Japan Open 2006: FINALS (15/10)

[badMania]

Well..well.....the first two sets were great to watch...esp as Taufik was controlling the net. Even when Lin Dan took the initiative to lead 7-2 and then 14-11, Taufik yet again managed to tie the score. It was at 14-14 that Lin Dan began to exert himself more purposefully and get a handy advantage at 18-14. There was no coming back after that. Taufik surrendered meekly in the third set.

So, Lin Dan has proven once again that he is still the MOST CONSISTENT player! Congratulations! As for Taufik, he has to PROVE that he still has the motivation and burning ambition to compete. Otherwise, he should just retire....

[ctjcad]

TH suddenly isn't in the mood anymore??
hehe, no mood or not motivated or simply no more stamina??..:confused: :rolleyes: :p ;) :)

[vellin]

hehe, next week??....if i were you, i won't count on it...Taufik might as well pack up, say that he has an injury and go home....:p ;) :o

I agree with you... Hope next week Lin dan VS Bao Chunlai in the final..:D

[ye333]

After the 2nd set Taufik knew he cannot win today. So he basically gave up the 3rd set.


definitely not bcoz th runs out of gas...definitely there's a reason why all of a sudden he decided to just ignore the third set...

[bguy7890]

if thats the case, then TH is not a good sportsperson... :rolleyes:

I haven't seen too much sportsmanship in him anyway.

[badMania]

hehe, no mood or not motivated or simply no more stamina??..:confused: :rolleyes: :p ;) :)

It was all going well for him till the closing stages of the second set :cool:

[niuniu]

dam taufik should change his name to taufitt

[sickgal]

btw...not refering to all the taufik's fans out there... im refering to one person where by i forgotten his/her nick name in regarding to one of his/her comment....

just wanna ask u... so this time...does TH purposely dont wanna win the JO MS title??? and since because he does not want to win so he lost to LD,...if he wanted to win he'll beat LD... is there what r u gonna say???:p


so for those who not in concerned...need not quote this msg.. as im only referring to that particular person...no hard feelings!! :p

[BaddestHawaii]

Taufik lost his motivation after LD create a big lead in 3rd set.....

[DinkAlot]

r we gonna have another why taufik lost thread?:p

LOL! You beat me too it. :p

[z3048018]

i think that's the way he's heading. it turned out to be a no contest in the third. sometimes i just wonder why

[badmad]

I haven't seen too much sportsmanship in him anyway.

true... but still people worship him like he is something... :(

[badMania]

OK guys...time for me to sleep....geez...it's 1:25am right now.

I really need to recover from my jetlag once I go back to HKG next week....:cool:

[DinkAlot]

Man, I bet there's going to be a lot of drama about the last 5 minutes of the LD/TH match.

[badmad]

btw, nice volleyball match in progress on CCTV5... enjoy!!! :)

[ctjcad]

r we gonna have another why taufik lost thread?:p
...hehehehe, if they want to, then bring it on......(j/k guys)..;):):D

[maa2003]

hehe, no mood or not motivated or simply no more stamina??..:confused: :rolleyes: :p ;) :)

most probably no stamina .......
- did u see in the 2nd set when TH made a failure at his backhand ? he shout .....
- did u see also in 3rd set when 20-3 ? TH simply just pushed the shuttle into the net to end the set .....

anyway congrate to LD and his fans, this is officially the 2nd-times LD won against TH in 21-points (Thomas Cup is not counted).

Taufik will go back home for Festive season next week, so he will not participate in China Open 2006

[BaddestHawaii]

One word..."FITNESS"...You really need a lot of it to be good in badminton!!!

[Wai Shing]

Can anybody say "anti-climatic"???? for a 3rd game. To be honest though, he gave up at the interval like someone else already mentioned. The last point...lol
gotta love taufik's attitude after losing though, so...careless, as if to say "screw this game, nevermind japan, I'll beat you at your homeground next week!":confused: :eek:

[sickgal]

any comment???

so will there be a thread with the title 'ask LYB why LD wins the title??':p

[cooler]

hehe, no mood or not motivated or simply no more stamina??..:confused: :rolleyes: :p ;) :)
no. TH is too reliance on his one trick pony, drops and nets.
I'm sure LYB had worked on LD to defeat TH's bread and butter tactic.
Initially, TH net shots reign supreme and LD sucks. As the game progress, reverse is happening, TH net shots loosing the edge while LD net shots improves.

To Taufik fans, what u saw on 3rd set is real lin dan versus real taufik.
LD has the speed and power every set. TH main weapon, nets and accuracy, lose potency when TH is tired or even a bit tired. Near the end of 3rd set, taufik forget how to do simple clear, too reliance of net strokes and it backfired.

[BaddestHawaii]

SAD!! but i get used to it by now...=|

[hydrocyanic]

if LD win, he is consistent

if TH win, he is best

if LD lost, of cuz he will lose

if TH lost, he is unmotivated, no in mood, or insert one of the million excuses we have found to this date

and some more...

if its chinese final, its boring, but wait! we just had a 30-29 boring game

following all these logics, china must lose to make the game exciting?

some of you guys' comments or way of thinking is just... funny :)

seeing that the 2nd set ends on 21-16, i guess TH first thought of ending the game early, but once LD found his way to win, TH was already too late to either finish it quickly, or preserve energy for the 3rd game

[phaarix]

Taufik's really lost it :(. I thought he was really making a comeback when I saw him play in the World Champs. And now beating LCW so convincingly and looking to do the same to LD according to the result of the first set... But after this... I really have no idea how he's going to play next. This may really affect him seeing as LD is pretty much his rival. I guess we'll just have to wait till the China Open to see.

[ctjcad]

Taufik lost his motivation after LD create a big lead in 3rd set.....
...i don't want to start this again, but WHY??....after getting and forcing a rubber set, then all of a sudden give up??...:confused: :rolleyes: :p

[ye333]

I think that's not true. My impression is that Taufik cared and really thought he can beat LD. However LD turned out to be stronger than Taufik had expected.

On the other hand, JO is really not that important to TH, so he didn't want to really fight.


Can anybody say "anti-climatic"????
gotta love taufik's attitude after losing though, so...careless, as if to say "nevermind japan, I'll beat you at your homeground next week!":confused: :eek:

[baihaki_as]

ok going to sleep, not interesting in wd

[Wildstone]

well said, i guess this is just the human nature. When a person is winning too much people hoping him/her to lose. When he/her keeps on winning ppl treat that as "normal, not surprising".

[ye333]

Because he didn't want to fight, and there is really little chance that he can turn it over.


