The two champions (World No. 1 & 2) were at their devastating best. Long rallies; power smashes; nippy net shots; deep pushes to the back; angle shots; etc. This is the best that Badminton can offer.

There was a sense of delight watching them play (even though I was barracking for LCW). When you thought the game was swinging towards one player, the other player steps up. Can it get any better ?

LD was very smart. He slowed the game in the 1st set. He was not going to be rushed as the game plan by LCW was to unruffled him (as he did with BCL and CH) --- every opportunity he had he went to the side. It worked against LCW.

The 3rd set was clearly one of mistakes by both players (given that this happens when players are tired) but LCW committed a fair share of these (hitting into the net several times). It could have gone his way if he had kept it tight but it was a very tough act.

Whatever anyone says, the gap between the two have narrowed to zero. LCW cannot now match LD in every department of play. This augurs well for the World Championship but closer to that we might see them giving us another world class display in the Korean/Thai Open.

Anybody out there kind enough to share your recorded video of the MS Final -LCW&LD. Completely missed it on Supersports.

A Million Thanks...:) :) :) :)

Anybody out there kind enough to share your recorded video of the MS Final -LCW&LD. Completely missed it on Supersports.

A Million Thanks...:) :) :) :)

There's a repeat today (Monday) 0n ch 22 from 4 to 8pm. MS match will probably start about 6pm and end after 7pm but the LS before that is worth watching. Watch mute cos the commentator talks rot and spoils 100% enjoyment.

BTW, LD played very well, even outplaying LCW at the net. LCW could not play his best (indicated by his less than perfect netplay) ;even then the third game score is close. Augurs well for LCW. He should be able to beat LD in 3 games anywhere .Hopefully, they meet again in the TO and KO .

Hi Lee
there will be a delay telcast in supersport today also. Time is 4:00 to 8:00. So I guess LD vs LCW should be around 5:30 pm.

Anybody out there kind enough to share your recorded video of the MS Final -LCW&LD. Completely missed it on Supersports.

A Million Thanks...:) :) :) :)

omg,, how can you miss the show(to lee), we are badminton fans..pls dun miss the repeat again..stay on tv now//

Yah this time i'm ready with my HDD player.Thanks guys.

I agreed with XBall that it was a very close match. The first 2 sets were great to watch, the 3rd was considerably slower.

I read from other MO threads that many said LCW made a lot of unforced errors, that was true, esp on the 3rd set. But so was LD. I donot think there was a big differences on their number of unforced errors between them. (Throughout the 3 sets, I believed LD hit more shots wide or long than LCW did)

The difference I felt was LD can hit more direct winners than LCW. LD still has a little edge has fas as the arsenal is concerned.

If any of the members have recorded that match and has spare time to do some counting, I would be very interested to know the stats on each player in:
(1) number of unforced errors
(2) number of direct winning shots

The two champions (World No. 1 & 2) were at their devastating best. Long rallies; power smashes; nippy net shots; deep pushes to the back; angle shots; etc. This is the best that Badminton can offer.

There was a sense of delight watching them play (even though I was barracking for LCW). When you thought the game was swinging towards one player, the other player steps up. Can it get any better ?

LD was very smart. He slowed the game in the 1st set. He was not going to be rushed as the game plan by LCW was to unruffled him (as he did with BCL and CH) --- every opportunity he had he went to the side. It worked against LCW.

The 3rd set was clearly one of mistakes by both players (given that this happens when players are tired) but LCW committed a fair share of these (hitting into the net several times). It could have gone his way if he had kept it tight but it was a very tough act.

Whatever anyone says, the gap between the two have narrowed to zero. LCW cannot now match LD in every department of play. This augurs well for the World Championship but closer to that we might see them giving us another world class display in the Korean/Thai Open.

Sadly, the moment the match started, LCW never looked capable of winning at all. Its the same thing as the Chinese Taipei Open, Lin Dan simply dominated LCW. I hope LCW will really work on that problem or he would either have to practise dramatic comebacks or request that IBF moves all tournaments to Malaysia. LCW simply cannot go on like this.

Sadly, the moment the match started, LCW never looked capable of winning at all. Its the same thing as the Chinese Taipei Open, Lin Dan simply dominated LCW. I hope LCW will really work on that problem or he would either have to practise dramatic comebacks or request that IBF moves all tournaments to Malaysia. LCW simply cannot go on like this.

