Tang Xianhu - The Thing (Is He The Greatest Ever?)

[Oldhand]

I was wondering if someone would volunteer to consolidate whatever material we have on The Thing - Tang Xianhu.
It's a shame that many of us don't really know the man who was perhaps the greatest badminton player of the last century. :(

Here's a 15-minute television profile of Tang Xianhu produced quite recently.
You can watch it in two parts here:
http://www.veoh.com/videos/v3833489gpMC4g5
http://www.veoh.com/videos/v383484cShtZDZM
or as a continuous piece here:
http://www.sportvdo.com/video/21305/Sports-Story-Tang-Xianhu-1-2

The programme features him at training and at home... and it also has a short clip from his heyday!
You can also see the Newsweek cover (from 2001) and his medicine table. (And, yes, he has his cap firmly on all the time! :p)

I wish someone would translate the narration and the interviews into English.
(I don't know what language the programme is in... but the onscreen script suggests Chinese, Korean or Japanese.) :confused:
It would be great to know what they're saying about him and, more importantly, what he's saying. :)

For those who still don't know anything about 'The Thing':
Although Chinese, Tang Xianhu was born in Indonesia on 13 March 1942 (yes, on Friday the 13th) :D.
He grew up in Jakarta speaking Bahasa Indonesia... and, to this day, he is not fluent in either Cantonese or Mandarin.
In the late 1950s, Tang was the leading Indonesian junior and was originally called Thing Hian Houw (which is how he got the nickname 'The Thing').
He represented Indonesia in the Malayan Open Championships before a forced ouster programme in Indonesia made him migrate to China.

From 1961 to 1979, Tang Xianhu (representing China) was active in competitive badminton and went on to absolutely dominate the sport.
The unfortunate part was that China's political compulsions kept him away from Europe, which was quite a good thing for European players.
It's also reported that Erland Kops, Europe's finest player, was steamrolled (15-0, 15-0 :eek:) by Tang Xianhu when they met for an exhibition series.
Well, so much for Kops' legendary victories at All England! :cool:

Tang Xian Hu was literally unbeatable.
Only two players were anywhere in his league - they were his team-mate Hou Jia Chang (who was quite familiar with Tang's play) and the mercurial Indonesian shuttler Iie Sumirat (possibly the most unreadable badminton player ever).
Rudy Hartono never played Tang, but it is ardently argued by old-timers that Hartono wouldn't have stood a chance against him. (Well, I know this is gonna raise a few hackles somewhere :rolleyes: )

After retiring from competition, Tang took up advanced coaching, first in 1982 as China's National Coach.
In 1987, he began coaching the Indonesian National Team and stayed put until 1998 when he returned to China.
He was then attached to the Fujian Provincial Badminton Team and was later appointed Head Coach, first for men's singles and later for men's doubles.

At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Tang had the dubious pleasure of watching his pupils from China and Indonesia slug it out. Xia Xuanze lost to Hendrawan who then lost to Ji Xinpeng.
Tang's biggest mission began in 2002, when he took over as Head Coach for China's Men's Doubles of the Chinese National Team (men's doubles)
The 'mental toughness training', which has repeatedly allowed China to fight back even from the brink, is Tang Xian Hu's contribution.
(One recent example: the MD match at the Singapore Open 2007 where China's Cai Yun & Fu Haifeng kept their cool to snatch an amazing victory from Malaysia's Tan Fook Chong & Wan Wah Lee who were frozen on Match Point.)
(One older example: the 2000 Olympics where an unfancied Ji Xinpeng clawed his way to the gold with Tang's combination prescription of 'aggression and flexible tactics'.)
In fact, 'The Thing' has coached so many top players that the upper tier of the Indonesian and Chinese teams since 1987 owes much to Tang Xianhu.

Principal Competitive Achievements:
Singles Champion - 1963 Games of New Emerging Forces
Singles Champion - 1966 Asian Games of New Emerging Forces
Singles & Team Champion - 1965 to 1975 National Games, China
Mixed Doubles Champion - 1978 Asian Games

Principal Coaching Achievements:
2000 Olympic Games - Men's Singles Gold (Ji Xinpeng)
2004 Thomas Cup - China - Champions

The Kason TSF 86Ti, used by China's U-19 national team, was reportedly designed by Tang Xianhu.
Apparently, he wanted a racquet with a range of properties that he specified, including a stiff shaft.
The shaft design (graphite enhanced with titanium) was tailored for short, hard-hitting players.
(Well, only Sir Panda would be able to explain whether this is true :D)

Finally, here's a very short clip of Tang Xianhu in action - an overhead smash very similar to Lin Dan's favourite shot.
http://www.veoh.com/videos/v378668WjsjMNbw :eek::eek:
I believe modious is the one who uploaded this. :)

These posts are great reading for those who want to know more:

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12509
see post #1 and post #10 - Tang Xianhu with a certain Cheung and a certain Kwun :p (perhaps, the high-points of cheung's and kwun's careers and the low-points of Tang's career :D ).
Some guys have all the luck :mad:

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12509&page=2
see post # 25 - it's a great translation by Cheongsa :)

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33500
information on some of his pupils :eek:

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11078
tang's training method - great translation by kwun :)

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=201225#post201225
koboduck's posts make for amazing reading - they transport you a long way back :)

Much of his story is available in different parts of the forum (search and consolidate, please). :)

[Oldhand]

Here's a straight-on recent pic of the great master Tang Xianhu (The Thing)

[Oldhand]

This is a rare photograph of The Thing and his illustrious compatriot Hou Jia Chang in their heyday.
This picture was taken in October 1976 in Hyderabad, India during the Asian Badminton Confederation championships.
Tang & Hou are with Singaporean National Players Tan Eng Han, Chin Soon Chye and Tan Khee Wee.

L to R: Tan Eng Han (Singapore), Tang Xianhu (China), Chin Soon Chye (Singapore), Hou Jia Chang (China) and Tan Khee Wee (Singapore).

[Loh]

Thanks Oldhand for rounding up the various BC posts and other sources on "the Thing" to present a more coordinated reference to the great master for those who wish to know more about him.

Surprisingly, Tang is very short by present-day standards but yet no taller opponents had come close to his standards during his time.

[chris-ccc]

Hi Oldhand,

Thank you for starting this thread. :):):)

I was lucky enough to meet Tang Xianhu when he came to Australia to help us to promote Badminton Coaching for Australians.

While he was here, he played a friendly Singles match with our Australian #1 player.

He was just awesome... (if I remember correctly) he beat our Australian Champion under 5 easily.

I still have some of the books that he has given me.

I pay my respect to Tang Xianhu... He is such a great ambassador of Badminton. :):):)

Cheers... chris@ccc

[Superstar]

Hi Oldhand,

Thank you for starting this thread. :):):)

I was lucky enough to meet Tang Xianhu when he came to Australia to help us to promote Badminton Coaching for Australians.

While he was here, he played a friendly Singles match with our Australian #1 player.

He was just awesome... (if I remember correctly) he beat our Australian Champion under 5 easily.

I still have some of the books that he has given me.

I pay my respect to Tang Xianhu... He is such a great ambassador of Badminton. :):):)

Cheers... chris@ccc


Pardon my rudness........ are you sure that the guy is Australia No1? Lost to a 65 year old gentlemen under 5 (new system)?

Someone told me he is canadian top 10 player but I take on him easily....

[chgoh25]

great person, he is..

[Qidong]

Pardon my rudness........ are you sure that the guy is Australia No1? Lost to a 65 year old gentlemen under 5 (new system)?

Someone told me he is canadian top 10 player but I take on him easily....

I bet it must be at least 30 years ago. I believe a 35 years old Tan could still beat the Australia #1 15-5.

[Oldhand]

Surprisingly, Tang is very short by present-day standards but yet no taller opponents had come close to his standards during his time.
How well said! :)

[Oldhand]

I was lucky enough to meet Tang Xianhu...
As I said earlier, some guys have all the luck. :mad:


While he was here, he played a friendly Singles match with our Australian #1 player. He was just awesome... (if I remember correctly) he beat our Australian Champion under 5 easily.
This must have been quite a while ago, right?

I'm hardly surprised.
From what I 'Oldhand' have been told by 'Olderhands' :p, Tang would begin play by firmly believing that he couldn't be beaten. By his own admission, although he was fast, strong and skilled, he had not yet achieved mastery in either game skills, speed or strength... but what was important to him was that he had achieved mastery over himself. Then, it was just a matter of combining his determination and his skills to overcome the opponent. (I believe Peter Rasmussen too set store by a similar philosophy.)


I still have some of the books that he has given me.
Wow, lucky you!
Were these Chinese books?
I'd say Tang's greatest asset was his mind.

[chris-ccc]

Pardon my rudness........ are you sure that the guy is Australia No1? Lost to a 65 year old gentlemen under 5 (new system)?

Someone told me he is canadian top 10 player but I take on him easily....







I bet it must be at least 30 years ago. I believe a 35 years old Tan could still beat the Australia #1 15-5.




Thanks Qidong,

You have answered Superstar's question correctly. :):):)

Our Australian Champion, at that time, was not a weak player either, having travelled and played in various countries, trained with the English National Team, and was the winner of the Irish Open then.

It was believed that Tang Xianhu's influence was one of the reasons why/how China has become a leading nation in Badminton. The exodus of many top Indonesian Chinese players returning to China in the late 1960's brought great benefit to China.

Cheers... chris@ccc

[taufik-ist]

he ever wanted to be an indonesian but ina gov. never responsed it and after 1998 tragedy he flew back to china... he ever coached young TH :)

[twinshk]

Is Tang Xian Hu actually Tong Sin Fu, spelled in another chinese dialect?

[taufik-ist]

Is Tang Xian Hu actually Tong Sin Fu, spelled in another chinese dialect?

yes he is tong si fu :D

[Oldhand]

Is Tang Xian Hu actually Tong Sin Fu, spelled in another chinese dialect?
Yes, same master... different spelling. :)
I've seen Tang Xianhu, Tang Xianfu and Tang Sinfu but the accepted English spelling is Tang Xianhu.
Even official releases (including those from the Chinese Olympic Association) have it as Tang Xianhu.