...i don't want to start this again, but WHY??....after getting and forcing a rubber set, then all of a sudden give up??...:confused: :rolleyes: :p

[z3048018]

is that it? no more? what about WD?

[Han]

Use to respect Taufik even with his off court activity, but after seeing his "effort" in game 3 against Lin Dan, I was really dissapointed. Once his net play was not effective anymore then he just simply gave up. If Indonesia is going to rely on Taufik in the future then the future is bleak as the lazy Tuafik is the one mostly will show up, not the one we use to admire.
Both players were eager to play against one another but Taufik was still not mentally ready especially when he was behind.
Give Lin Dan credit, he beat Taufik fair and square(he even agreed changing shuttles when he was behind).
Lin Dan is undisputed world #1 in my book.

[DinkAlot]

any comment???

so will there be a thread with the title 'ask LYB why LD wins the title??':p

LOL! You guys and gals are too funny! :D

[ctjcad]

no. TH is too reliance on his one trick pony, drops and nets.
I'm sure LYB had worked on LD to defeat TH's bread and butter tactic.
Initially, TH net shots reign supreme and LD sucks. As the game progress, reverse is happening, TH net shots loosing the edge while LD net shots improves.

To Taufik fans, what u saw on 3rd set is real lin dan versus real taufik.
LD has the speed and power every set. TH main weapon, nets and accuracy, lose potency when TH is tired or even a bit tired. Near the end of 3rd set, taufik forget how to do simple clear, too reliance of net strokes and it backfired.
...i think that's the bottomline...It's simple, LD paced himself and had more energy thruout the whole match in comparison to Taufik..;)

[cindie]

Use to respect Taufik even with his off court activity, but after seeing his "effort" in game 3 against Lin Dan, I was really dissapointed. Once his net play was not effective anymore then he just simply gave up. If Indonesia is going to rely on Taufik in the future then the future is bleak as the lazy Tuafik is the one mostly will show up, not the one we use to admire.
Both players were eager to play against one another but Taufik was still not mentally ready especially when he was behind.
Give Lin Dan credit, he beat Taufik fair and square(he even agreed changing shuttles when he was behind).
Lin Dan is undisputed world #1 in my book.

Well said. I agree. LD deserves to be given the credit.

[jasonmarc]

After the 2nd set Taufik knew he cannot win today. So he basically gave up the 3rd set.

A very bad display of attitute as a sportman, TH just simply hit the shuttle cock out of the court, into the net......just to give away points......to lose the game....what the....:mad: i m vaery dissapointed by him as he was one of the badminton player i like most.....:crying: :crying: , should this is the way a world class sportman play...:confused: :crying: :confused: :crying:

[xiao yun]

Next gAme is WD...
i vote for GaoLing/HuangSui...:D :D :D

[cao ci dan]

SALUTES SUPERDAN AGAIN!!!CONGRATULATIONS!!
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[hydrocyanic]

now we need few threads about:

"did LYB asked LD to break TH's leg?"

"reason(s) why TH lost"

"wrong call on line judge"

anything to add? :)

good game to both players, at least for the first 2 sets

[ctjcad]

Because he didn't want to fight, and there is really little chance that he can turn it over.
...okaay, please elaborate as to why all of a sudden he "didn't want to fight"??...wasn't he able to rally in the 2nd set and make it a close affair eventhough he lost??..and all of a sudden he's "scared" to play LinDan??..or he simply just ran out of gas??..:rolleyes: ;)

Anyways, enough of that, i'll end it there...I think we've ran this 2 weeks ago to pieces, sorry again....
Let's enjoy the last match of the day, shall wel??..;):)

[zqloy]

Guys, now i think LD vs LCW is even more interesting. Taufik..... haiz.... wat to say..... he is the most talented played but no fighting spirit and stamina......
Whereas LCW reads LD's game so well, he's currently the only 1 where LD find so difficult even to smash down a point.....

[z3048018]

but volleyball is still on...sigh

[niuniu]

i think taufik has pretty much given up his career... since he got olympics and wc... i guess he just doesn't want to play as hard as b4 now.... well thats his choice

[woodenRacket]

OMG!

This is a fair world, you see. In 2005 WC LD lost to TH 15:3, and today TH lost 21:3.

But TH's lost is more humiliating. No sportsmanship to quit fighting.

[kwun]

now we need few threads about:

"did LYB asked LD to break TH's leg?"

"reason(s) why TH lost"

"wrong call on line judge"

anything to add? :)

good game to both players, at least for the first 2 sets

actually, there wasn't any disputed line calls were there? i don't remember seeing one over the whole final.

as LYB, i don't even notice him being present. only saw Zhong Bo coaching LD.

[z3048018]

zqloy, agree with you there. i think it would have been much more entertaining for us fans if it were LD LCW final.

[eagle]

MSF no where near the intensity and hardwork as that of WSF...
Taufik must play till death...his focus somehow was not there as it was in the first game...Of course its Lin Dan(his biceps are more stronger now!!) who will bounce back..but got to keep working the gameplan and also adjust the strategy when needed...which TH couldn't do.

[sickgal]

I think that's not true. My impression is that Taufik cared and really thought he can beat LD. However LD turned out to be stronger than Taufik had expected.

On the other hand, JO is really not that important to TH, so he didn't want to really fight.


JO not important?? then might as well TH dont join in then...5* tournament is not an important one...winning a title for a tournament is not an important one...so what's the purpose of joining/????:confused:


and if thats really a not important tournament...why waste the time to cruise to the final then??? wanna have a holiday or window shopping in japan is it???:p

[maa2003]

Totally agree ......... TH or whoever if would like to beat LD should has good stamina also ....... you can see BCL during WC2006 and now TH in JO2006.

LD is World No. 1, no doubt for it.


Use to respect Taufik even with his off court activity, but after seeing his "effort" in game 3 against Lin Dan, I was really dissapointed. Once his net play was not effective anymore then he just simply gave up. If Indonesia is going to rely on Taufik in the future then the future is bleak as the lazy Tuafik is the one mostly will show up, not the one we use to admire.
Both players were eager to play against one another but Taufik was still not mentally ready especially when he was behind.
Give Lin Dan credit, he beat Taufik fair and square(he even agreed changing shuttles when he was behind).
Lin Dan is undisputed world #1 in my book.

[phaarix]

We really have no idea what goes on in TH's head, but one thing's for sure, at some point in that 3rd set (it's hard to tell exactly where, but it was quite early) he just lost it (mentally), and couldn't really continue to fight in the state he was in.