LCW is beginning to suffer from "Dan Phobia"...

Sadly, the moment the match started, LCW never looked capable of winning at all. Its the same thing as the Chinese Taipei Open, Lin Dan simply dominated LCW. I hope LCW will really work on that problem or he would either have to practise dramatic comebacks or request that IBF moves all tournaments to Malaysia. LCW simply cannot go on like this.

Oh EastDevil, u sure u're watching the same match? Not sure that i agree with "Lindan simply dominated LCW..." in this game as well as in TO. In fact i think this is best match among the 3 (even though kinda sad after LCW lost...:()
Their level of playing is seriously close! They manage to retrieve most of the difficult shots from each other, esp CW who really did retrieve quite alot of impossible shots..... LD manage to won at last just because he played better at the end crucial points....

It seems the debate has started over LCW's defeat by Lin Dan. I suppose its normal for members to post (post-match) assessment to determine why he lost and LD won. I'd love to join in the fray but I am withholding my comments and assessment till i get my hands on the repeat telecast tonight.

Can u believe i missed that one. Gee what else!!!:mad::mad::mad:


Oh EastDevil, u sure u're watching the same match? Not sure that i agree with "Lindan simply dominated LCW..." in this game as well as in TO. In fact i think this is best match among the 3 (even though kinda sad after LCW lost...:()
Their level of playing is seriously close! They manage to retrieve most of the difficult shots from each other, esp CW who really did retrieve quite alot of impossible shots..... LD manage to won at last just because he played better at the end crucial points....

Oh EastDevil, u sure u're watching the same match? Not sure that i agree with "Lindan simply dominated LCW..." in this game as well as in TO. In fact i think this is best match among the 3 (even though kinda sad after LCW lost...:()
Their level of playing is seriously close! They manage to retrieve most of the difficult shots from each other, esp CW who really did retrieve quite alot of impossible shots..... LD manage to won at last just because he played better at the end crucial points....

With the kind of errors LCW seem to be making, I don't see how he will be able to win. It is simply useless to return tough shots and yet give away cheap points.

Returning tough shots makes for very good entertainment but the game is still about getting 21 points first. I would happily let my opponents return 10 of my tough shots while I get 21 cheap points.

With the kind of errors LCW seem to be making, I don't see how he will be able to win. It is simply useless to return tough shots and yet give away cheap points.

Returning tough shots makes for very good entertainment but the game is still about getting 21 points first. I would happily let my opponents return 10 of my tough shots while I get 21 cheap points.

This time i must agree with East Devil. I have appended my thread below my assessment b4 the match took place 1 week earlier;:(


I agree, LinDan has a slight edge over LCW if they end up in the finals..by virtue of their past records. The only possible way for LCW to win is ;

1.he must ensure he makes lesser unforced errors than LD.
2.he must keep up the pressure whilst he's leading
3.he plays a faster attacking game than LD to force him to make errors and
4.he is mentally and physically stronger on that day - provided he doesn't go thru an exhaustive 3 game semis match the day b4.

IF all the above factors are met you can bet LCW will cruise thru in straight games.

agree agree i think Lcw got improved a lots some difficult shots CW manage to saved it.But he made alots of mistake i think tats why he cant won

With the kind of errors LCW seem to be making, I don't see how he will be able to win. It is simply useless to return tough shots and yet give away cheap points.

Returning tough shots makes for very good entertainment but the game is still about getting 21 points first. I would happily let my opponents return 10 of my tough shots while I get 21 cheap points.

From what i saw, both players do hv the fair share of the amount of errors, cant see LD made alot lesser than LCW. And i should say both improved on making less errors comparing the match in MO and CTO, especially CW who made much more lesser errors than CTO.
Thats because both were definitely in excellent form and played a very high level game, keeping the pressure on each other to make mistakes. Thats what Misbun already predicted earlier.

Sadly, the moment the match started, LCW never looked capable of winning at all. Its the same thing as the Chinese Taipei Open, Lin Dan simply dominated LCW. I hope LCW will really work on that problem or he would either have to practise dramatic comebacks or request that IBF moves all tournaments to Malaysia. LCW simply cannot go on like this.


Hahaha, you are a stirrer with your comment: "...the moment the match started, LCW never looked capable of winning at all". What a a lot of crap ! How does one look to win ?:confused: Like Lin Dan ? He looked like he just woke up from a slumber, if I may say so !