[gary_seeker]

well, one thing that I know. INA owe him a lot since he produced a lot of great MS player start from 1990's era until Hendrawan era :d. So he's a really great coach

[Krisna]

well, one thing that I know. INA owe him a lot since he produced a lot of great MS player start from 1990's era until Hendrawan era :d. So he's a really great coach

Yup. I know many of his former students who were dominant INA players in the 1990s who would say so too... ;)

[badMania]

One piece of info I just gathered....Tang Lao Shi's role has now been switched from WS to MS, specifically to coach Lin Dan to win the Olympics gold medal next year :cool: I think there is a slim hope that other players could win it now.

[Krisna]

One piece of info I just gathered....Tang Lao Shi's role has now been switched from WS to MS, specifically to coach Lin Dan to win the Olympics gold medal next year :cool: I think there is a slim hope that other players could win it now.

Sounds to me: China is getting extremely confident that their WS will win the Olympic Gold eh? :rolleyes: Fine! :rolleyes: I hope Xu Huawen [Germany] or Pi Hongyan [France] can deliver one gold for Europe in badminton... THAT will jumpstart more European interest in badminton...:D

[chris-ccc]

One piece of info I just gathered....Tang Lao Shi's role has now been switched from WS to MS, specifically to coach Lin Dan to win the Olympics gold medal next year :cool: I think there is a slim hope that other players could win it now.




At the Beijing Olympics 2008, I won't be surprised if Lin Dan and Taufik Hidayat (2 of Tang Xianhu's trainees) would be fighting each other at the Final, for the Mens Singles Gold Medal.

:):):)

[Oldhand]

At the Beijing Olympics 2008, I won't be surprised if Lin Dan and Taufik Hidayat (2 of Tang Xianhu's trainees) would be fighting each other at the Final, for the Mens Singles Gold Medal.:):):)

That sounds ominously like the 2000 Sydney Olympics when two of 'The Thing's' trainees (Hendrawan and Ji Xinpeng) battled it out for gold. :)

I wonder if such a similar title clash between Taufik and Lin Dan will make Tang Xianhu sad or proud. :confused:

I also wonder what he felt when they clashed at the Doha Asian Games. Maybe he was happy that they squared off, with each winning an encounter. :rolleyes:

[stumblingfeet]

My coach was telling me about this guy. Back in the 60s, they went on a tour together in China. It was from him that he learned how to "whip" the shuttle, and also that Tang would frequently jump into the air to whip the shot down.

Apparently, back then they would shave off much of the wooden frame of the racquet to reduce weight to allow this technique to be used.

[Cheung]

I
These posts are great reading for those who want to know more:

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12509
see post #1 and post #10 - Tang Xianhu with a certain Cheung and a certain Kwun :p (perhaps, the high-points of cheung's and kwun's careers and the low-points of Tang's career :D ).
Some guys have all the luck :mad:

I still remember having that photo taken. Pity I didn't have a better shot taken. I remember people around me wondering why I wanted to have my photo taken with a an old guy with a baseball cap.:p

[Cheung]

One piece of info I just gathered....Tang Lao Shi's role has now been switched from WS to MS, specifically to coach Lin Dan to win the Olympics gold medal next year :cool: I think there is a slim hope that other players could win it now.I thought he had retired? So he is still coaching the China team? I guess he just does not travel then.

[ctjcad]

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12509
see post #1 and post #10 - Tang Xianhu with a certain Cheung and a certain Kwun :p (perhaps, the high-points of cheung's and kwun's careers and the low-points of Tang's career :D ).
Some guys have all the luck :mad:

I still remember having that photo taken. Pity I didn't have a better shot taken. I remember people around me wondering why I wanted to have my photo taken with a an old guy with a baseball cap.:p
..both you & kwun are fortunate to have, at least, taken a pic & shaked hands with a legend like Tang Xianhu;):cool:...and Cheung & kwun, got a quick glimpse of your "youthful" appearances...;):D:cool:

[badMania]

Sounds to me: China is getting extremely confident that their WS will win the Olympic Gold eh? :rolleyes: Fine! :rolleyes: I hope Xu Huawen [Germany] or Pi Hongyan [France] can deliver one gold for Europe in badminton... THAT will jumpstart more European interest in badminton...:D

Ji Xinpeng (MS Olympics 2000 Gold Medallist) have also been thrown in to help the MS.

They have put Xia Xuanze as coach to help the WS team. But, no doubt, almost everyone can beat the top 3 Chinese WS players now.

Zhang Ning -- beaten by Wang Chen in WC 2007
Xie Xingfang -- beaten by Wong Mew Choo in WC 2007
Zhu Lin -- regularly beaten by Wang Chen and now Yip Pui Yin in JO 2007

So, things look quite shaky for them indeed.

Here's the news article from Sina.com.cn which reveals the change in the coaching setup in the China Badminton Team.

国羽教练组大调整 张军进女双刘永督军男双混双 -- Restructuring in the Chinese National Team Coaching Team, Zhang Jun to coach WD while Liu Yong to help in MD and XD

今天，夏煊泽、吉新鹏、张军和刘永四人正式进入国家队教练组。这是中国羽毛球队自世锦赛归来后，对教练班子 做的一个大调整。
　　本次入选国家队教练班子的四名年轻教练员都有奥运 (http://2008.sina.com.cn/)会的参赛经历，其中奥运冠军吉新鹏进入男单组，夏煊泽进入女单组，张军进入女双组，刘永进入男双和混双组 。国家队总教练李永波表示，这次与其说是调整教练班子，不如说是充实，主要目的是要加强教练力量，更好地备 战奥运。尤其是四名年轻教练都拥有很好的技术和经验，都有奥运会参赛经历，能对队员起到潜移默 化的作用。
　　对新岗位，几名新教练都显得踌躇满志。曾经担任国少女队和国青队教练的夏煊泽，坦言重回国家体育总局训 练局的羽毛球馆就不能自拔地兴奋起来。而原本担任国家二队教练的吉新鹏则认为自己已经准备好了：“毕竟我是 过来人，我可以把经验传递给队员。从运动员直接退下来当教练，也更容易和队员沟通。”
　　除注入“新鲜血液”外，国家队原教练组也进行了调整，老教练汤仙虎将作为专家组成员重点协调男单组的工 作，主要侧重于林丹的训练。女单组的变动也相对较大，女单组项目负责人仍是原主教练唐学华，但执行教练由原 男单组教练李志锋担任，同时配以男单世界冠军出身的夏煊泽做助手，重点解决女单目前存在的问题，尤其要帮助 张宁和谢杏芳两位老队员保持体能，调整好心态迎接奥运。

Besides including some new bloods, the main coaching structure within the National Team will also undergo some changes. Old coach, Tang Xianhu will specially be in charge of a team of experts to help the coaching job in MS, with the emphasis being put on Lin Dan's training. The WS coaching structure will also undergo quite a huge change. The chief coach in charge will still be Tang Xuehua, but, the one in charge of training will be Lin Zhifeng (originally in charge of MS). At the same time, he will be helped by the former World Champion Xia Xuanze, with emphasis being to solve the current problem plaguing the WS, especially to help senior players like Zhang Ning and Xie Xingfang in terms of their fitness, to prepare them well for the Beijing Olympics 2008.

[Oldhand]

I remember people around me wondering why I wanted to have my photo taken with a an old guy with a baseball cap.:p
In that picture, the 'old guy' was not the only one wearing a cap :p
If I remember right, the 'young guy' too was wearing one :rolleyes:
The people around you must have thought it's a cappy groupie thing :D

[viver]

At the Beijing Olympics 2008, I won't be surprised if Lin Dan and Taufik Hidayat (2 of Tang Xianhu's trainees) would be fighting each other at the Final, for the Mens Singles Gold Medal.

:):):)

You sure that Taufik trained under Tang Xianhu? :confused:

[viver]

My coach was telling me about this guy. Back in the 60s, they went on a tour together in China. It was from him that he learned how to "whip" the shuttle, and also that Tang would frequently jump into the air to whip the shot down.

Apparently, back then they would shave off much of the wooden frame of the racquet to reduce weight to allow this technique to be used.

To my knowledge, Tang Xianfu liked heavier racquets, specially head-heavy ones. Have not heard about shaving the racquet to reduce weight and also believe that was not needed: he had racquets made for him according to his preference. ;)

[Krisna]

At the Beijing Olympics 2008, I won't be surprised if Lin Dan and Taufik Hidayat (2 of Tang Xianhu's trainees) would be fighting each other at the Final, for the Mens Singles Gold Medal.
:):):)


You sure that Taufik trained under Tang Xianhu? :confused:

I just checked with former INA National Team players. Taufik Hidayat was never coached by Coach Tang... :) Taufik was coached by one of the few players who beat Tang Xianhu: Iie Sumirat! Taufik was Iie's child prodigy [since TH was 9 or something]... we can see Iie's unorthodox-ness in Taufik... [as well as some of Iie's off-court bad habits]... :D I mean no disrespect to Iie. He is a cool guy... he is just an imperfect human like the rest of us... :p

So, in the past, Iie defeated Tang... Now it is time for Iie's student [Taufik] to play Tang's student [Lin]... :D

[ctjcad]

So, in the past, Iie defeated Tang... Now it is time for Iie's student [Taufik] to play Tang's student [Lin]... :D
:p...Taufik-Iie (Taufik Hidayat's chinese name?) vs. Lin-Tang (LinDan)...?!?!..:rolleyes::D;):cool:

[badMania]

:p...Taufik-Iie (Taufik Hidayat's chinese name?) vs. Lin-Tang (LinDan)...?!?!..:rolleyes::D;):cool:

In Chinese, Taufik's name is simply translated as Tau Fei Ke.

[Oldhand]

So, in the past, Iie defeated Tang...
In fact, my original post mentions the Thing's defeat at Sumirat's hands.