That's where Lin Dan's mental strength comes in, and he took full advantage of that to win the match. They are both great players, but Taufik just doesn't have the same never say die attitude as Lin Dan.

I must say I'm pretty disappointed, but I'm very interested to see how it affects Taufik's future games. Well, without Taufik we wouldn't have all this drama, so if anything good comes of it, at least he always manages to make things very interesting :D!

[woodenRacket]

LD has proved him to be a true champion!

[DinkAlot]

I suspect the whole time during the 3rd set, TH was looking for an excuse to walk-off but there was none so he just started making unforced errors and not attacking, laying up if you will.

Sad to see.

The handshake was very bad as well, barely an acknowledgment. Oh well. :(

[cao ci dan]

now we need few threads about:
"did LYB asked LD to break TH's leg?"
"reason(s) why TH lost"
"wrong call on line judge"
anything to add? :)
good game to both players, at least for the first 2 sets
plus 'ask indra why taufik lost'...hahaha:D

[yowkee]

Lin Dan has proved he is the convincing World No. 1 with his beating of Peter Gade and Taufik. He plays a fair game, don't you see how well his tricky quick drop and his reading of Taufik's returned shot works!

Taufik is just showing he isn't quite mentally prepared. If he does have the desire, prove it in China Open then.

[woodenRacket]

All TH fans, no more funny excuses for TH's lost. He is not as good as LD now, though he WAS better in the past. That's the reality, cruel, but true.

[zqloy]

Totally agree ......... TH or whoever if would like to beat LD should has good stamina also ....... you can see BCL during WC2006 and now TH in JO2006.

LD is World No. 1, no doubt for it.

I agree. The only player's stamina can match LD is LCW. So LCW faster recover to yr old form plz!!! And beat LD! :D:D:D

[cindie]

The handshake was very bad as well, barely an acknowledgment. Oh well. :(

Yeah.. I find it very rude. :rolleyes: But, it's expected..

[phaarix]

I suspect the whole time during the 3rd set, TH was looking for an excuse to walk-off but there was none so he just started making unforced errors and not attacking, laying up if you will.

I wouldn't go that far :(. His attitude was disappointing in the final set but I don't think he would have repeated the HKO incident. I think he was genuinely fed up with the line judging at HKO whether it really was bad or not. I don't think he just goes looking for "excuses".

[xijiayu]

I think many people should just accept the fact that LD is better than TH. No more excuse, full stop!

[ctjcad]

....well, the performance by Taufik in the 3rd set, that says it all guys...Nothing more, nothing less...:p :o
To start with, even from the live webcast, i can notice Taufik is not in shape, even with his baggy clothings hanging out all over the place...Actually his picture the other day shows it all...
Now, we just want to hear from Taufik himself what he's got to say abt his performance..:rolleyes:
I can sense what LinDan must be feeling now. It's also quite unfair. First he got walked off in the HK Open, now he got an effortless effort by Taufik in the 3rd set??..:rolleyes::p

As for Taufik playing and competing next week in China Open, i know the fans over there and LinDan would love another apprearance by Taufik, but IMO, i think he should just pack up and go home...I really don't see any reason for Taufik to go over there and then give another awful performance..:p:mad: :( :o

I'll say this, the only way Taufik will ever come back again and challenge LinDan or anyone else "for real", is for him to go back & train and work his body off like he's never been in shape before...Forget abt the upcoming Asian Games in Doha, with or without LinDan...And now, forget abt what Taufik or anyone else's word of saying "He's ready" or "I'm ready" etc2...Either that, or like badMania mentioned earlier, just quit and retire..

...oh BTW, phew, i don't have to eat crow after all...hehe:p ;) :) :D

[woodenRacket]

I suspect the whole time during the 3rd set, TH was looking for an excuse to walk-off but there was none so he just started making unforced errors and not attacking, laying up if you will.

Sad to see.

The handshake was very bad as well, barely an acknowledgment. Oh well. :(

Yes, he just touched LD's hand a little bit. Be like a gentleman, TH!:cool:

[sickgal]

I suspect the whole time during the 3rd set, TH was looking for an excuse to walk-off but there was none so he just started making unforced errors and not attacking, laying up if you will.

Sad to see.

The handshake was very bad as well, barely an acknowledgment. Oh well. :(


i agree with u 100%...the handshanke...ehem ehem...so rude of him i would say... might as well just said his hand had a fit so cannot shake hand with LD..not gentleman and no attitude...

p/s: if this whats the TH's fans like bout him as they proclaimed so called ''attitude''...mmm... ( no eye see)....:rolleyes:

[DinkAlot]

I wouldn't go that far :(. His attitude was disappointing in the final set but I don't think he would have repeated the HKO incident. I think he was genuinely fed up with the line judging at HKO whether it really was bad or not. I don't think he just goes looking for "excuses".

I disagree. I think he does look for excuses (at least recently). As I posted in another thread:

"Taufik lost because he gave up. It's as simple as that.

Why he gave up, you can fill in that blank.

As for what I think, I bet Taufik felt even if he played his best in the 3rd set, he would have still lost. So instead of trying, he layed up. Taufik did not want to face reality, the possibility that if he played his best he could be beat."

The reason for this is because in the past, if TH played his best, he would win. He had the confidence. Now that possibility is in doubt, hence Taufik's attitude is in doubt.

[2cents]

I suspect the whole time during the 3rd set, TH was looking for an excuse to walk-off but there was none so he just started making unforced errors and not attacking, laying up if you will.

Sad to see.

The handshake was very bad as well, barely an acknowledgment. Oh well. :(

The reason Taufik did not walk off this time, is simple, $7,200 ! Walking off in early round at HKO, he lost only $700, now at the final, if he walked off, he would lost $7,200 ! So that might the reason he stayed :D

[Wai Shing]

Anyone got a glimpse of the MS prize giving ceremony? I wonder how it went about...With both players being not particularly happy

[ctjcad]

Lin Dan has proved he is the convincing World No. 1 with his beating of Peter Gade and Taufik. He plays a fair game, don't you see how well his tricky quick drop and his reading of Taufik's returned shot works!

Taufik is just showing he isn't quite mentally prepared. If he does have the desire, prove it in China Open then.
..well, i don't know if you've heard of this saying before : The mind is willing, but the body is weak...;)

[z3048018]

if the 3rd set isn't a classic example of "giving up" then i don't know what is.

anyone saw the ceremony? did LD invite TH onto the winners stand?
what about the WD - any scores?