And "Lin Dan simply dominated LCW" is another stirring statement. LOL, what a joke ! LCW domninated Lin Dan in the 2nd game and the beginning of the 3rd. :rolleyes:


Now get this in return from me: LCW gave the game away because LCW wanted LD to feel comfortable because he would lull him for now before he wallops him in the coming World Championship. Get the gist ? :p :D

I think LCW should learn to be more cunning like LD....
eg... more towel break at crucial points... break opponent's rhythm and concentration....
LCW was totally out of focus in the end when LD keep on taking towel break and stuff... and thus all the mistakes sets in

I think LCW should learn to be more cunning like LD....
eg... more towel break at crucial points... break opponent's rhythm and concentration....
LCW was totally out of focus in the end when LD keep on taking towel break and stuff... and thus all the mistakes sets in

You are right. Yap Kim Hock just said the same thing to the media today. LCW needs to ask for more towel break to break the opponent's concentration.

You are right. Yap Kim Hock just said the same thing to the media today. LCW needs to ask for more towel break to break the opponent's concentration.

What did Yap said? Where can i see the article?

What did Yap said? Where can i see the article?

It is in Harian Metro today. Here is the link:
http://www.hmetro.com.my/Current_News/HM/Monday/Sukan/20060724081724/Article/indexm_html

so many lee chong wei fans here ...

so many lee chong wei fans here ...

i guess more than LCW fan, there are more ppl who don't want Lin Dan to win... :p

i guess more than LCW fan, there are more ppl who don't want Lin Dan to win... :p
didnt count their numbers but MAL are sure more dedicated and more vocal...erm ... noisier
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33871

so many lee chong wei fans here ...
hehe.. I would support LD if he changes his attitude..:D
I felt he is too arragont when playing on court... just cannot stand it:(
anyway peace :)

You are right. Yap Kim Hock just said the same thing to the media today. LCW needs to ask for more towel break to break the opponent's concentration.
wow really? I think like YKH :D

I think LD and LCW are equally good from begining of the year, for upcoming games both of them will have 50/50 chance to win.

there is only one winner for each game, for me, who is winner is not important, the most important thing is that the game is wonderful and the players did their best.

hehe.. I would support LD if he changes his attitude..:D
I felt he is too arragont when playing on court... just cannot stand it:(
anyway peace :)

The only person who can change his attitude on court is TH...:D

Lin Dan & Lee Chong Wei: Evolving Perfection

To start off I just downloaded and watched the match Monday nite. It was amazing, I can’t believe how much Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei have pushed each other to get better. If they continue to play like this and improve I don’t think Taufik can catch up.

It was a tight match that left me w/ a feeling I had witnessed a state of evolving perfection and left me w/ questions about why it was such a compelling experience. So as always when I am intrigued I turn to match analysis to bring some clarity to the situation.

First strengths of the two players:

LCW
-Efficient footwork
-Rallying ability
-Net play

LD
-Explosive attack
-Mental toughness
-Tactical flexibility

Strategies going into the Match:

For Lee Chong Wei his strategy was to control the net and take advantage of his superiour rally ability and extend the points. By forcing longer rallies he forces his opponent into errors and utilizes his efficient footwork while making his opponent expend more energy than himself. The longer the game goes on the more vulnerable his opponent will be to fatigue and errors.

For Lin Dan the critical point of his strategy is to disrupt Lee’s rhythm by neutralizing his control at the net and by shortening the rallies w/ quick attacks and flexible shot making. So on what I call option shots LD will attack and try to end the point quickly and avoid the long rallies that LCW favours. Thus he levels the playing field and the game comes down to a test of willpower & focus.

Match Analysis

Both players have improved markedly as other posters indicated. Lee’s defence notably his backhand defence is much better. LD could no longer pound on that wing to force points like in AE2006. On Lin Dan’s side his net play was vastly improved with LD often winning the contest at the net contrasting w/ previous matches.