I just checked with former INA National Team players. Taufik Hidayat was never coached by Coach Tang...

There's no dispute that Sumirat coached Taufik at a young age. However, on the question of Tang Xianhu coaching Taufik, did you speak with Hendrawan or Icuk? :confused:

Taufik's first crown in the Grand Prix circuit was the Brunei Open, at the age of 16 or 17. (Like in today's match at the Japan Open, it was Chen Hong that he beat in the first round!) :p This was in July 1998 when Tang Xianhu was still coaching Indonesia (he left for China later in the year). It follows that he must have guided the young Taufik as well. :)

Earlier, in 1997, Taufik was also the Asian men's singles junior champion. Again, this could not have been without Tang Xianhu's supervision. :)

The best person to answer this question would be Taufik himself. :rolleyes:
Maybe kwun or cheung could ask The Thing :p

[ctjcad]

Taufik's first crown in the Grand Prix circuit was the Brunei Open, at the age of 16 or 17. (Like in today's match at the Japan Open, it was Chen Hong that he beat in the first round!) This was in July 1998 when Tang Xianhu was still coaching Indonesia (he left for China later in the year). It follows that he must have guided the young Taufik as well.

Earlier, in 1997, Taufik was also the Asian men's singles junior champion. Again, this could not have been without Tang Xianhu's supervision.

The best person to answer this question would be Taufik himself. :rolleyes:
Maybe kwun or cheung could ask The Thing :p
..during those yrs, perhaps Taufik, himself, will not reveal the truth..hmm:confused::rolleyes:;)..I'm sure The Thing also coached/taught other players, but then, not every player The Thing coached/taught can turn out to be like Taufik. Perhaps, The Thing influenced Taufik the most..But as the facts have shown, Taufik is just something else....a different genius, on his own, just like The Thing was..;):cool:

[viver]

After the '92 Barcelona Olympics, Tang Xinfu was switched to coach Ladies doubles. I don't think he was ever assigned back to coach the men singles, since Indonesia was very strong in MS event at that time.

[Krisna]

In fact, my original post mentions the Thing's defeat at Sumirat's hands.


So what if your original post mentioned it? I was not responding to your original post. Do I need to quote your original post which was irrelevant to my post? :confused: I don't need to refer to your post because I know that fact before you posted it.



There's no dispute that Sumirat coached Taufik at a young age. However, on the question of Tang Xianhu coaching Taufik, did you speak with Hendrawan or Icuk? :confused:

I did ask Hendrawan a few minutes ago, he said, "No, Taufik was never handled by Oom Tong" I also spoke with several other people within the National Team who were there when both Taufik and Coach Tang was in the National Team. Tang Xianhu was handling Women's Doubles when Taufik was a Junior Boy's Singles... [Exactly as I remembered too]...



Taufik's first crown in the Grand Prix circuit was the Brunei Open, at the age of 16 or 17. (Like in today's match at the Japan Open, it was Chen Hong that he beat in the first round!) :p This was in July 1998 when Tang Xianhu was still coaching Indonesia (he left for China later in the year). It follows that he must have guided the young Taufik as well. :)

Earlier, in 1997, Taufik was also the Asian men's singles junior champion. Again, this could not have been without Tang Xianhu's supervision. :)


Tang was not always in charge of MS in INA. If people think he only managed one field [MS] while he was in INA, thus he must have guided Taufik, that is a misguided knowledge... Coach Tang's assignments varied... Just like in China... he moved from MD to WS to MS etc... :)



The best person to answer this question would be Taufik himself. :rolleyes:
Maybe kwun or cheung could ask The Thing :p

I will ask Taufik himself next time I see him... The trick is to guess which nightclub he will visit this weekend... :p

[stumblingfeet]

To my knowledge, Tang Xianfu liked heavier racquets, specially head-heavy ones. Have not heard about shaving the racquet to reduce weight and also believe that was not needed: he had racquets made for him according to his preference. ;)

You must understand that there are limits to how much you can custom-make your racquet. A shaved down wooden racquet might be the same weight as a steel racquet (and consequently that much more maneuverable), but at the expense of durability, which doesn't matter when you're a pro, since you get free racquets anyways.

So, keep in mind that a "heavy" racquet means different things when referring to a a)wooden b)steel c)carbon racquet frame.

[Oldhand]

So what if your original post mentioned it? I was not responding to your original post. Do I need to quote your original post which was irrelevant to my post? :confused: I don't need to refer to your post because I know that fact before you posted it.

My my, we're quite prickly today, aren't we? :rolleyes:


I did ask Hendrawan a few minutes ago, he said, "No, Taufik was never handled by Oom Tong"

Well, that settles it -- Tang Xiahu never coached Taufik :)
I guess the next time Lin Dan beats Taufik, Tang Xianhu will have no reason to be sad. :p

[LI De Quan]

TANG Xianhu is coaching LD now！！！
And we have 4 new coaches now！！！
LIU Yong，XIA Xuanze，JI Xinpeng，ZHANG Jun！！

[viver]

You must understand that there are limits to how much you can custom-make your racquet. A shaved down wooden racquet might be the same weight as a steel racquet (and consequently that much more maneuverable), but at the expense of durability, which doesn't matter when you're a pro, since you get free racquets anyways.

What is the point having a racquet made to your specifications then? :confused:


So, keep in mind that a "heavy" racquet means different things when referring to a a)wooden b)steel c)carbon racquet frame.

I am too slow... that's too deep. If a racquet is heavy, it does not matter if it is wood, steel or carbon, it still feels heavy.

At that time Tang Xianhu used the racquets manufactured by Aeroplane, manufactured under his specifications. These racquets feels even heavier than the then Carlton 3.7 series and he wouldn't switch his Aeroplane racquets (used in singles and doubles) with any other brands in the market.

[Elixau]

Does anyone have a downloadable version of the television profile?

[Oldhand]

I'm told there's a torrent available :)

The torrent title is not in English.
You'll need to search in 'Mandarin'.

[Elixau]

I'm told there's a torrent available :)

The torrent title is not in English.
You'll need to search in 'Mandarin'.

On Badminton Central?

[Loh]

In May this year, Tang made a surprise visit to Jakarta during the Thomas Cup/Uber Cup competitions. Here are some pictures of him with the China contingent:

[Elixau]

Nice pics!
There's LD sitting beside him.

[cooler]

In May this year, Tang made a surprise visit to Jakarta during the Thomas Cup/Uber Cup competitions. Here are some pictures of him with the China contingent:everybody needs an oversea vacation sometime:p

[Qidong]

In May this year, Tang made a surprise visit to Jakarta during the Thomas Cup/Uber Cup competitions. Here are some pictures of him with the China contingent:

Surprise visit!? He's not the coach any more? :eek:

[huangkwokhau]

TANG Xianhu is coaching LD now！！！
And we have 4 new coaches now！！！
LIU Yong，XIA Xuanze，JI Xinpeng，ZHANG Jun！！
Tang does not coach LD full time....he told me that he had been asked to coach certain players when needed....
Dont be surprised if one day, Tang comes back and become part time consultant for INA...;)

[jamesd20]

One piece of info I just gathered....Tang Lao Shi's role has now been switched from WS to MS, specifically to coach Lin Dan to win the Olympics gold medal next year :cool: I think there is a slim hope that other players could win it now.

I thought it would be a nice tribute here to post what I have been posting elswhere. I don't think it can be underestimated TXH's influence in LD winning Gold. LYB didn't do any talking to LD in intervals, TXH did it all. I believe he should be credited with creating the performance LD showed us today. Yes LD was the player, but he never played like that before.

A true Legend of Badminton, not as much in playing for various reasons, but in coaching his track record speaks for itself.

In playing we will never know if he was the greatest ever, but he must surely be making a point as the greatest ever coach.


Sounds to me: China is getting extremely confident that their WS will win the Olympic Gold eh? :rolleyes: Fine! :rolleyes: I hope Xu Huawen [Germany] or Pi Hongyan [France] can deliver one gold for Europe in badminton... THAT will jumpstart more European interest in badminton...:D

No Maria at this time?? of the chart?:D:D

[viver]

...
Dont be surprised if one day, Tang comes back and become part time consultant for INA...;)

We can say never to anything in life, but personally this probability is quite low. He was with Indonesia before and decided to leave even though Indonesia wanted to retain his services.

[kwun]

adding to jamesd20's tribute. i posted this in another thread but also relevant here:

TSF prepared Lin Dan well. despite his skill and power, LD best weapon today was his focus and determination. if anything perturb his focus, LCW will be able to sneak in and reverse the match.

TSF knew that.

Throughout the match, LD have had chances of emotional outburst. when LD turns back to look at TSF, TSF will put both his hands up to tell him calm down. esp in the 2nd to last rally of the match. LD was in the verge of bursting with victory but he looked at TSF and LD signed back to TSF telling him that "yes yes, l will stay calm."

No one else could have done it. LD is the rebelious type who would defy authority. TSF had the complete respect and authority over this rebelious LD to keep him in full mental focus and stability. he has not only groomed him perfectly technically but he has also prepared him perfectly mentally.

TSF has tamed the roaring tiger and made him into a champion. i believe the true champion of the match should be TSF.

[cooler]

General Sun Tzu of badminton:D

[Cheung]

Great post Kwun.

Tang XF is an icon.

Remember how we surprised him by asking him to pose with us at the HK Open?:)

[ants]

Master Tang is the game strategist. In fact during Olympic 08 Tang is the one that helped Lindan to strategise his game against LCW behind the scene.

He is the best badminton strategist ever.

[oldfreeman]

Saw an exhibition match between Tang and Hou when they were touring Canada before China became a member of the WBF. During the match their leaping smashes and deft retrievals were wonderful to see. I was at the University of Guelph and member of their badminton team in the 1970s and was previleged to see them. Tang is the smasher while hou is the deft retriever and courtcraft artiste. The rackets they used were the heavy steel shaft China-made models of old..heavy and stiff. However that did not deter them from making all those wonderful shots. Jamie Paulsen, the then reigning Canada champ had a few matches with them .. but they really let him off easy. Great players then..could have been world champs had China been a member of the IBF and WBF.