[jasonmarc]

Totally agree ......... TH or whoever if would like to beat LD should has good stamina also ....... you can see BCL during WC2006 and now TH in JO2006.

LD is World No. 1, no doubt for it.

Yes, 100% agree, LD is the real world No. 1 :D :D :D

[z3048018]

..well, i don't know if you've heard of this saying before : The mind is willing, but the body is weak...;)

the mind was elsewhere, definitely not on the finals

[ctjcad]

the mind was elsewhere, definitely not on the finals
...hehehe, after fighting thru 2 hard sets, then his mind just went off & he decides to quit playing..?!?!..:confused: :rolleyes: :p

[z3048018]

he lost his mind :D :D :D:p :p :p :p

[DinkAlot]

Where's WD? Volleyball is still on.

[TKG2609]

maybe net time better lee chong wei n taufik fight each other to get number 2 title ....

[TKG2609]

wait 2 see taufik vs chen jin in CO ...

[cao ci dan]

if the 3rd set isn't a classic example of "giving up" then i don't know what is.

anyone saw the ceremony? did LD invite TH onto the winners stand?
what about the WD - any scores?
don't need to invite as only one winner stand for both!!but there's a big gap between them...not even close when taking pics!!:cool:

[ctjcad]

wait 2 see taufik vs chen jin in CO ...
..oh, please...do you think Taufik will recover in time to play a well rested Chen Jin, who is probably watching intently on the match and already licking his chops if he gets a chance to play Taufik..hehe:p ;):D

[TKG2609]

next week ranking : 1. Lin Dan 2. Taufik 3. Lee Chong Wei 4. Taufik Hidayat 4. bao Cun Lai 5. Lee Hyun Il 6. Chen Hong 7. Chen Jin 8. Hafiz Hashim

[z3048018]

so, the wide angle lens' finally comes into use!!!

[cindie]

Where's WD? Volleyball is still on.

I don't think they will be showing the WD. :(

[DinkAlot]

r u gonna show tony your new trick...like how to break a racket :D:p

Naw. Instead, I would like for Tony to show me how he controls the game everytime he steps on the court. :p

[DinkAlot]

I don't think they will be showing the WD. :(

Danngit! But on the otherhand, I can go to sleep now. :p

Good night all! :D

[TKG2609]

sorry number 4 shoud be peter gade .... based on JO performances

[cao ci dan]

Gao Ling/Huang Shui won with 21-15 21-17

[ctjcad]

OMG!

This is a fair world, you see. In 2005 WC LD lost to TH 15:3, and today TH lost 21:3.
..aahh, i think i've got to concur with you...It is indeed a "fair world" after all...You can say, what comes around goes around and it can be applied esp. for all those recent linejudging uproars and how to "fix it"...;) :)

[z3048018]

yeahhhhh...good on GL/HS...simply 'unbeatable'!!! thanks cao

[ants]

Its all about EGO... :) Taufik have lots of it on court.

[weeyet]

already 11-2 for LinDan leh

are u a chinese indonesian who speaks chinese..:p

[nwy5633]

now the world know 1 thing...
LD vs taufik will not be the most exciting encounter...
it will be...
LD vs LCW...
lets see...
although LD meet LCW frequently and always win against LCW...
but LCW never give up and fought all the way...
he did watever he can juz like returning 1 and 1 smashes from LD...
but 2day taufik dun even really wan to return LD shot...
haiz...
another dissapointment meeting for LD vs taufik...
maybe we juz can say tat taufik has lost his fighting spirit...
hope someone will come out and beat LD...
LD was too lonely as no.1 now & someone need to stop this happening...
i will really hope LCW can be the man who chase LD all the way...
juz like michael schumacher who came back from trailing 25 points behind...
LCW , wish you can back to your best form be4 DOHA...

[BadFever]

Wow, went to take a short nap and now LD totally demolished TH. Crazy. :p Congratulation to Lin Dan. He is definitely the undisputed World Champion and World no 1 now. :)

[ctjcad]

Taufik will go back home for Festive season next week, so he will not participate in China Open 2006
..sigh, is that true??..if so, thank goodness...:p ;)

[ctjcad]

One word..."FITNESS"...You really need a lot of it to be good in badminton!!!
...BaddestHawaii, sigh, where were you 2 weeks ago during the WC...I could've used your opinion in one of the hotly contested thread in there..hehe:p ;) :D

[phaarix]

now the world know 1 thing...
LD vs taufik will not be the most exciting encounter...
it will be...
LD vs LCW...
lets see...
although LD meet LCW frequently and always win against LCW...
but LCW never give up and fought all the way...
he did watever he can juz like returning 1 and 1 smashes from LD...
but 2day taufik dun even really wan to return LD shot...
haiz...
another dissapointment meeting for LD vs taufik...
maybe we juz can say tat taufik has lost his fighting spirit...
hope someone will come out and beat LD...
LD was too lonely as no.1 now & someone need to stop this happening...
i will really hope LCW can be the man who chase LD all the way...
juz like michael schumacher who came back from trailing 25 points behind...
LCW , wish you can back to your best form be4 DOHA...
Yes, atm with Taufik's current attitude (which is really starting to get on my nerves because I think he's an excellent player and I REALLY want to see him play to his full potential) LCW is definitely LD's biggest threat (possibly CJ soon though?). LCW really fights, Taufik must get his head sorted.

I mean, despite losing to CH, I was really impressed with Taufik during WC06. He was doing his best, he never gave up. He seemed to have just the right attitude. I've come to the conclusion that not only his game is unpredictable, but also his attitude. At one tournament he may be just like the other top players - always fighting, a true sportsman. While at another he may, walk out, give up, or just act like he really doesn't care. Of course I like the Taufik that played at the WC more than the Taufik that played tonight at the JO (could it be because he did not play LD at the WC? He only seems to be like this when playing LD). You never know which Taufik will turn up to which tournament :). It's like he's got a split personality. Maybe we should start calling him "Taufik 1" and "Taufik 2" depending on his attitude at any given tournament :).

[maa2003]

..sigh, is that true??..if so, thank goodness...:p ;)

oops sorry, ....... I mess-up with Invitational World Cup.

[jermaine]

whahahah lin dan my hero!! jump smasher non-stop... can anyone beat him?
he seems unbeatable at all..

this is the fitness of the world number 1!:D winning so many tournaments a year and the most number of tournaments any plyer can be compared to- LIN DAN>>>>> woooo 97 sit ups per minute.... beat him in sit ups first !

good game for taufik, i respect him,

[phaarix]

I'm amazed at LD, he's pretty much become the Roger Federer of Badminton! He rarely ever loses!