As the match progressed some trends emerged that made it a compelling contest. Firstly LCW tried to implement his plan to seize control of the net and run LD ragged in the back court. On clear opportunities Lee would attack and try to use his cross court smash or force errors w/ attacking clears off LD’s looser shots at the net. To counter Lin Dan challenged Lee at the net and in Macau he was successful in keeping his shots tight and not giving LCW opportunities. In fact he clearly beat Lee several times at the net which was surprising. Secondly he disrupted Lee’s normal pattern of playing tight on the net by mixing in a large number of flick clears. I believe these did a lot of damage especially in the 3rd game as Lee had to eventually back off the net to guard against flicks to the corners. As a result LCW lost his ability to set points up and was not able to pressurize LD or challenge his stamina reserves as much as he wanted.

Overall, I would give Lin Dan the advantage in the front court play as a result.

As the match progressed LCW attempted to use his other great strength to force long rallies and create opportunities to attack. However LD was constantly duelling with him to seize control of the rallies by utilizing quick attacks notably some deceptive round the head inside out smashes cross court. Almost a power reverse slice I would say. Wild! Lee picked up on it in the 3rd game but not before LD got 3-4 points from it. LCW was successful in winning the longer rallies, but Lin Dan often exploded especially out of his backhand corner to force openings on what I call option shots i.e. 50-50 situations where u could choose to attack or build the rally. It paid off enough in Macau to make it a viable option.

In the back court I would say it was even, no player had a clear advantage.

The only pattern I can notice is that LD is more opportunistic and will take the chance to attack whereas LCW is more a rhythm player, he prefers a longer build up before attacking. It worked for Lin Dan as he minimized the longer rallies and also disrupted LCW’s rhythm enough to take Lee’s footwork out of the equation and neutralize LCW’s rally advantage.

So what about the contest of wills? True to form Lin Dan hung tough during the critical junctures except for the 2nd game where he threw away some points before settling back down. Lee didn’t fare as well and LD was able to close the match out but not without some major counter moves and countering of counter moves. I have to say the new system does not usually favour comebacks, you have be twice as strong mentally as taking chances and not converting on your own serve are punished severely.


Post Match Musings

A tight match but on the critical points Lin Dan was able to seize control while Lee made errors when he needed to force the initiative else LCW was consistent. My thoughts are Lee is not a natural attacker and is more comfortable forcing his opponents into errors rather than actively seeking to end the point. He also lacks a goto shot to end the point and prefers to generate a clear opening before attacking. I believe to progress further LCW either needs to develop a forcing style of play (he has the shots) for the critical times or stick to his current style & trust that in the end his opponent will make an error. It goes w/o saying that he has buckle down and minimize his own errors at those points. Currently I believe Lee is caught in between and unsure if he should stick w/ his own style or attack and this confusion is principally responsible for his errors.

Lin Dan is a natural attacker who is flexible enough to grind out points and adopt new tactics. His only advantage is this tactical flexibility and his clear focus in pressure situations to seize the opportunity to take the point.

Nevertheless Lee is right on Lin Dan’s heels. I believe only w/ these new tactical maneuvers was LD able to win in Macau. The attacking approach was riskier, but allowed LD to play his strengths of attacking and forcing play rather than LCW’s of long rallies and point construction. As another poster noted LD played higher risk badminton and committed more errors but also hit more outright winners.

I am sure LCW will adjust and they will be back at it again. I am curious to see if Lee can add another dimension to his game and adopt forceful play or if he will continue to stick w/ his current approach. On a personal note I believe he will be better off if he can develop the killer instinct to finish points off to complement his efficient rally play. The player who can adapt to the rhythms of the match more quickly will ultimately be the winner. I don’t think any one style can dominate anymore.

Looking forward to the next Clash!

Derek

I think LCW should learn to be more cunning like LD....
eg... more towel break at crucial points... break opponent's rhythm and concentration....
LCW was totally out of focus in the end when LD keep on taking towel break and stuff... and thus all the mistakes sets in This is the "soft skills" that LCW lacks while LD is the master of it. If IBF wants to promote badminton, now its the golden opportunity to add some spice to this sports. IBF can help to create two fierce rivals to make every tournament more interesting. Last year, I was only interested in 6 stars tournaments. This year, even 3 stars or 4 stars tournaments attract my interest simply because I want to see LD and LCW to put up another dog fight in finals. As a badminton fan, I want to see these two top players do things to irritate each other, I want to see them insult each other on the media, I want to see them play like its about life and death. This creates excitement and attracts audience !!! Thai Open....forget about it. If LCW and LD are not there, I am not interested anymore.