BA of Malaysia (BAM) banner, despite uncertainties surrounding their future. Their previous contracts expired in December, and although negotiations remain at a standstill, BAM has continued paying their salaries — an indication that both parties may yet find common ground. Xin Yee, meanwhile, remains grateful for their guidance. "Pearly-Thinaah are my idols. We see them win titles like the Thailand Open, and we get inspired to follow in their footsteps," she said. "It's very exciting to train and play with the top players as we can learn a lot from them." Asked if she hopes the senior pair remain under BAM to continue mentoring the next generation, Xin Yee didn't hesitate: "Of course!" With her sights on LA 2028, the teenager remains grounded, choosing to take things one step at a time. "Of course, qualifying for the Olympics is my dream, but I try not to think too far ahead or stress too much. "If I can, I want to play — that's always been the dream." Xin Yee-Carmen are now hoping to break into the world's top 32 by December — a breakthrough that could open the door to higher-level tournaments and a smoother Olympic qualifying path. While acknowledging that there's still a gap between them and the world's elite, Xin Yee is determined to bridge it. "Our ability and standard aren't quite the same yet, but we're chasing the top pairs and hope to be like them one day." With top role models, growing exposure, and a clear dream in mind, Xin Yee is on the right track in her Olympic pursuit.
New Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Pearly-Thinaah find 'strength, belief and heart' after fiery four-week run
KUALA LUMPUR: Women's doubles player Pearly Tan took to social media to reflect on how she and M. Thinaah had coped with expectations and criticism to complete a highly satisfying four-week outing on the World Tour. The world No. 4 women's doubles pair wrapped up their hectic schedule with a runners-up finish at the Super 1000 Indonesia Open on Sunday, pushing China's world No. 1 Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning to the limit before narrowly going down 23-25, 21-12, 21-19. Prior to that, Pearly-Thinaah captured the Thailand Open title , reached the semi-finals of the Malaysia Masters and made the quarter-finals of the Singapore Open. Taking to Instagram, Pearly reflected on the emotional and physical toll of their packed schedule. "Finally wrapped up all four tournaments in four weeks. It's been a crazy rollercoaster ride for both of us - testing our minds, staying calm through the chaos, and pushing through even when we were tired," she wrote. "We walked into this journey with the weight of expectations and the noise of criticism during tournaments. "Not everything that was said about us was true, but we chose not to respond with words. Instead, we responded with hard work, resilience and unity. "It wasn't easy, but we stood our ground, held on to each other and gave it everything we had. "We didn't win the title, but we found something even more powerful - strength, belief and heart." While Pearly didn't name specifics, the ongoing contract wrangle with the BA of Malaysia (BAM) had likely added to the pressure. The pair have yet to sign a new deal amid speculation they could go independent. Pearly-Thinaah have kept a dignified silence on the issue, choosing instead to stay focused on court. Their performance in Jakarta, nearly toppling the world No. 1 pair, was arguably their finest to date. Pearly also paid tribute to the support team that travelled with them, crediting them for keeping the pair fit and injury-free during the gruelling schedule. "Honestly, we couldn't have done it without the amazing support team behind us, who were there for us every step of the way. "They helped us recover, stay strong and keep going on the court. Without all of you, truly, we couldn't have done it. "Thank you to those who stood by us. We'll keep this spirit going and see you on the next tour." Their efforts will be officially recognised on Tuesday, when they are expected to climb to a career-high world No. 3 in the world rankings. Pearly-Thinaah are expected to meet BAM officials this week to finally decide whether they will stay with the national setup or branch out on their own.