[zqloy]

Yes, atm with Taufik's current attitude (which is really starting to get on my nerves because I think he's an excellent player and I REALLY want to see him play to his full potential) LCW is definitely LD's biggest threat (possibly CJ soon though?). LCW really fights, Taufik must get his head sorted.

I mean, despite losing to CH, I was really impressed with Taufik during WC06. He was doing his best, he never gave up. He seemed to have just the right attitude. I've come to the conclusion that not only his game is unpredictable, but also his attitude. At one tournament he may be just like the other top players - always fighting, a true sportsman. While at another he may, walk out, give up, or just act like he really doesn't care. Of course I like the Taufik that played at the WC more than the Taufik that played tonight at the JO (could it be because he did not play LD at the WC? He only seems to be like this when playing LD). You never know which Taufik will turn up to which tournament :). It's like he's got a split personality. Maybe we should start calling him "Taufik 1" and "Taufik 2" depending on his attitude at any given tournament :).

After disappointed by Taufik's attitude, yup i should say LCW and CJ is LD's only threat in the future. Both have great skills and hv "nvr say die" attitude. And the most important thing is, while LD is already at his peak, both of them r still much improving! Lets see wat happens in Olym 08'. :rolleyes:

[Malaysianfan]

Congrats to Lin Dan! He is so fit that anyone else can hardly beat him.

[yingcheng]

anyone saw the ceremony? did LD invite TH onto the winners stand?
what about the WD - any scores?

yup...i saw taufik on the winners stand....with no interaction between taufik & lindan on the stand of coz...

for the WD, Gao/Huang won by 2-0

[phaarix]

Heh, WD seems to have been almost completely lost in the midst of all the TH vs LD drama :D.

[cindie]

Yes, atm with Taufik's current attitude (which is really starting to get on my nerves because I think he's an excellent player and I REALLY want to see him play to his full potential) LCW is definitely LD's biggest threat (possibly CJ soon though?)

I think he did play to his full potential just now, in the JO final (except for the 3rd set). He just couldn't beat LD.

[phaarix]

I think he did play to his full potential just now, in the JO final (except for the 3rd set). He just couldn't beat LD.

Yeah, current form taken into consideration, I believe he did (2nd set included). I have no doubt in my mind that Lin Dan is better overall right now. Taufik could have won, but I always knew deep down that Lin Dan would come out on top in this match. He always does seem to win in the end :p.

[Baderz_Jas]

he did well to win the Japan Open this year! :) Jia You! I wasn't very pleased with TH! :mad: no sportsmanship! :mad: I hope LD keeps on winning titles! :D

[Baderz_Jas]

what a WS final! I must buy the dvd (from Han :D ), well my mum must buy it! :D Well done Zhang Ning. XXF, nearly made another golden couple! :) so unlucky! 29-30 :eek:

[z3048018]

you know, watching it (delayed) live made it all the worse. a majority of us (myself included) nearly had a heart attack :D :p ;) . it was just :eek: :eek: :eek: but great fun to watch

[hezudao]

dang!!!!miss the whole thing.....at least i found out lin dan won:)

[ctjcad]

I think he did play to his full potential just now, in the JO final (except for the 3rd set). He just couldn't beat LD.
..hmm, i know what you're trying to get across, but IMO, this sounds a bit conflicting...If TH "did play to his full potential", then why only give it his all thru 2 sets?? What happened in the 3rd set??..Esp. that 3rd set, boy, with him just giving away points after points, it's almost ridiculous. IMO, it's so obvious that most likely he only gave 2/3 effort, not the "full potential".:p ;)

[ctjcad]

Yes, atm with Taufik's current attitude (which is really starting to get on my nerves because I think he's an excellent player and I REALLY want to see him play to his full potential) LCW is definitely LD's biggest threat (possibly CJ soon though?). LCW really fights, Taufik must get his head sorted.

I mean, despite losing to CH, I was really impressed with Taufik during WC06. He was doing his best, he never gave up. He seemed to have just the right attitude. I've come to the conclusion that not only his game is unpredictable, but also his attitude. At one tournament he may be just like the other top players - always fighting, a true sportsman. While at another he may, walk out, give up, or just act like he really doesn't care. Of course I like the Taufik that played at the WC more than the Taufik that played tonight at the JO (could it be because he did not play LD at the WC? He only seems to be like this when playing LD). You never know which Taufik will turn up to which tournament :). It's like he's got a split personality. Maybe we should start calling him "Taufik 1" and "Taufik 2" depending on his attitude at any given tournament :).
hmm, to the statement i've highlighted in bold, i've got to say the difference in last yr's WC & this JO was Taufik readiness, physically and mentally(of course coupled that with LD's energy-sapping 3 setters match in the Semis). These 2 go hand in hand, without one, esp. being physically ready(fit), it's going to be tough. Because in this sport, esp. MS badminton, in order for one to "fight" and "compete fully", one must have enough endurance/be physically ready.;)

[ctjcad]

oops sorry, ....... I mess-up with Invitational World Cup.
hehe, you know what, you might be right, cos the Muslim's holy month/fasting period of Ramadan is coming up within 2 weeks or so...So, perhaps Taufik will have other more important plans in his agenda and schedule..:confused: :rolleyes: ;) ..With that said, with the Ramadan period abt to commence in 2 weeks time (and will last basically the whole month November) and the AG in December, what are the chances Taufik will be committed to train and get himself ready/in shape to compete??..hmm:rolleyes: :p ;)

[ctjcad]

hmm, to the statement i've highlighted in bold, i've got to say the difference in last yr's WC & this JO was Taufik readiness, physically and mentally(of course coupled that with LD's energy-sapping 3 setters match in the Semis). These 2 go hand in hand, without one, esp. being physically ready(fit), it's going to be tough. Because in this sport, esp. MS badminton, in order for one to "fight" and "compete fully", one must have enough endurance/be physically ready.;)
..hehe, i must add : esp. against an opponent who is well known to be quite fit and a hard worker..;) :)

[Baderz_Jas]

IMO, LD always do this to his opponents... 1st set he plays steadily and occasionally he plays some fast rallies. 2nd set he still plays steadily but a little bit faster, then... 3rd set (if he has to play it) he goes all-in and his opponent just can't keep up. Then he wins :D :p Which is what he did to TH today. :)

[IIeSumirat]

hehe, you know what, you might be right, cos the Muslim's holy month/fasting period of Ramadan is coming up within 2 weeks or so...So, perhaps Taufik will have other more important plans in his agenda and schedule..:confused: :rolleyes: ;) ..With that said, with the Ramadan period abt to commence in 2 weeks time (and will last basically the whole month November) and the AG in December, what are the chances Taufik will be committed to train and get himself ready/in shape to compete??..hmm:rolleyes: :p ;)

Nope, we are just in the middle (more than half way) of Ramadan. It will end October 23 (Iedl Fitr). I don't know if Taufik is fasting or not. But, having said that, I don't think his lost has anything todo with his being fasting (or not). It's just he dislikes LD so much, but unfortunately he responsed it in a negative way.. somehow he has to outlet this chemical reaction inside his body, if cannot in positive way, then so be it in negative way, which you all refer to as "lack of sportmanship". It would be interesting if Taufik write a Memoir about what he thinks and his feeling on each highlight of his career after he retired, since we would not get that easily as long as he is still active. Better yet, ask Rizal Mantovani to make movie about him, it ll be a commercial success I guess.