[chris-ccc]

Saw an exhibition match between Tang and Hou when they were touring Canada before China became a member of the WBF. During the match their leaping smashes and deft retrievals were wonderful to see. I was at the University of Guelph and member of their badminton team in the 1970s and was previleged to see them. Tang is the smasher while hou is the deft retriever and courtcraft artiste. The rackets they used were the heavy steel shaft China-made models of old..heavy and stiff. However that did not deter them from making all those wonderful shots. Jamie Paulsen, the then reigning Canada champ had a few matches with them .. but they really let him off easy. Great players then..could have been world champs had China been a member of the IBF and WBF.



.
oldfreeman ... True isn't it? It shows that wonderful shots are not only possible when played with modern equipment.

In the 1970s, when Tang and Hou visited Melbourne, we were taken by surprise, at an exhibition match, when we saw Hou repairing Tang's racket strings by hand.

Perhaps, we should post this in our 'Equipment Forum' to remind our many BCers that wonderful shots depend more from wonderful skill, rather than from wonderful equipment.

:):):)
.

[sudirman]

TXF is the best indeed!

[cooler]

Master Tang is the game strategist. In fact during Olympic 08 Tang is the one that helped Lindan to strategise his game against LCW behind the scene.

TF was also there to assist LD to defeat his nemesis PSH at 08 TC

[Smichz]

He is the master behind the back of the chinese national team.No TXH,no today's china badminton empire.

[badadum]

Wish om Tang will go back and assist INA teams. It was sad seeing PBSI's decision letting him go in the past. :(

[OneToughBirdie]

Wish om Tang will go back and assist INA teams. It was sad seeing PBSI's decision letting him go in the past. :(
Are you sure Tang left INA because PBSI let him go or due to other circumstances that also result in Hou and Fang left too...;)

[badadum]

Are you sure Tang left INA because PBSI let him go or due to other circumstances that also result in Hou and Fang left too...;)

Had PBSI exert enough pressure, om Tong would not have to left INA for the 2nd time....That's all I've to say.:o
At least Fang sifu is back in Djarum and Hou is enjoying retirement in the Southern part of USA. :D

[kong-19]

In the 2004 SO, I gave " Kwun " a chinese badmintom magazine.
If I remember correctly. There is a one or 2 pages article about
Tong Sin FU`s life, family and why he retired as a head coach
in the China team.

[Loh]

He is the master behind the back of the chinese national team.No TXH,no today's china badminton empire.

This is a bit too strong isn't it? :D

[viver]

As Chris suggested, to continue discuss topics relating to Tang Xinfu's here in this thread.

Actually on this, it really depends on your availability and sincerity. ;)




It would be a waste of time for me to continue to post about Tang's methods.
.


It's really not just about the demonstration. It's about the principles that Tang Xinfu based his game on. Furthermore, Tang Xinfu's smash WAS powerful, but it WASN'T more powerful than other players. In my opinion his smashes were lethal because they were very accurate and hard to read. But of course, this is solely based on a layperson's observation. ;)

But again, not description of his demo, it's about the principles of his game. Things that he thought were important - a few words would be enough, such as power, etc...



.
Much notes were taken down from this great master's session. :):):)

But the notes were not as useful as the demonstration given by Tang.

And I have posted before - A demonstration of a particular point can be much easier to do, than to put them down in words.

Here is an example: Tang said please pay attention to the position of the point of impact when I smash.

Guess what other coaches in our group later asked me : How did Tang get so much power from his smash?

Much of information was lost when some did not follow what Tang was trying to say: When he specified about the position of the point of impact when he smashed, others were paying attention on his smash technique (not the importance of the point of impact).
.


In this case Tang Xinfu was not honest :confused: in his interview where he clearly stated that he was a player with average skills while in Indonesia. He advanced a lot in terms of badminton skills during his first years in China.


.
As one of the most active members at BadmintonCentral, of course I get to know who are our BCers here;
* to give info
* to chat
* to joke
* to troll
* etc, etc......

Tang was a great player. When he decided to establish (in China) coaching sessions for players who wish to play better Badminton, only some CHN players followed his methods at the beginning.

Guess what? In previous years, when I posted that China should be grateful for Tang (from Indonesia) to return to China to teach Badminton. But many BCers argued with me that China was already good at Badminton before Tang returned home to China. :):):)

So, I have decided to keep Tang's teachings out of this LCW's thread - where we find most readers here are Malaysian BCers anyway; who don't appreciate Tang's methods as much (since Tang was an Indonesian and then later, a Chinese player).

Later perhaps, I might continue with this topic in this thread;

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php/47582-Tang-Xianhu-The-Thing-(Is-He-The-Greatest-Ever-) (http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php/47582-Tang-Xianhu-The-Thing-%28Is-He-The-Greatest-Ever-%29)
.


In 1980 :confused::confused::confused:. Tang Xinfu already retired as player. ;) You must seen a different Tang Xinfu in Australia.


.
It was in 1980. Before LCW and LD were born. :):):)
.

[cobalt]

Sports Story Tang Xianhu [1/2]
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCztXpe4juI)
Sports Story Tang Xianhu [2/2] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Yi52UOrpfc)

1970s Badminton-Tang Xian Hu 汤仙虎.flv
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNdHt0SeN84)
1963 Badminton Gapena Games-Tang Xian Hu (汤仙虎) and Hou Jia Chang (侯加昌) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1AhOhbVFVY)

[xsakurax]

If only LCW can have someone like TXH to help him.. I guess it will help a lot to improve his game.

[chris-ccc]

In 1980 :confused::confused::confused:. Tang Xinfu already retired as player. ;) You must seen a different Tang Xinfu in Australia.
.
Yes, Tang Xianhu was already a retired player.

Tang Xianhu did not come to Australia to participate in tournaments. His tour was organised by our National Coaches Association as a "Coaching Tour", not a tournament tour.

He was asked to come to teach only our Australian qualified coaches. He did not come to teach our team of players.

Now that's the important thing: Was he telling coaches things different from what he would tell his players? Only he can answer that question.

Yes, from my observations, Tang Xianhu is a player of great fitness and physical strength. But he was asked by our Coaches Association just to teach us Badminton principles and techniques. Therefore, we coaches didn't get to learn how he trained to be so fast and physically powerful. He thought us what to pay attention to when a stroke is performed.

Since most BCers here are players and not coaches, I think that is where my posts were not fully understood. Like you said "It's about the principles that Tang Xinfu based his game on"; But was his coaching method based on how he played? - I would guess that his coaching method was based on what he thinks, not how he played.

On the other hand, his playing method would change (I am sure), if based on how he would play to win (reacting to his opponent's playing style). Here, we are more into "Tactics", rather than into "Techniques". This is a different subject/topic altogether.

You have to remember this: He taught us coaches how to coach, not how to play. And this has probably caused BCers (of playing members) the confusion.

Our then Australian No.1 player, Mark Harry, was invited to play a demonstration match with him. Again, it was played just for our coaches to watch. BTW, there were less than 10 of us coaches witnessing that match (no non-coaching people were invited).
.

[pcll99]

.
Yes, Tang Xianhu was already a retired player.

Tang Xianhu did not come to Australia to participate in tournaments. His tour was organised by our National Coaches Association as a "Coaching Tour", not a tournament tour.

He was asked to come to teach only our Australian qualified coaches. He did not come to teach our team of players.

Now that's the important thing: Was he telling coaches things different from what he would tell his players? Only he can answer that question.

Yes, from my observations, Tang Xianhu is a player of great fitness and physical strength. But he was asked by our Coaches Association just to teach us Badminton principles and techniques. Therefore, we coaches didn't get to learn how he trained to be so fast and physically powerful. He thought us what to pay attention to when a stroke is performed.

Since most BCers here are players and not coaches, I think that is where my posts were not fully understood. Like you said "It's about the principles that Tang Xinfu based his game on"; But was his coaching method based on how he played? - I would guess that his coaching method was based on what he thinks, not how he played.

On the other hand, his playing method would change (I am sure), based on how he thinks he would play to win (reacting to his opponent's playing style). Here, we are more into "Tactics" than into "Techniques". This is another different subject/topic altogether.

You have to remember this: He taught us coaches how to coach, not how to play. And this has probably caused BCers (of playing members) the confusion.
.

Ok, great... beside what u said a few days ago in LCW's thread, any other principles u like to share with us which you learnt from TXH?

[viver]

In 1980 the person teaching/coaching you in Australia may has been anybody, definitely not Tang Xinfu.


.
Yes, Tang Xianhu was already a retired player.

Tang Xianhu did not come to Australia to participate in tournaments. <font color="#0000FF">His tour was organised by our <strong>National Coaches Association</strong> as a "<strong>Coaching Tour</strong>"</font>, <strong><u>not</u></strong> a tournament tour. <br>
<br>
He was asked to come <u><strong>to teach only our Australian qualified coaches</strong></u>. He did <strong><u>not</u></strong> come to teach our team of players.<br>
<br>
Now that's the important thing: Was he telling coaches things different from what he would tell his players? Only he can answer that question.<br>
.


Can you tell me how was Tang Xinfu's playing style. And how was his tactical thoughts compared to his playing style? You mentioned earlier:

- "I find Tang Xian Hu's philosophy on training methods the best. If only you have studied/listened to his coaching methods. But of course, this is only my opinion"

- "... How do I know? After knowing Tang Xianfu's philosophy, I can only
guess what he had told Lin Dan before the match. And also how he had
trained Lin Dan at the 2008 OG (in anticipation for him to face LCW at
the Finals)."

Based on your own words and description, you must have an intimate knowledge of Tang Xinfu's thoughts and training methodologies. Would you be kind enough to share the principles that guided his game then?


