everyone says taufik is 'the most talented and gifted' player amongst them all. ive watched loads of his matches and still cant seem to appreciate why?? its probably cos i dont know wat exactly to look out for. can someone explain precisely what the fuss is about?lol can ne1 suggest a particular match or even a particular shot he has played and explain why he so supposedly great?? the commentators i feel point out the obvious for the benefit of the lay-viewer so their comments about taufik arent much help to me thanx !!

everyone says taufik is 'the most talented and gifted' player amongst them all. ive watched loads of his matches and still cant seem to appreciate why?? its probably cos i dont know wat exactly to look out for. can someone explain precisely what the fuss is about?lol can ne1 suggest a particular match or even a particular shot he has played and explain why he so supposedly great?? the commentators i feel point out the obvious for the benefit of the lay-viewer so their comments about taufik arent much help to me thanx !!
FIrst of all he is a great player, no doubt. He possess all the shots in the game and more. But what's most special about him, imho, is that he seems so relaxed and patient in every game. It gives him alot of power and that extra touch that just amazing to watch ^^

2 words: Backhand BANG! ^_^

the answer can be a bit simple: "his amazing backhand and net play"

when he was about 19-23 yrs old, his main weapon was his deadly smash.. now as he ages, he improves his netplay and backhand... he is able to adapt.. watching him so calm in a game just impresses me.. and when you really look at his technical skills, it is really one of the best in the world...

i'm eager to see what Lin Dan will be 2 years from now, maybe in the olympics... will he still have that speed and smash as his main weapon, or will he resort to net plays like taufik..:)

Taufik's BH smash can score against top players. He can return fast, tight net shots to short serve to score. He can use tight spinning net shot to force a lift and jump smash in back court. His footwork is essential; notice how light and smooth it is most of the time.

LD, in contrast, is more speed and power than refinement compared to TH. Notice how TH avoided playing to LD's strength in 2006 AG MSF. LD got more clear from TH, which he can smash, in team events.

And to exploit opponent's lapse in a game and gain points easily and quickly. Every player has up and downs in a match, but TH seizes the opportunity better than others. Ask yourself how did he make winning these points look easy. Some points are hard fought, some are unforced errors, some are easily won. It's the last kind I'm referring to.

His footwork seldom look hurried but it still gets him into position.