I think it will be better for Taufik to play against LD more often, to get use of this feeling and overcome it in a positive way. This is his last hurdle in his process being a grown-up player. In this spirit, China Open will be good for him.

[hydrocyanic]

Nope, we are just in the middle (more than half way) of Ramadan. It will end October 23 (Iedl Fitr). I don't know if Taufik is fasting or not. But, having said that, I don't think his lost has anything todo with his being fasting (or not). It's just he dislikes LD so much, but unfortunately he responsed it in a negative way.. somehow he has to outlet this chemical reaction inside his body, if cannot in positive way, then so be it in negative way, which you all refer to as "lack of sportmanship". It would be interesting if Taufik write a Memoir about what he thinks and his feeling on each highlight of his career after he retired, since we would not get that easily as long as he is still active. Better yet, ask Rizal Mantovani to make movie about him, it ll be a commercial success I guess.

I think it will be better for Taufik to play against LD more often, to get use of this feeling and overcome it in a positive way. This is his last hurdle in his process being a grown-up player. In this spirit, China Open will be good for him.

rather than filming a talented player becoming successful, i'd like to see the hardworking and training LD becoming a winner beating the talented TH

thats just me though, afterall, whats good in a movie when the protagonist come in and beat everyone anyways?

[hcpoirot]

I think that's not true. My impression is that Taufik cared and really thought he can beat LD. However LD turned out to be stronger than Taufik had expected.

On the other hand, JO is really not that important to TH, so he didn't want to really fight.

If that the reason, Taufik should retire. For a sportman, there is not a small or big events. You had to do your best if you already participate in a tournament.

The best and current example is : XXF.

She just win WC 2006 title. And in Japan Open, she reach final and meet ZN. If she choose to play lazily and give the title to ZN, LYB probably would not scold her, cause the WS title already for Chinese ladies.

Not to mention, next week there will be a big tournament in her country. She can save lots of energy and play the best in China Open.

But if she play like Taufik?

The heck no! Even if she just win big title, even if she met her own teammates and even if next week is China Open, she play all of her best. By playing 3 sets with a dramatic lost 29-30 in third set.

Thats a true sportman attitude, never to give up or choose how to play, serious or playful . You always play 100% seriously and give all your best.

Taufik already play in final of a tournament. Its really a shame that he just gave up the third set cause he already tired meanwhile LD still fresh. What kind of attitude is that.

[hcpoirot]

I disagree. I think he does look for excuses (at least recently). As I posted in another thread:

"Taufik lost because he gave up. It's as simple as that.

Why he gave up, you can fill in that blank.

As for what I think, I bet Taufik felt even if he played his best in the 3rd set, he would have still lost. So instead of trying, he layed up. Taufik did not want to face reality, the possibility that if he played his best he could be beat."

The reason for this is because in the past, if TH played his best, he would win. He had the confidence. Now that possibility is in doubt, hence Taufik's attitude is in doubt.

Agree with you 100% :D

[hcpoirot]

So for MS, the most consistant players must be: LD and LCW. The axample is WC 2006 and JO 2006.

Although LCW lost both events in SF but he reach the final four twice. That cannot be said for BCL, Chen Hong, Peter G and Taufik.

And for LD. What can anyone said now? (specially LD haters?) He had a stamina like a horse. :D

In 3 week , 2 big tournaments back to back, he reach the final and won both of them. Also he defeat 4 of top players . From Chen Hong, Bao Chun Lai, Peter Gade and Taufik. Other players must be exhausted to boot.

THen next week China Open. Can he made it three times in a row? Not to mention he had to play probably a fresh BCL in SF and even fresher CJ in final?

[ctjcad]

Nope, we are just in the middle (more than half way) of Ramadan. It will end October 23 (Iedl Fitr). I don't know if Taufik is fasting or not. But, having said that, I don't think his lost has anything todo with his being fasting (or not). It's just he dislikes LD so much, but unfortunately he responsed it in a negative way.. somehow he has to outlet this chemical reaction inside his body, if cannot in positive way, then so be it in negative way, which you all refer to as "lack of sportmanship". It would be interesting if Taufik write a Memoir about what he thinks and his feeling on each highlight of his career after he retired, since we would not get that easily as long as he is still active. Better yet, ask Rizal Mantovani to make movie about him, it ll be a commercial success I guess.

I think it will be better for Taufik to play against LD more often, to get use of this feeling and overcome it in a positive way. This is his last hurdle in his process being a grown-up player. In this spirit, China Open will be good for him.
thanks for your input and rectification(on Ramadan period, as i remember usually it lasts thru November), IIeSumirat..btw, you're not the great Iie Sumirat, are you??..:rolleyes: ;) :)
Well, re your comment i've highlighted in bold, i thought Taufik already said it quite a few times(seriously or not), that he wants to challenge LD etc2. Now, what?? He's already in the Finals against LinDan, then he gave up??..I think there's more to that and there's a reason behind him for simply "giving up"..Besides, it's not like this is his 1st or 2nd time facing LD, so i'm sure he knows/quite familiar with LD's game by now..
And last, re your comment that "China Open will be good for Taufik", uuhm, the JO was IMO, Taufik's best chance to grab a title and win over LD before the CO, yet he was a disappointment..Thus I highly doubt he'll give his best there, even if he does participate....Unless the CHN MS players tanked their game and just let Taufik have his way around(gud forbid)..:rolleyes: :p ;)

