Kenichi Tago ( 田児賢一 )

[jhirata]

The nineteen year old Japanese singles player Kenichi Tago is Japan's hope for the future in Men's Singles. He is currently ranked 19th in Men's Singles.

He caused a major upset in the Japan Open 2008 SS, when he beat Chen Yu. :eek:

Tago came runner-up in the Boys' Singles round in the World Junior Championships held in 2007.

http://file044a.bebo.com/7/large/2008/09/21/09/4165450615a8937729952l.jpg

http://file044a.bebo.com/7/large/2008/09/21/09/4165450615a8937729977l.jpg

[limsy]

huh???kenichi tago is wjc champion...are u sure he is runner up???lost to who???

[limsy]

finaly...my fave ms have his own thread...

[PlayaFromMalaya]

he is a world junior runner up , losing to chen long of china

[ctjcad]

huh???kenichi tago is wjc champion...are u sure he is runner up???lost to who???
..was the runner-up in the 2007 WJC, losing to Chen Long...:)
http://www.internationalbadminton.org/WJC/WJC_MS.xls

[limsy]

oh...from my memory...he is the champion..why huh???memory failure...T.T...

[limsy]

..was the runner-up in the 2007 WJC, losing to Chen Long...:)
http://www.internationalbadminton.org/WJC/WJC_MS.xls

thanks...buddy...:D...i too old liao...

[zzz...]

this guy playing style looks like Taufik, even the way he walks. Anyone has the same thought as me?

[jutawin]

Off course his style look like taufik. Kenichi tago idolizes taufik very much. He also bandage his knee like taufik, eventhough he doesn't have knee problem..

[Wong8Egg]

Off course his style look like taufik. Kenichi tago idolizes taufik very much. He also bandage his knee like taufik, eventhough he doesn't have knee problem..

Any video of Tago playing?

It would be interesting if can replicate Taufik's backhand too. :cool:

[george@chongwei]

Any video of Tago playing?

It would be interesting if can replicate Taufik's backhand too. :cool:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=kenichi+tago&search_type=&aq=f

[jhirata]

Some info from wikipedia:

Name in Kanji: 田児賢一
Nickname: Kenbo
DOB: July 16th 1989
Raised up in: Saitama
Height: 174cm
Weight: 66kg
Blood-type: A
Handedness: Right

Record:
2001- All Japan Elementary Schools Badminton Championships Boys' Doubles Winner
2003- All Japan Secondary Schools Badminton Championships Boys' Doubles Winner
2004- All Japan Secondary Schools Badminton Championships Boys' Doubles Winner
2005- All Japan Junior Championships Men's Doubles Winner
2006- Nationals MS and MD winner
2006- Inter-high MS and MD winner
2007- All Japan Nationals MS and MD winner
2007- Inter-high MS and MD team winner
2008- All Japan Nationals MS winner

Internationals:
2006- Asia Junior Championships MS Winner
2007- Sweden Open MS Winner
2007- World Junior Championships MS Runner-up
2008- Belgium Open MS Winner
2008- Yonex Japan Open round of 14

[Oldhand]

He put up a good fight against Wong Choong Hann at the Thomas Cup 2008.
Tago looked relaxed but actually wasn't - his errors cost him the match.

This young man will go a long way if he can learn to be consistent :)
And, as others have pointed out, he does mirror Taufik's playing style.

[aulia]

Off course his style look like taufik. Kenichi tago idolizes taufik very much. He also bandage his knee like taufik, eventhough he doesn't have knee problem..


... interesting if can replicate Taufik's backhand too. :cool:



And, as others have pointed out, he does mirror Taufik's playing style.

Waw... interesting to know that he plays (or try) like Taufik... but.. I think Taufik doesn't scream like him (look the pic above), hehe... :D:D:p:p but yes, all the best for him since he is still so young, still many years to come...:):)

[jhirata]

Lets wait to see if he comes up with crazy backhands and trickshots in the future.. ;)

[flo-J]

Lets wait to see if he comes up with crazy backhands and trickshots in the future.. ;)
agree..........he is promising player in MS...i think he can be the next TH ...i wonder if he against LD in finall (any kind of tournmnt)....it will be exciting games:):):)

[jhirata]

agree..........he is promising player in MS...i think he can be the next TH ...i wonder if he against LD in finall (any kind of tournmnt)....it will be exciting games:):):)
Tago was supposed to play against Chen Jin at the China Open but he withdrew. Maybe he's not ready yet.. but Tago is aiming for a medal at the 2012 London OG :)

[flymordecai]

After watching Kenichi Tago play, he's promising for sure but tries to be too flashy and deceptive and makes tons of errors because of that. Taufik has that problem also, but for him it's natural. I feel like Kenichi Tago forces it. He also doesn't have the flash of explosiveness that Taufik sometimes shows. And for sure he doesn't have the powerful jump smash and the touch.

Yet. :D

[jhirata]

Kenichi Tago's profile on his team page:
http://www.ntt-east.co.jp/symbol/badminton/member/m_03.html

He says he started playing badminton just like how Shoji Sato did, as his parents were top-level players. He started playing when he was two years old, when he first learned to walk.

[modious]

Any video of Tago playing?

