KL Badminton Holiday-POV entering the KL badminton stadium

Walking from the ticketpro.com.my's counter to the main entrance, to get my ticket stamped.

Was browsing through the Yonex merchandise before making my way into the spectator's seat.

Badminton Holiday in Kuala Lumpur 11-15 December 2013

The Superseries BWF finals was held in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia last week.

Without hesitation, I booked my bus ticket to KL to watch the games.

Bought the badminton tickets at the Cheras KL Badminton Stadium.

The stadium was blacked out just like the Sudirman cup, with the spotlights shone directly on court.

This is also the 1st time, the Hawkeye cameras were installed and used during the matches.

It is only available on centre court. Players are allowed only 2 challenges to the call of the linesman.

 Killing  two birds with one stone, I took the opportunity visit the city and the local attractions.

At Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur.

A Hindu temple at Batu Caves

Near KLCC, Petronas twin towers

But going to KL goes without saying, the food is the main attraction.

Here are my pictures of my many meals in KL.

Breakfast at a traditional Malay Nasi Lemak stall. It's coconut rice served with toppings like Sambal chilli, peanuts, anchovies, fried egg, Rendang chicken and sotong (cuttlefish). A pretty standard Malaysia breakfast, complete with a teh tarik or 'pulled' milk tea.

A plate of mee rebus or (steamed noodles). It is then covered with gravy and boiled eggs, tofu and chillis are added. Ordered a teh tarik.

BBQ stingray/squid served with rice

BBQ stingray at KL's Jalan Alor

Or Western fast food in KL

Or course badminton shopping at the Yonex booth in the Stadium

Before going up the stairs to catch the live match

Of course, the matches would not be complete without fanatic supporters. 

An Indonesia supporter decked with mask, hat and costume with Indonesia flag colors. Comes complete with a drum and a loud voice. Joking and heckling with the Malaysia supporters provided comic relief.

Yonex warehouse sale 6-8 December

Attended the Yonex warehouse sales on the 6th December.

On the 1st day, it was supercrowded, many shoppers helping themselves to the many discounted Yonex badminton racquets. I queued up for about almost 2 hours to make my purchase. Many familiar faces greeted me as many in Singapore's badminton circle turn out in droves to scoop up irresistible deals.

The listed prices were significantly lower than the retailers. Managed to stock up on Nanospeed 9900s and AT900T.

Apparels and accessories were on sale, but did not help myself.

Sunrise Yonex provide Ikea style canvas bags to haul around their 'loot'. Many shoppers scoop up racquets at least 5-10 pieces. My arsenal of racquets is already full, so I can't take in too many...

Tennis racquets and Golf clubs were also on sale. But many shoppers just buy the badminton racquets...

Letting go...of RIP racquets

Serious badminton players sooner or later would have destroyed their favourite racquets.

Here lies a broken 1st Generation Titanium Mesh 10 (Ti-10)...ouch, breaks my heart looking at it.

Many people justify buying cheaper alternatives owing to the pain of losing their expensive investments.

Here is a cheaper APACS racquet costing 1/4 of the Ti-10's price.

Badminton Shoes Galore-How many shoes do you need?

                                          Yonex's SHB65s: From left, 65X, 65FT, 65CF

How many shoes does one need?

I believe like all athletic shoes, it depends on your frequency in engaging in the athletic activity.

For example, I played badminton about 3 times a week, so I purchased 3 pairs of badminton shoes, which I used regularly.

3 shoes in rotation for the 3 days. This has allowed me to wear the shoes for at least 2 years.

i.e. a $100 pair shoes ÷ 24 months = $4.2 per month spent.

$4.2 x 3 = $12.6 spent per month for badminton shoes.

After 2 years, the glue degrades, the outer soles wears out and the shoes fall apart...

Welted leather shoes (unlike glued shoes) on the other hand, can last up to 20 years when maintained properly. So far, no badminton shoes are welted, i.e. can be resoled.

A wingtip welted leather shoes from England.

Yonex SHB65FT Review

A replacement of SHB65CF, this shoe model was released in 2011.

Technology: Ergo Shape, Round Sole, 3-layer Power cushion, very cool mesh, hexagrip sole, Hyper msLITE, Power cushion Insole CF, outsole structure

First impression: This shoe is replacement for Yonex badminton shoe SHB65CF. Comes in two colors, shine orange and black/white. The shoe sits slightly higher up the ground but still low enough. The shoe comes with extra shoe strings.

Fit: The shoe fits well enough, feels like no break-in period is needed. Size fits as indicated. The shoes sit slightly higher up the ground than SHB65CF. Feels very comfortable wearing it, support is very good but felt a bit bulky/chunky.

Game time: Although the shoe felt bulky, this shoe felt bouncy when performing footwork (split step) to hit a shot (landing with the racquet foot). Lunging is easy and so is vertical jump, feels very cool even after 3 hours of game play.

Pros: Great looks, ventilation, cushioning, comfort and movement

Cons: Like most Yonex soles, easily builds up dusts and the sole may not be as durable.

Fit: 9.5/10

Ventilation: 9.5/10

Feel: 8.5/10

Cushioning: 9.5/10

Durability: 8/10

Movement/: 9/10

Grip: 9/10

BWF Superseries Finals

Next month in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur:

http://www.bwfbadminton.org/tournamentcalendar_event.aspx?id=16699

From 11th to 15th December 2013.

Hmm, should I go to watch?

Ever since Li-Ning sponsor BWF, the badminton shopping at the event is as good as the (ahem) previous sponsor. Li-Ning doesn't give good discounts...maybe I'm too cheap...

Location is at Cheras instead of Bukit Jalil.