[IIeSumirat]

thanks for your input and rectification(on Ramadan period, as i remember usually it lasts thru November), IIeSumirat..btw, you're not the great Iie Sumirat, are you??..:rolleyes: ;) :)
Well, re your comment i've highlighted in bold, i thought Taufik already said it quite a few times(seriously or not), that he wants to challenge LD etc2. Now, what?? He's already in the Finals against LinDan, then he gave up??..I think there's more to that and there's a reason behind him for simply "giving up"..Besides, it's not like this is his 1st or 2nd time facing LD, so i'm sure he knows/quite familiar with LD's game by now..
And last, re your comment that "China Open will be good for Taufik", uuhm, the JO was IMO, Taufik's best chance to grab a title and win over LD before the CO, yet he was a disappointment..Thus I highly doubt he'll give his best there, even if he does participate....Unless the CHN MS players tanked their game and just let Taufik have his way around(gud forbid)..:rolleyes: :p ;)

No, I am not the great Iie, just take his name to remind us that Iie Sumirat is TH's first and greatest teacher in badminton, besides a great player himself in his time. He is the first who spotted TH talent when TH was still a kid.
On TH vs LD dynamic, I would devide their 6 or 7 head-to-heads into 2 periods. The first is when TH didn't feel any fears at all towards LD and when the scoring system was still 15, he was unbeatable by LD. The second period, was that when the 21 system becomes official last year and TH started to feel this fears towards LD (either due to new scoring, or due to the fact LD has found a way to beat him and becomes stronger mentally). So this new feeling only started in his last 2 or 3 matches against LD, not enough to unlearn it. That's what I meant with playing more against LD is necessary to get use to and unlearn this mental hurdle, that's why CO ll be good, if he can meet LD again. LD has completed his process of unlearning his fears from TH in the first period of their h2h. Now is TH's turn.

[IIeSumirat]

thanks for your input and rectification(on Ramadan period, as i remember usually it lasts thru November), IIeSumirat..btw, you're not the great Iie Sumirat, are you??..:rolleyes: ;) :)
Well, re your comment i've highlighted in bold, i thought Taufik already said it quite a few times(seriously or not), that he wants to challenge LD etc2. Now, what?? He's already in the Finals against LinDan, then he gave up??..I think there's more to that and there's a reason behind him for simply "giving up"..Besides, it's not like this is his 1st or 2nd time facing LD, so i'm sure he knows/quite familiar with LD's game by now..
And last, re your comment that "China Open will be good for Taufik", uuhm, the JO was IMO, Taufik's best chance to grab a title and win over LD before the CO, yet he was a disappointment..Thus I highly doubt he'll give his best there, even if he does participate....Unless the CHN MS players tanked their game and just let Taufik have his way around(gud forbid)..:rolleyes: :p ;)

B.t.w, Ramadan month shifts about 20 days earlier each year. So next year will start somewhere in August.

[ctjcad]

No, I am not the great Iie, just take his name to remind us that Iie Sumirat is TH's first and greatest teacher in badminton, besides a great player himself in his time. He is the first who spotted TH talent when TH was still a kid.
On TH vs LD dynamic, I would devide their 6 or 7 head-to-heads into 2 periods. The first is when TH didn't feel any fears at all towards LD and when the scoring system was still 15, he was unbeatable by LD. The second period, was that when the 21 system becomes official last year and TH started to feel this fears towards LD (either due to new scoring, or due to the fact LD has found a way to beat him and becomes stronger mentally). So this new feeling only started in his last 2 or 3 matches against LD, not enough to unlearn it. That's what I meant with playing more against LD is necessary to get use to and unlearn this mental hurdle, that's why CO ll be good, if he can meet LD again. LD has completed his process of unlearning his fears from TH in the first period of their h2h. Now is TH's turn.
hmm, i see i see..So basically you are "pointing" to the new scoring system as one of the "goat" for Taufik's recent failures(esp. to LD, which i believe they have only met 2x using this NSS)..Yet, since the inception of the NSS (actually it was first used this past April in the TC/UC), Taufik was :
-able to win the IO(against BCL) with the new scoring system,
-beat Ng Wei in the opening rd of the WC..
-then went to 3 sets against CH in the recent WC,
-then defeated BCL in the 1st round in the JO(in 3 sets),
-then won in straight sets against LCW in the Semis in JO but
-then was just overcame with "fear" against LD?!?!, after winning the 1st set and gave a good fight in the 2nd set??..hmm..:confused: :rolleyes: :p

[ctjcad]

B.t.w, Ramadan month shifts about 20 days earlier each year. So next year will start somewhere in August.
thanks again for clarifying that(to us not-familiar with it)...and no, don't get me wrong, i'm not one who will take the current Ramadan period of fasting as Taufik's downfall in this JO..;)

[sshuang90]

zqloy, agree with you there. i think it would have been much more entertaining for us fans if it were LD LCW final.

only for you mal fans :P
for many others, would rather see 2 real first class players like TH and LD.

[zqloy]

only for you mal fans :P
for many others, would rather see 2 real first class players like TH and LD.

Right since LCW is so "2nd class", why he is only one which LD have trouble even to smash down a point because he knew LD's game too well & only him has the stamina matches LD :o. Well as u said the "1st class player" game, which had actually turned out to be a great dissapointment.....

[sshuang90]

Right since LCW is so "2nd class", why he is only one which LD have trouble even to smash down a point because he knew LD's game too well & only him has the stamina matches LD :o. Well as u said the "1st class player" game, which had actually turned out to be a great dissapointment.....
claim him as a 1st class after winning sth other than home tournaments; both TH and LD did many times already. LCW lost to TH in 30 minmutes. TH and LD went to the rubber set.

[Hot-screensaver]

How come LCW can only win in Malaysia? Really disappointed with him... beef up LCW!!

[woodenRacket]

i would guess it is MS... though i don't understand chinese at all, but they are mentioning lin dan and taufik's name too often.. so i guess theirs is the next match... or maybe they are also in awe of this match... ;)

not in awe of, but awaiting :D

[tjl_vanguard]

How come LCW can only win in Malaysia? Really disappointed with him... beef up LCW!!
hey come on..... give him support la... he has been under trendmendous pressure recently... non other singles can support him during tournament.. thats why he always loses....

[z3048018]

Maybe we should start calling him "Taufik 1" and "Taufik 2" depending on his attitude at any given tournament :).

....or maybe Jekyll and Hyde? :p :p

[z3048018]

only for you mal fans :P
for many others, would rather see 2 real first class players like TH and LD.
i don't really classify myself as a Malaysian fan. sure, i love LCW and CTF/LWW, but i also love PG, TH, LHI, KJ apart from the Chinese squad

[hcyong]

Best match of the finals: Without any doubt the women's singles final, specifically the final game.