.
Yes, from my observations, Tang Xianhu is a player of great fitness and physical strength. <strong>But he was asked by our Coaches Association <font color="#0000FF">just to teach us Badminton principles and techniques</font></strong>. Therefore, we coaches didn't get to learn how he trained to be so fast and physically powerful. He thought us what to pay attention to when a stroke is performed.

Since most BCers here are players and not coaches, I think that is where my posts were not fully understood. Like you said "It's about the principles that Tang Xinfu based his game on"; But was his coaching method based on how he played? - I would guess that his coaching method was based on what he thinks, not how he played.

On the other hand, his playing method would change (I am sure), if based on how he would <strong><u>play to win</u></strong> (reacting to his opponent's playing style). Here, we are more into "<strong>Tactics</strong>", rather than into "Techniques". This is a different subject/topic altogether.

<strong><u>You have to remember this</u></strong>: <font color="#0000FF">He taught us coaches how to coach, <u><strong>not</strong></u> how to play</font>. And this has probably caused BCers (of playing members) the confusion. <br>
.


In 1980? As mentioned, Tang Xinfu already retired as a player and did not train much. I don't think he would play a match against a fit opponent. And again, in 1980 you could have anybody coaching you guys in Australia, but not Tang Xinfu.


.
Our then Australian No.1 player, Mark Harry, was invited to play a demonstration match with him. Again, it was played just for our coaches to watch. BTW, there were less than 10 of us coaches witnessing that match (no non-coaching people were invited).
.

[chris-ccc]

In 1980 the person teaching/coaching you in Australia may has been anybody, <font size="4"><strong>definitely</strong></font> not Tang Xinfu.

<br>
<br>
<br>
Can you tell me how Tang Xinfu playing style. And how was his tactical thoughts compared to his playing style? You mentioned earlier:<br>- "<span style="color:#0000cd;">I find Tang Xian Hu's philosophy on training methods the best. If only you have studied/listened to his coaching methods. But of course, this is only my opinion</span>".<br>- "<span style="color:#0000ff;"><strong>How do I know?</strong> After knowing Tang Xianfu's philosophy, I can only
guess what he had told Lin Dan before the match. And also how he had
trained Lin Dan at the 2008 OG (in anticipation for him to face LCW at
the Finals).</span>"<br><br>Based on your own words and description, you must have an intimate knowledge of Tang Xinfu's thoughts and training methodologies. Would you be kind enough to share the principles that guided his game then? <strong>Not tactics</strong>.<br>
<br><br>
<br>
<br><br>In 1980? As mentioned, Tang Xinfu already retired as a player and did not train much. I don't think he would play a match against a fit opponent. And again, in 1980 you could have anybody coaching you guys in Australia, but not Tang Xinfu.<br><br>
.
I think I have wasted all my time posting here (if you think I don't know who Tang Xianhu is :o:o:o).

If you happen to meet Tang Xianhu, just remind him of me (the one who took him (to introduce him) to McDonalds in Australia. :):):)
.

[cobalt]

http://edwindwianto.wordpress.com/2010/05/17/tang-the-thing-xianhu-a-wasted-pearl-of-indonesia/

Excerpts:

Tang is the man who responsible for the winning of China’s team. With his magical touch, he makes China into a badminton giant in this modern era.
The sad part is Tang was Indonesian…

The fact is Tang was born and grew up in Teluk Betung, Lampung, Indonesia, March 13, 1942.

”In China, my name is often called Tang Xianhu or Tang Hsien Hu, depending on the respective regional dialect. But, my parents gave the name of Tong Sinfu”. While still dealing with Indonesian national team, he got the name of Fuad Nurhadi.

...His career began in late 1979, when he started to retire. For six years, Tang had trained China’s female players.

...Then in 1986, Tang started to train Indonesia’s players. Initially, he did not handle Pelatnas Cipayung’s players. He coached at the Bakrie owned club, Pelita Jaya. He was paid USD 750 per month, at that time. After that, Tang was transferred to Pelatnas Cipayung and began to coach there.

...”Indonesia’s players at that time were different from the one now,” he said. “They were of better quality”. “Also, they have a spirit and willingness to be a champion” said the 68 years old coach. ”My philosophy as a coach is not the coach who must be good, but the player himself. The trainers task is only to help” he continued.

...At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, he saw his protege, Xia Xuanze, surrendered at the hands of Hendrawan who was also Tang’s protege while he was still in Indonesia. ...Conversely, the success Ji Xinpeng who had beaten Hendrawan was also thanks to Tang’s instructions.

...How sad is above story ???…
He could have been Indonesia’s greatest badminton coach…
He is truly a pearl who have been wasted by Indonesia…

[taneepak]

http://edwindwianto.wordpress.com/2010/05/17/tang-the-thing-xianhu-a-wasted-pearl-of-indonesia/

Excerpts:

Tang is the man who responsible for the winning of China’s team. With his magical touch, he makes China into a badminton giant in this modern era.
The sad part is Tang was Indonesian…

The fact is Tang was born and grew up in Teluk Betung, Lampung, Indonesia, March 13, 1942.

”In China, my name is often called Tang Xianhu or Tang Hsien Hu, depending on the respective regional dialect. But, my parents gave the name of Tong Sinfu”. While still dealing with Indonesian national team, he got the name of Fuad Nurhadi.

...His career began in late 1979, when he started to retire. For six years, Tang had trained China’s female players.

...Then in 1986, Tang started to train Indonesia’s players. Initially, he did not handle Pelatnas Cipayung’s players. He coached at the Bakrie owned club, Pelita Jaya. He was paid USD 750 per month, at that time. After that, Tang was transferred to Pelatnas Cipayung and began to coach there.

...”Indonesia’s players at that time were different from the one now,” he said. “They were of better quality”. “Also, they have a spirit and willingness to be a champion” said the 68 years old coach. ”My philosophy as a coach is not the coach who must be good, but the player himself. The trainers task is only to help” he continued.

...At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, he saw his protege, Xia Xuanze, surrendered at the hands of Hendrawan who was also Tang’s protege while he was still in Indonesia. ...Conversely, the success Ji Xinpeng who had beaten Hendrawan was also thanks to Tang’s instructions.

...How sad is above story ???…
He could have been Indonesia’s greatest badminton coach…
He is truly a pearl who have been wasted by Indonesia…

I think this one beats all the loud 'noises' that chris-ccc promised so much but nerevr delivered.

[visor]

wow, never knew his background

too bad those videos are in mandarin...

[cobalt]

From the archives of The Straits Times.

http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/Page/straitstimes19590807.1.13.aspx

[chris-ccc]

I think this one beats all the loud 'noises' that chris-ccc promised so much but nerevr delivered.
.
:(:(:( I am really getting annoyed now.

May I repeat it: Tang Xianhu was teaching me how to coach Badminton, not how to play Badminton. It looks like I haven't been able to get this point across.

BCers (who are players) are still asking what he has taught me on how to play Badminton - While I was only being taught by him on to how to coach Badminton.

I shall stop responding now, because the noise is getting too much for me (I regret to say). Because many readers here do not understand the difference. :(:(:(

It has really got on my nerves. :crying::crying::crying:
.

[taneepak]

http://edwindwianto.wordpress.com/2010/05/17/tang-the-thing-xianhu-a-wasted-pearl-of-indonesia/

Excerpts:

Tang is the man who responsible for the winning of China’s team. With his magical touch, he makes China into a badminton giant in this modern era.
The sad part is Tang was Indonesian…

The fact is Tang was born and grew up in Teluk Betung, Lampung, Indonesia, March 13, 1942.

”In China, my name is often called Tang Xianhu or Tang Hsien Hu, depending on the respective regional dialect. But, my parents gave the name of Tong Sinfu”. While still dealing with Indonesian national team, he got the name of Fuad Nurhadi.

...His career began in late 1979, when he started to retire. For six years, Tang had trained China’s female players.

...Then in 1986, Tang started to train Indonesia’s players. Initially, he did not handle Pelatnas Cipayung’s players. He coached at the Bakrie owned club, Pelita Jaya. He was paid USD 750 per month, at that time. After that, Tang was transferred to Pelatnas Cipayung and began to coach there.

...”Indonesia’s players at that time were different from the one now,” he said. “They were of better quality”. “Also, they have a spirit and willingness to be a champion” said the 68 years old coach. ”My philosophy as a coach is not the coach who must be good, but the player himself. The trainers task is only to help” he continued.

...At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, he saw his protege, Xia Xuanze, surrendered at the hands of Hendrawan who was also Tang’s protege while he was still in Indonesia. ...Conversely, the success Ji Xinpeng who had beaten Hendrawan was also thanks to Tang’s instructions.

...How sad is above story ???…
He could have been Indonesia’s greatest badminton coach…
He is truly a pearl who have been wasted by Indonesia…


.
:(:(:( I am really getting annoyed now.

May I repeat it: Tang Xianhu was teaching me how to coach Badminton, not how to play Badminton. It looks like I haven't been able to get this point across.

BCers (who are players) are still asking what he has taught me on how to play Badminton - While I was only being taught by him on to how to coach Badminton.

I shall stop responding now, because the noise is getting too much for me (I regret to say). Because many readers here do not understand the difference. :(:(:(

It has really got on my nerves. :crying::crying::crying:
.

Well, that is what we are expecting from you. At least Cobalt did dig up something about the coach's job being to help. Now tell us what the 'Thing' say about helping players? This is the right place and if not why was this thing brought up in the first place? Please let us also benefit from the reflected glory of your great experience with the 'Thing'.

[undeadshot]

Woah, poor chris. Don't make him regret sharing this with all of us.

[chris-ccc]

Woah, poor chris. Don't make him regret sharing this with all of us.
.
Thanks undeadshot,

It was good that I went away for a break to cool down. This is getting crazy. :D:D:D

It all started from this post (in LCW's thread);



All I can say is I am confused to read comments saying that LCW has little technical brilliance when he is our World No.1 BWF player. :confused::confused::confused:

I consider myself as a coach of Badminton techniques, and therefore this is a pet subject of mine. This is also to answer questions from previous posts (regarding Tang's training methodologies).

