Li-Ning China Masters 2024 preview

 I am looking forward to the China Masters, the last BWF Super 750 event of the year. It starts tomorrow and will feature all the top players in the world. In my original blog theme I have said I will be looking at lower to mid-tier events. However for this event I will change my coverage to include the super 750 event. I don't think there is a clear favourite to win this tournament. I believe it will be won by someone outside the top 10. My dark horse pick is Lei Lanxi but I will be rooting for Lee Zii Jia and Leong Jun Hao. I also believe Loh Kean Yew from Singapore may go on a deep run in this tournament.      

Arctic Open Men SF Prediction

 This is my prediction for the men's semifinal matches. 

Indonesia's Jonatan Christie will beat Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn

Chinese Taipei's Chou Tien Chen will beat Japan's Koki Watanabe

The final will be between Jonatan Christie and Chou Tien Chen 

Success and Adversity #1

 James 1:9-10

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation - since they will pass away like a wild flower. 

 When we succeed or struggle, we know this can only be temporary. In adversity we have a God who is with us and has redeemed us, so there is no more punishment, just loving discipline. This adversity will pass and God will give us wisdom from this.  When we succeed, without God the success does not mean much and can lead to further problems in life. Therefore, recognising that we will only be here temporarily, let us choose to honour God with our success. Let us remember that God loves us and delights in us.   Proverbs 3:9-14.     

Lee Zii Jia Olympic shuttler #1

 Although Zii Jia did not win the gold medal in the Paris Olympics, his bronze medal finish was a great achievement not just for him but for Malaysia . To be 3rd best shuttler in the most prestigious badminton competition ( in my opinion) is fantastic. His honesty, raw emotions and fighting spirit has made me a fan. His game has also matured into an all round game, not just reliant on his smashes but he can be patient with his rallies too. Defensively he has improved a lot this year. Mentally he has been through a lot of challenges, but I believe he can weather these obstacles and win more titles. I look forward to see him play in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.       

God's peace #2

 The mind governed by flesh is death , but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6. Flesh means living for your self ( flesh spelt backwards without the h). Living according to the flesh means living a self-centred life and this cannot please God ( Romans 8:8).     

What does God look at #1

 Be comforted and challenged that God looks at things that the world does not look at . 1 Samuel 16:7. But the Lord said to Samuel. Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance , but the Lord looks at the heart. 

The heart matters, God can see it. The words and actions of a person come form he heart. The heart matters more than ability, talent and experience. God chooses those that have a heart to serve. It does not matter if you are weak or inexperienced, God will empower you and equip you if you have a heart do serve Him.       

God's peace #1

 Inner peace in life is important. Once you have found it , it is to be treasured, because only God can give us true peace. This is the peace the world cannot give.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3  

God can give us perfect peace if we choose to put our trust in Him. Amen.