I know there are many jibes about how the women's game is dominated by China and it's all boring and stuff, but to be honest, the women's singles and doubles were the more interesting matches in the final even if they were all-Chinese.

The WS singles final showed the two best women in the world (and probably also the most equal rivalry in history) not giving an inch to the opponent even though they themselves physically suffer by having to tread that extra inch. The climax (last point of the match) was a cracker both because it was a great smash down the line and also because it happened so abruptly as a return of serve whereas most of the other points were long-drawn energy-sapping rallies. Great advertisement for badminton and also the 21-point system. Poor Zhang and Xie. I bet they have never play a 59-rally game before.

[CLELY]

'Surprising given by Flandy/Vita!', there's one of headline news in cover-page of KOMPAS today edition (16/10/06). They're so fascinating to stand on winner-podium after beat WC silver and bronze medalists-2x Olympic Champ en route to final round. Yesterday,they did it again crashed former WChamp and their compatriot Nova/Lilyana who must became a loser this time. Gosh,really impressive triumphant! And the other side in KOMPAS sport-page set a big-title : "Again, Taufik defeated on Lin Dan's hand."-- TH frustrated at the 3rd set with his humiliation end score 21-3. What's up to him? Nobody knows exactly, I guess.Only TH himself understands for this failure. Was he fatigue or was it one of his strategy to give-up??Everyone has self-opinion about his lost.Anyway,congratulations for all the winners! Credit for LD, 6 title and only 3x lost in 2006 so far -- What a brilliant record in recently hard competition probably almost same level with Tennis Master FEDererEXpress! Also for collaboration pair T/C,amazing performance in Tokyo, never lose one set on their victory!

[Malaysianfan]

claim him as a 1st class after winning sth other than home tournaments; both TH and LD did many times already. LCW lost to TH in 30 minmutes. TH and LD went to the rubber set.

Hey, actually LCW wasn't in good form during the WC in madrid and also in Japan. He made ways too many errors and Taufik himself was surprisd too that he can win so easily.I think LCW has peaked before the WC.

[woodenRacket]

-then won in straight sets against LCW in the Semis in JO but
-then was just overcame with "fear" against LD?!?!, after winning the 1st set and gave a good fight in the 2nd set??..hmm..:confused: :rolleyes: :p

Because he sadly realized the truth: now he cannot compete LD any more even when he played his aXX off :D

[bananaboy]

Hey, actually LCW wasn't in good form during the WC in madrid and also in Japan. He made ways too many errors and Taufik himself was surprisd too that he can win so easily.I think LCW has peaked before the WC.

So... BCL beat LCW in WC was because LCW not in form and also LYB, but when LCW beat BCL then it was the right result... dude, LCW fans remind me of TH fans.:confused:

WOW...How did you know Taufik was "Surprised", too???:confused: I would bet even if Taufik was surprised, he wasn't quite as surprised as Lin Dan today.:p

[Malaysianfan]

So... BCL beat LCW in WC was because LCW not in form and also LYB, but when LCW beat BCL then it was the right result... dude, LCW fans remind me of TH fans.:confused:

WOW...How did you know Taufik was "Surprised", too???:confused: I would bet even if Taufik was surprised, he wasn't quite as surprised as Lin Dan today.:p

I am not saying that BCL bet LCW because he wasn't in good form. Of course BCL played well in Madrid. Even when LCW is in good form, it is not a 100% guarantee that he will win against BCL or other opponents.Anything can happen on the court.

I am just stating that he wasn't in good form because you couldn't find the speed in his game.His quality of play wasn't as good as when he played in the tournaments before, esp HK Open.He was slow during the matches.

Taufik said that himself that he was surprised. I was just quoting his words.

If one day Lin Dan didn't play as usual, no powerful smashes, no speed, i am sure that everyone will agree that he wasn't in good form too.

[zqloy]

claim him as a 1st class after winning sth other than home tournaments; both TH and LD did many times already. LCW lost to TH in 30 minmutes. TH and LD went to the rubber set.

Ya but no big deal losing to Taufik when he is not in top form recently. Btw Taufik also lost easily to LCW in the TC qualifying round when he is not in top form earlier. Talking bout tournament.... alright his tournament result cannot compare to guys like LD and Taufik, but remember that he came to the scene much more later than those guys. If anyone would rank the class of players by winning tournaments, maybe he is not "1st class" but skill wise he IS definitely. And in future, the player which has the most ability to beat LD is also LCW (and of course young CJ too) since PG is old (sorry to say that), taufik doesnt give a damn. Lets see whether he can produce sth special in another 1 or 2 years time.

[phaarix]

hmm, to the statement i've highlighted in bold, i've got to say the difference in last yr's WC & this JO was Taufik readiness, physically and mentally(of course coupled that with LD's energy-sapping 3 setters match in the Semis). These 2 go hand in hand, without one, esp. being physically ready(fit), it's going to be tough. Because in this sport, esp. MS badminton, in order for one to "fight" and "compete fully", one must have enough endurance/be physically ready.;)

I actually meant this years WC :). But I guess it applies to last year as well!

[ye333]

I think you forgot Taufik's Sudirman cup loss to LD. That's under 15 pts and Taufik is at his peak. LD is at his best in that match.

I think 21 pts is just partly the reason. TH has been unbeaten (when he really cares and goes all out) from OLympic to 05 WC. So my guess is that he himself became too flattered by this and developed too much false-self-confidence. He easily forgot that he is really not playing that different nowadays than his younger days, and back in those days he was often beaten, and sometimes beaten bad.

TH has to face the reality and start everything over. If he wants to beat LD like in 05 WC again.



No, I am not the great Iie, just take his name to remind us that Iie Sumirat is TH's first and greatest teacher in badminton, besides a great player himself in his time. He is the first who spotted TH talent when TH was still a kid.
On TH vs LD dynamic, I would devide their 6 or 7 head-to-heads into 2 periods. The first is when TH didn't feel any fears at all towards LD and when the scoring system was still 15, he was unbeatable by LD. The second period, was that when the 21 system becomes official last year and TH started to feel this fears towards LD (either due to new scoring, or due to the fact LD has found a way to beat him and becomes stronger mentally). So this new feeling only started in his last 2 or 3 matches against LD, not enough to unlearn it. That's what I meant with playing more against LD is necessary to get use to and unlearn this mental hurdle, that's why CO ll be good, if he can meet LD again. LD has completed his process of unlearning his fears from TH in the first period of their h2h. Now is TH's turn.