So, here is a little list for some of Tang's teaching;

* Footwork:
When thinking of Footwork, think of not just moving to reach the shuttlecock. Think of our BALANCE (for every movement we make).

* Stroke:
Regarding performing the Technical Brilliance of a stroke, it is the ability to hit the shuttlecock to any particular area on our opponent's court from any area on our side of the court. It's where we want the shuttlecock to land when we get to notice the weaker area of our opponent's court where he/she has difficulty.

* Deception:
If our opponent is not wrong-footed by our 'intended' deceptive stroke, then it is not wise to use it again.

* Smash:
A smash should be around 60%-80% power. And it is to set up for the next shot. A 'KILL' is the 100% power shot that gives no chance for our opponent to return it.

* Good Net-Play:
A good net-play is one that has lots of wobble/tumble/spin that falls very close to the net (best if it falls on the net-tape and then falls down from there) which only allows our opponent to 'LIFT' and/or to do a cross-court net-play reply.

* Speed of Movement:
When we can move faster, we return our shot faster. It gives the disadvantage to our opponent (less time for his/her to do his/her next shot).

* Time Factor:
Many players think of just the 3 dimensions of the shuttlecock' flight, namely height, length and width. The 4th dimension, 'TIME', is very important. Therefore, hitting a shuttlecock flat and/or downwards is always better than hitting a shuttlecock upwards.

* Holding Up The Racket-Head:
The nearer we are to the net, the higher we need to hold the racket-head. Why? Because we have less time to get the racket-head to meet the shuttlecock as it comes over the net.

* Game Plan:
Don't just play the way we like to play, but also play the way that our opponent doesn't like to play.

* Form:
On different days, we find ourselves having different forms. On some days we have good touches, on other days we have more power. Some applies to our opponent. Therefore, play the way in which we feel comfortable, and to our opponent's discomfort.

* etc, etc, many more......

As I have said before, it would take a long, long post to give info on Tang's philosophy. If he himself does not write a book on it, then I wouldn't too. :):):)

Many of my trainees have told me to write a book on how to play 'Better Badminton'. But after training with me for some time, they realised how a demonstration of a particular point is so much easier to do, than to put them down in words.

It's time for us to rest and re-think about Badminton now. :D:D:D

[nokh88]

I think Chris has been very tolerant. I would have stop long ago. I am a lousy teacher of any sorts.
Chris, you must be a very good coach.

[pcll99]

.
Thanks undeadshot,

It was good that I went away for a break to cool down. This is getting crazy. :D:D:D



this proves people are desperate to know what TXH taught, even though it was 3 decades ago.

I support you chris.

[axl886]

In 1980 the person teaching/coaching you in Australia may has been anybody, definitely not Tang Xinfu.




How come you sound so sure? Were you there? :p

Frankly I dun think Chris is somebody who name-drops... (which is kinda lame if you ask me).

[chris-ccc]

How come you sound so sure? Were you there? :p

Frankly I dun think Chris is somebody who name-drops... (which is kinda lame if you ask me).
.
We need to let it go.

Why? Because we coaches and players often think differently. :):):)

Because most BCers here are players and not coaches, I have to admit that I am a minority. :crying::crying::crying:

While I am talking about TXH as a coach, most others are talking about him as a player. Strange isn't it?

Just look at another example: Whenever we talk about Li YongBo as a coach, we seldom find BCers talking about him as a player. Why? I wonder.

Perhaps I am in the wrong thread again.

This thread is probably more suitable to talk about TXH as a player, and not as a coach. :D:D:D
.

[OneToughBirdie]

.
:(:(:( I am really getting annoyed now.

May I repeat it: Tang Xianhu was teaching me how to coach Badminton, not how to play Badminton. It looks like I haven't been able to get this point across.

BCers (who are players) are still asking what he has taught me on how to play Badminton - While I was only being taught by him on to how to coach Badminton.

I shall stop responding now, because the noise is getting too much for me (I regret to say). Because many readers here do not understand the difference. :(:(:(

It has really got on my nerves. :crying::crying::crying:
.


Chris, take it with a grain of salt and laugh it off:D As for my teasing you in previous post is meant in a humour manner, maybe it may sound twisted and for that, I apologize.:)



I think Chris has been very tolerant. I would have stop long ago. I am a lousy teacher of any sorts.
Chris, you must be a very good coach.

I agree with ya that I would have stopped too. As for the coaching part, I am a bit different from you, I love coaching good looking chicks and good at it too:p, err.. I mean those matured 'hens' (not chicks) that I play with:D

[cobalt]

.
We need to let it go.

----snip-----

Perhaps I am in the wrong thread again.

This thread is probably more suitable to talk about TXH as a player, and not as a coach. :D:D:D
. With respect, I don't think we should let it go, Chris.

This thread is about TXH, period. As a person, and as a man who has brought his considerable knowledge, insights, instincts and beliefs to bear on the very future of the game that we all love so much.

While I would hesitate to name him as the greatest ever (that's just too definitive for me! :D) there is no question about his influence on players, and the course of the game.

I am sure that like me, there are many more here who would be interested in knowing what it was that you learned from your meeting with TXH. Frankly, I wouldn't expect anything profound or spiritual; probably some basic truths that most of us discard or prefer not to recognise as we get too wrapped up in proving a point. I don't mind waiting a while, but please think back to your meeting with him, and what else you took away from it, and when you think the time is right, I hope you can share it with us.

[visor]

I agree with ya that I would have stopped too. As for the coaching part, I am a bit different from you, I love coaching good looking chicks and good at it too:p, err.. I mean those matured 'hens' (not chicks) that I play with:DYou probably make them pick up birds as a drill and just stand there and watch them, you cad! :p :D

[visor]

Chris, there are many of us here who support you. :). Btw, did he ever mention or hint at the mental / psychological aspects of the game, player etc?

[OneToughBirdie]

You probably make them pick up birds as a drill and just stand there and watch them, you cad! :p :D

My wifey said I am mean to do netty, making the other sides running bonkers and laughing like a hyena (sometimes I cannot help it but LOL)...but what can I do, since I cannot smash, cannot hit towards their body, and now cannot even do netty, drops and playing the corners, might as well play with my left hand and look stupid myself...hahaha!:D

[cobalt]

From the archives of The Straits Times, 1 August 1959, Page 12

http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19590801.2.113.aspx

Features The Thing in batik! :D

[cobalt]

Evidently, THX wasn't born a winner! :D Although he had a classy game (by all accounts even back when he was a junior player, he was indentified as the most talented Indonesian coming up) he had to do the hard yards before he matured. This may have had some effect in shaping his work ethic and philosophy later on.

From the archives of Singapore Free Press, 12 August 1959, Page 9...
http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/Article/freepress19590812.2.107.aspx

[visor]

Forgive my ignorance but why's he called The Thing?

[kwun]

Forgive my ignorance but why's he called The Thing?

click on cobalt's link.

back then, his name was written "Thing Hian Houw".

the Thing, he was.

and incredible find by cobalt, given that it requires searching through news archive way back to the 50's...

[cobalt]

For all BCers and other lurkers out there who are interested in TXH's origins and the times that moulded him into what he later became; and for a fascinating and in-depth understanding of the genesis of Indonesian badminton, and the unfortunate events (the "troubles" or "disturbances") that led to the eventual slide in that country's fortunes, please follow this link. It is a paper written by Colin Brown of the Curtin University of Technology, Australia, and is titled:

SPORT, POLITICS AND ETHNICITY: PLAYING BADMINTON FOR INDONESIA

http://coombs.anu.edu.au/SpecialProj/ASAA/biennial-conference/2004/Brown-C-ASAA2004.pdf


This paper makes absolutely compulsive reading. I would suggest the link also be posted on the Indinesia Badminton thread. The paper also goes on to tell how the issues were finally cleared up post-June 2002.

Some excerpts:

One commentator wrote recently in The Jakarta Post that internationally, Indonesia was known for few things – plantation crops, corruption and badminton.
...Yet while there are many studies of plantation crops, and many more of corruption, badminton is virtually invisible in scholarly writing on Indonesia.

...I suspect that the key to the introduction of badminton to the archipelago lies in Medan, and the cross-Straits connections it had with Pinang and to a lesser extent Singapore. ...Ethnic Chinese clubs, by the early 1930s, seem to have been inviting badminton players from Pinang to Medan, initially to play exhibition games, but subsequently for competitions. Yan Eng Hoo, for instance, is cited as a particularly influential Pinang player who frequently visited Indonesia.

...In the 1930s badminton also spread to various regions including Bandung (West Java), Semarang, Solo (Central Java), and Surabaya (East Java). In 1934, Central Java held a championship tournament. This speedy development of badminton was primarily the result of visits undertaken by a player from Jakarta, Oei Kok Tjoan.

...The game was apparently popularised through being played as entertainment at night markets (pasar malam) in major towns and cities: by the late 1930s, as one observer puts it: ‘there was no pasar malam [in Java] which did not stage a badminton tournament’.

...Until 1961 the headquarters of PBSI Jakarta was in the Tjandra Naja building, at Jl Gajah Mada no. 188 – which was also the headquarters of the Sin Ming Hui, the ethnic Chinese social and educational association.

...But perhaps the biggest test is when players leave Indonesia to play for other nations. Indonesia has gone through two periods when such movements have taken place in sufficient numbers as to have a potentially significant impact on the country’s international standing.
The first period was in the 1960s, when a number of its best ethnic Chinese players and coaches left for China, at a time when many other ethnic Chinese were making this same journey.

As one Indonesian commentator put it, discussing China’s rise to prominence in world badminton and thus to threaten Indonesia’s position:

...Three leading Chinese players and coaches, members of the International Badminton Federation’s Hall of Fame, who do seem to fall into this category are Tang Xianhu (known when in Indonesia as Tong Sin Fu and Thing Hian Houw), Chen Yu Niang (Tan Giok Nio) and Hou Jiachang (Houw Ka Tjong – the ‘Hou Chia Chang’ mentioned above?). Another was Liang Chiu Sia (Leung Ca Hua), who went to China in 1966, following the rise to power of General Suharto. As was often the case, some of Liang’s siblings went with her to China, and other stayed in Indonesia. Amongst those who stayed was her younger brother Tjun Tjun, who was to win the All England men’s doubles titles for Indonesia six times between 1974 and 1980. Liang eventually left China for Hong Kong, and finally returned to Indonesia, re-acquiring Indonesian citizenship in 1986 – ‘thanks to the combined efforts of the government, in this case the offices of the Ministers for Sport and Employment, the Indonesian National Olympic Committee and the Indonesian Badminton Federation.’


…the seeds (of China’s rise) came from Indonesia in the 1950s, when Hou Chia Chang and Tang Hzien Hou returned to their Ancestral Homeland from Solo. Tang, who we knew as Tong Si Fu, did come back to Indonesia but because his application for citizenship was not dealt with properly, he went back (to China). And the successor to this pair of pioneers developed and perfected their (training) methods.

[visor]

Wow, excellent dig, cobalt! You and Maklike should be nominated for the best intraweb search engines on BC. :)

[badMania]

It's indeed a pity that INA lost a great coach in Om Tong (Uncle Tong) due to the protracted process in getting his citizenship. Some of us are still grieving for this loss.

Liang Chiu Hsia is still currently coaching in INA. She (and Sarwendah) were asked to return back to Pelatnas last year to assist Li Mao but I think something happened in between and she might have returned back to club. Krisna and Hau-Ge will probably know better and correct me if I am wrong.

Fang Kaixiang also worked for PB Djarum recently before he retired either in 2010.

[Licin]

I just want to add something which i have been told by my relatives when they went back to their ancestor's home land during 1960s.

When they went back, they were placed in a several main points, and China government arranged some competitions inside, i don't know that it is just for leisure activities or talent scout, but it seems for both. Badminton & Table Tennis are two of the several small competitions arranged by China Government. Therefore during that time, there are high possibilities that some talents from INA have been discovered.

[viver]

I certainly would not be as well known as you. Imagine, to remember a person one met once over 30 years ago must have left a very deep impression. I am certainly not able of such thing.


.
I think I have wasted all my time posting here (if you think I don't know who Tang Xianhu is :o:o:o).

If you happen to meet Tang Xianhu, just remind him of me (the one who took him (to introduce him) to McDonalds in Australia. :):):)
.


The post you mentioned was not the reason. As mentioned, the stuff you listed are a few points good for badminton, I don't think they are detail/advanced techniques by Tang Xinfu and they may not reflect the school of badminton that Tang Xinfu represented. The questions requesting you to share (if you wish of course) resulted from the posts below - I believe you posted them right?



.
OK... Maybe I have exaggerated it a bit too much.

When I was learning to coach, I was under the instructions from Tang Xian Hu (in person, when he visited Australia).

I find Tang Xian Hu's philosophy on training methods the best. If only you have studied/listened to his coaching methods. But of course, this is only my opinion.
.



.
BTW, at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, why had Lin Dan performed so well against LCW? It's because Tang Xianfu reminded Lin Dan what to expect from the replies from LCW after certain stokes.

How do I know? After knowing Tang Xianfu's philosophy, I can only guess what he had told Lin Dan before the match. And also how he had trained Lin Dan at the 2008 OG (in anticipation for him to face LCW at the Finals).
.

You claimed that Tang Xinfu's philosophy on training methods the best. Are you saying that you consider Tang Xinfu philosophy on training methods the best because you saw Tang Xinfu displaying some techniques and not elaborating any further on the training methods and philosophy behind it?

If you like to stop wasting your time, it's just fine with me, honest. But I have doubts:
- In the Liem Swie King thread if I am not mistaken, you mentioned Tang Xinfu and Hou Jiachang visiting Australia together in 1980. Hou Jiachang was seen by CBA in much better light than Tang Xinfu; how come Hou Jiachang was not involved in the exhibitions? Of course, you may have forgot to mention :confused:
- You mentioned Tang Xinfu, representing CBA (read China) conducted the training sessions in a mixture of Indonesian and Mandarin. I think this is not a politically correct thing to do during an official visit for obvious reasons. Furthermore, as far as I understand, on those bygone days CBA always had interpreters in the entourage, a visit to Australia there should be English/Mandarin/English translators/interpreters. In some tours/competitions the players and coaches were not even allowed to communicate with anybody foreign to the team.
- Hou Jiachang held a more senior position than Tang Xinfu in those days. Did Hou conduct any training session?
- The visit was made possible by CBA. How come the Chinese players did not invoke the principles of the Chinese Badminton school when displaying their excellent techniques and results. On the other hand, I had been to a few seminars conducted by Chinese National coaches and I always hear these principles as a starter.
- I question the year 1980. I can let you know that I visited the co-author of Tang's book and was made aware of the book project. I was told that Tang Xinfu was off and not in the National training center. He was involved in some other personal projects and not available until the following year. Interesting, I believe the videos in Cobalt's links provided earlier did mention, though not clear, something that somehow matches the dates.

Actually I am not expecting you to reply, but will leave it at your discretion. ;)

[viver]

That's why Tang Xinfu stated that it was possible for him to become a top player after returning to China.



From the archives of The Straits Times.

http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/Page/straitstimes19590807.1.13.aspx

[taneepak]

chris-ccc, is that all about what you have learned from the 'Thing'?

I thought there must be more, much more and may I add much better quality stuff you have learned from Tang.
I am confused. First, you claimed that Tan Xinfu taught you how to play badminton (post # 7258 Lee Chong Wei thread). Then there came a list of rather rudimentary "methodologies" supposed from Tang, which if true would rather make Tang look very pedestrian. After some less than complimentary feedback on the "methodologies", we were then told that Tang did not teach you how to play but only how to coach.
Now, which is which?
Also a 30+ years old encounter somehow becomes a bit of a far-fetched story, because its relevance is questionable even if you have a certificate to show the great Tang taught you how to play, how to string and repair rackets and how to coach.

Also, the "methodologies" you came up with, supposedly from Tang, is a not strictly methodologies but a 'Chap Suew'. You are mixing up methodologies with techniques. I would not think Tang would make such elementary errors.

[cobalt]

That's why Tang Xinfu stated that it was possible for him to become a top player after returning to China.I am not able to make the connection between your statement and the reference
http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/Pa...0807.1.13.aspx (http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/Page/straitstimes19590807.1.13.aspx)
:confused: Could you clarify?

[madbad]

For all BCers and other lurkers out there who are interested in TXH's origins and the times that moulded him into what he later became; and for a fascinating and in-depth understanding of the genesis of Indonesian badminton, and the unfortunate events (the "troubles" or "disturbances") that led to the eventual slide in that country's fortunes, please follow this link. It is a paper written by Colin Brown of the Curtin University of Technology, Australia, and is titled:

SPORT, POLITICS AND ETHNICITY: PLAYING BADMINTON FOR INDONESIA

http://coombs.anu.edu.au/SpecialProj/ASAA/biennial-conference/2004/Brown-C-ASAA2004.pdf


This paper makes absolutely compulsive reading. I would suggest the link also be posted on the Indinesia Badminton thread. The paper also goes on to tell how the issues were finally cleared up post-June 2002.

Some excerpts:

One commentator wrote recently in The Jakarta Post that internationally, Indonesia was known for few things – plantation crops, corruption and badminton.
...Yet while there are many studies of plantation crops, and many more of corruption, badminton is virtually invisible in scholarly writing on Indonesia.

...I suspect that the key to the introduction of badminton to the archipelago lies in Medan, and the cross-Straits connections it had with Pinang and to a lesser extent Singapore. ...Ethnic Chinese clubs, by the early 1930s, seem to have been inviting badminton players from Pinang to Medan, initially to play exhibition games, but subsequently for competitions. Yan Eng Hoo, for instance, is cited as a particularly influential Pinang player who frequently visited Indonesia.

...In the 1930s badminton also spread to various regions including Bandung (West Java), Semarang, Solo (Central Java), and Surabaya (East Java). In 1934, Central Java held a championship tournament. This speedy development of badminton was primarily the result of visits undertaken by a player from Jakarta, Oei Kok Tjoan.

...The game was apparently popularised through being played as entertainment at night markets (pasar malam) in major towns and cities: by the late 1930s, as one observer puts it: ‘there was no pasar malam [in Java] which did not stage a badminton tournament’.

...Until 1961 the headquarters of PBSI Jakarta was in the Tjandra Naja building, at Jl Gajah Mada no. 188 – which was also the headquarters of the Sin Ming Hui, the ethnic Chinese social and educational association.

...But perhaps the biggest test is when players leave Indonesia to play for other nations. Indonesia has gone through two periods when such movements have taken place in sufficient numbers as to have a potentially significant impact on the country’s international standing.
The first period was in the 1960s, when a number of its best ethnic Chinese players and coaches left for China, at a time when many other ethnic Chinese were making this same journey.

As one Indonesian commentator put it, discussing China’s rise to prominence in world badminton and thus to threaten Indonesia’s position:

...Three leading Chinese players and coaches, members of the International Badminton Federation’s Hall of Fame, who do seem to fall into this category are Tang Xianhu (known when in Indonesia as Tong Sin Fu and Thing Hian Houw), Chen Yu Niang (Tan Giok Nio) and Hou Jiachang (Houw Ka Tjong – the ‘Hou Chia Chang’ mentioned above?). Another was Liang Chiu Sia (Leung Ca Hua), who went to China in 1966, following the rise to power of General Suharto. As was often the case, some of Liang’s siblings went with her to China, and other stayed in Indonesia. Amongst those who stayed was her younger brother Tjun Tjun, who was to win the All England men’s doubles titles for Indonesia six times between 1974 and 1980. Liang eventually left China for Hong Kong, and finally returned to Indonesia, re-acquiring Indonesian citizenship in 1986 – ‘thanks to the combined efforts of the government, in this case the offices of the Ministers for Sport and Employment, the Indonesian National Olympic Committee and the Indonesian Badminton Federation.’


…the seeds (of China’s rise) came from Indonesia in the 1950s, when Hou Chia Chang and Tang Hzien Hou returned to their Ancestral Homeland from Solo. Tang, who we knew as Tong Si Fu, did come back to Indonesia but because his application for citizenship was not dealt with properly, he went back (to China). And the successor to this pair of pioneers developed and perfected their (training) methods.


Made for a good read. Good job finding it. :)

[cobalt]

Made for a good read. Good job finding it. :)Thank you, kind sir!

[viver]

I am not able to make the connection between your statement and the reference
http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/Pa...0807.1.13.aspx (http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/Page/straitstimes19590807.1.13.aspx)
:confused: Could you clarify?

I was referring to the interview Tang Xinfu conceded to TV, where he stated that in Indonesia he was a player of average standard and the training in China enable him to rise and reach the top of a international level player.

[chris-ccc]

With respect, I don't think we should let it go, Chris.

This thread is about TXH, period. As a person, and as a man who has brought his considerable knowledge, insights, instincts and beliefs to bear on the very future of the game that we all love so much.

While I would hesitate to name him as the greatest ever (that's just too definitive for me! :D) there is no question about his influence on players, and the course of the game.

.
Thanks cobalt. I shall let others to give more info about TXH.

Perhaps, I shall just treasure my meeting with TXH by myself. I am certain TXH would be laughing at our conversations if he knew about it.

But I shall respect TXH because I have learnt much from him (as from what I have learnt from his coaching methods). It was all about coaching, not about playing

BTW, regarding TXH as a player, I am not convinced he was the best (at his tournament time); I am still a fan of Rudy Hartono, Tan Yee Khan, Tan Aik Huang, Darmadi, etc, etc, ...

I was playing many games with Darmadi when he moved to Australia. Although Darmadi wasn't interested in coaching, but while I played with him, I learnt many things from him.

I have been coaching for 30 years now, and I am still learning. ;););)

The last few top coaches that I have met was at our 2006 Commonwealth Games (in Melbourne). Learnt a few things from Li Mao (for Singles) and Rexy Mainaky (for Doubles).

Now, don't ask me what they have taught me. Hehehe :D:D:D
.

[cobalt]

I was referring to the interview Tang Xinfu conceded to TV, where he stated that in Indonesia he was a player of average standard and the training in China enable him to rise and reach the top of a international level player. I don't understand the language, but if what you say is a fact, then it presents an interesting conundrum:

I had the impression from all I have read, that China badminton (pro/international) really took off after TXH, Hua and possibly other expats from the islands relocated to China. But here we have TXH stating that he fulfilled his potential after going to China, because of the training there? At the same time, the newspapers in Singapore/Malaysia at the time (late 50's) were already singing his praises as a young Indonesian player of great promise and talent.

[Loh]

My view is that while The Thing has made his contribution to badminton as player and coach mainly in China and Indonesia, such contributions were hardly made known to the outside world. It could be because of the language barrier and more particularly the adverse political relations between China and Indonesia during the period when The Thing was showing his prowess as a talented player in Indonesia. It seems subsequent political events drove him to take refuge in China.

From the information gathered here, I am surprised to learn that The Thing even lost to Malaysia's Tan Yee Khan, who is better known as a doubles player with Ng Boon Bee. At 19, Yee Khan was 3 years older than The Thing then.

As China remained a communist country shunned by mainly the western world, The Thing did not have a chance to participate in the All-England to give another chance to witness his playing abilities. He would then perhaps be able to cross swords with the great Rudy Hartono of Indonesia, who was younger.

The Thing's coaching abilities were also hardly documented, except for bits of information provided by BC members who have interacted with or heard stories about him. But he caught the limelight when it was discovered that he is the man behind Lin Dan's phenomenal success.

For such a successful player like Lin Dan to completely pay respect to his master is no ordinary gesture. As I've said before, when the Thing was around to support LD during the Jarkarta Thomas Cup, LD's confidence level soared. There seemed to be a telepathic understanding between the two and invariably LD would prevail over his opponent.

But whether The Thing is considered the greatest coach is left to be seen. There have been tremendous changes and advancement in the game of badminton since The Thing's time. The future will even be more exciting when coaches will look to sports science in a greater ernest and apply coaching methods not available decades ago.

But I think The Thing has left behind a legacy that when the mind is willing, that itself is a most lethal weapon.

That was the weapon that Lin Dan has inherited from Master Tang XF.

[pcll99]

i found a 3-hour long demonstration of 1990 with footage from TXH and Hou...

ed2k://|file|[海T兄提供]08.12.13.1990国家体委羽毛球教学大纲配套视频.avi|1037999232|667285 10B13C230BCB4DA643CD1B5B2A|h=46BDLQZLABVG7DKJHYAFM 275T4D5MU74|/

[viver]

I don't understand the language, but if what you say is a fact...
You know, it's difficult to trust for anybody posting here. My Mandarin is not that good, it's not my first language though I have learned under a teacher from the Beijing Language institute on 1 year program. Knowing the complexities of the Chinese language, I wouldn't call myself an expert just for studying it for 1 year.



I had the impression from all I have read, that China badminton (pro/international) really took off after TXH, Hua and possibly other expats from the islands relocated to China. But here we have TXH stating that he fulfilled his potential after going to China, because of the training there? At the same time, the newspapers in Singapore/Malaysia at the time (late 50's) were already singing his praises as a young Indonesian player of great promise and talent.

China was not a badminton powerhouse in the 60's, I heard. Some former Indonesian Chinese who returned to China spent considerable time researching, came up with the principles and developed the training methodologies that characterized the then Chinese school of badminton. My understanding is that Tang Xinfu was among the first ones to undergo such training and he also contributed with his input on technical and tactical to improve the game of badminton.

Don't take my word for it. You can watch the badminton videos of Indonesian players before 1986, compare with those of late 80's and 90's and reach your own conclusion. You may also compare the way the Chinese players played in the 80's or earlier.

[sonnymak]

Thing Hien Hiow really did make an impression when he toured Malaya in the late 50s with the Straight Times sport editor singing his praises. The editor and o some senior Malayan players Thing played against were of the opinion he was some body to watch out for.

But inexperienced Thing lost to Tan Yee Khan (who was an aspiring junior Single player then) and Billy Ng (another junior) in the junior tournament.


Fast forward to mid 60s GAPENA games, the same editor heard of China's prowess and saw that the same boy has grown up and even more impressive.


The editor ask Tan Aik Huang later whether he would be concern with losing to such a player and Aik Huang answered that he might as well hang up his racket if he is supposed to be scared of such a player.

The editor concluded that Aik Huang would not be able to get 5 points off THing.

[sonnymak]

Apart from Thing's deft touches, smashes and overall skills in the game. According to Thing the difference between him , How and the top players from INA or Denmark was that He and How were full time professionals eat , drink sleep badminton and physical training everyday under Soviet style regiment.

The others were either amateurs or semi-professionals. It was the physical conditioning that made the big difference in their game against the rest of the world.

[sonnymak]

Reference on Thing's junior exploit can be found from The National Library of Singapore website and the available straight times clippings. Very riveting read.

[pcll99]

i found the book by Tong.. it was first written in May 1988

http://u.115.com/file/bhaiyar5

[Loh]

i found the book by Tong.. it was first written in May 1988

http://u.115.com/file/bhaiyar5

Care to translate? At least the more interesting parts?

[pcll99]

Care to translate? At least the more interesting parts?

it seems every single sentence is worth translating..

i wish someone would translate it for us all.... i can hardly read it myself (ie, extremely slow).

[cobalt]

i found the book by Tong.. it was first written in May 1988

http://u.115.com/file/bhaiyar5
I tried that link; it's in a foreign language! :crying:

If you could kinda point me to the hieroglyphs to click on to download the document (BTW is it a pdf?) then I can try to find someone who can help me with translating. No promises though, but heck, I'll try! :D

[pcll99]

I tried that link; it's in a foreign language! :crying:

If you could kinda point me to the hieroglyphs to click on to download the document (BTW is it a pdf?) then I can try to find someone who can help me with translating. No promises though, but heck, I'll try! :D

whyau showed me how a few days ago... i didn't know b4.. let me find whyau's post... it's pdf..

[pcll99]

found it... here's how download from 115.com

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php/106972-115.com

[cobalt]

found it... here's how download from 115.com

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php/106972-115.com
Thanks! :) Success!!! :D
That was the easy part. :(
Now, the hard part.... :D
Give me a few days, I'm at page 20 yet....

[chris-ccc]

.
Yes, thanks to pcll99. :):):)

I don't need to be criticised any more in my postings, but let that link explains it for me.
.

[Loh]

.
Yes, thanks to pcll99. :):):)

I don't need to be criticised any more in my postings, but let that link explains it for me.
.

Not to criticise, but just a little help that after the word "let" the verb that follows should be in the plural form "explain" instead of "explainS". :D:D:D

EG: Please let that cute lady help me play good badminton. :)

[chris-ccc]

Not to criticise, but just a little help that after the word "let" the verb that follows should be in the plural form "explain" instead of "explainS". :D:D:D

EG: Please let that cute lady help me play good badminton. :)
.
:o:o:o Perhaps, I shall leave this thread for good. It looks like some BCers want to shut me up.
.

[pcll99]

.
:o:o:o Perhaps, I shall leave this thread for good. It looks like some BCers want to shut me up.
.

well, the book was written 1988, which is several years after TXH's visit to Melbourne...

[chris-ccc]

well, the book was written 1988, which is several years after TXH's visit to Melbourne...
.
My English is no good. Therefore, I shall not reply. :o:o:o
.

[nokh88]

.
My English is no good. Therefore, I shall not reply. :o:o:o
.

What happened to post #121.

Oh btw, it should be : My English is not (very) good. Hehe...just teasing you, since you are asking about your English in every thread.

[pcll99]

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My English is no good. Therefore, I shall not reply. :o:o:o
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My English the best!!! I will write more!!!! :D