It would be interesting if can replicate Taufik's backhand too. :cool:

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60661

[ye333]

I think he deserves a separate thread now... The way he demolished Mark Zwiebler today in 09 WC is quite remarkable. IMHO, he also showed much improvement since last year.

As he is only 20 yrs old now, I believe he should have great future.

[limsy]

i think uncle robin did created a thread for him before

[twobeer]

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=517387&postcount=8


http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63623

??

/Twobeer

[ctjcad]

..(merge request)??..
Personally, no, i wasn't really surprised by his win over Zwiebler (non-seeded player) in this yr's WC; afterall he fought & defeated Persson (who is a seeded player)...Now, if he can muster a win over Simon and then beats Chen Jin in his next match, then i will be surprised..:cool:

[limsy]

and i believe he can beat simon,go go go

[avataar]

against zweibler

[ye333]

My bad! I did search "Tago" and these thread didn't show up... :confused::confused::confused: Moderator please merge the threads. Thanks!

It's not his win over Zwiebler... It's how he won. Total dominance. Watch the match on www.badmintonfreak.com (all hail showsomemercy!) and you'll know what I mean. :)

vs Simon should be 50-50. If he can topple CJ, then I would also be very very surprised. :D


..(merge request)??..
Personally, no, i wasn't really surprised by his win over Zwiebler (non-seeded player) in this yr's WC; afterall he fought & defeated Persson (who is a seeded player)...Now, if he can muster a win over Simon and then beats Chen Jin in his next match, then i will be surprised..:cool:

[ctjcad]

...It's not his win over Zwiebler... It's how he won. Total dominance. Watch the match on www.badmintonfreak.com (all hail showsomemercy!) and you'll know what I mean. :)
...
..i will watch it later but it's not a surprise..Like i mentioned, Persson is seeded. Zwiebler is not.

[ye333]

Well... many players can beat Persson in a 3-setter, but how many can toy Zwiebler like Tago just did? ;)

Anyway, maybe Simon Santoso will prove me wrong today. (I bet he wants to! :D)


..i will watch it later but it's not a surprise..Like i mentioned, Persson is seeded. Zwiebler is not.

[cooler]

Well... many players can beat Persson in a 3-setter, but how many can toy Zwiebler like Tago just did? ;)

Anyway, maybe Simon Santoso will prove me wrong today. (I bet he wants to! :D)
but persson is a taufik beater:p:p

[Zabee]

Tago Kenichi impress me...gambate ne Tago Kun..:)

[ctjcad]

..okay, just saw the 1st game video (skipped the 2nd one). Personally, i thought neither player showed any brilliant plays. Zwiebler definitely was making more unforced errors in the 1st game. Maybe he was rushing it a bit or wasn't able to play to his tempo. On the other hand, Kenichi was moving so fast, Marc probably didn't know what to do in a few of those rallies.
As for Kenichi, I'll give him a star for his very good footwork and court coverage. If not mistaken, i only saw him do 4-5 backhand shots in the entire 1st game. The rest he was able to cover them with his over-the-head shot. Other than his very good footwork, his strokes are your usual variety.
Overall, i still wasn't surprised with the result.

The next time they play against each other, i'd expect Zwiebler to put on a better performance.

Well... many players can beat Persson in a 3-setter, but how many can toy Zwiebler like Tago just did? ;)

Anyway, maybe Simon Santoso will prove me wrong today. (I bet he wants to! :D)
- There’s a reason for their seeding numbers, right?
- Personally, I rate Persson as higher than Zwiebler.
- If Tago can beat Persson in a tough 3-gamer, then it wouldn’t surprise me if he beat/toyed Zwiebler rather “easily”.
- Many also were able to toy with Persson and many had a tough 3-gamer vs. Zwiebler; just depends who their opponents were.

Btw, we're still waiting for one of the mods or kwun to merge the 2 threads together..

[volcom]

..okay, just saw the 1st game video (skipped the 2nd one). Personally, i thought neither player showed any brilliant plays. Zwiebler definitely was making more unforced errors in the 1st game. Maybe he was rushing it a bit or wasn't able to play to his tempo. On the other hand, Kenichi was moving so fast, Marc probably didn't know what to do in a few of those rallies.
As for Kenichi, I'll give him a star for his very good footwork and court coverage. If not mistaken, i only saw him do 4-5 backhand shots in the entire 1st game. The rest he was able to cover them with his over-the-head shot. Other than his very good footwork, his strokes are your usual variety.
Overall, i still wasn't surprised with the result.

The next time they play against each other, i'd expect Zwiebler to put on a better performance.

- There’s a reason for their seeding numbers, right?
- Personally, I rate Persson as higher than Zwiebler.
- If Tago can beat Persson in a tough 3-gamer, then it wouldn’t surprise me if he beat/toyed Zwiebler rather “easily”.
- Many also were able to toy with Persson and many had a tough 3-gamer vs. Zwiebler; just depends who their opponents were.

Btw, we're still waiting for one of the mods or kwun to merge the 2 threads together..


Good unbiased review :cool:.
A rarity these days.

[ctjcad]

..have i been biased in my (past) reviews or posts??..:confused:
Btw, meant to write "Around-the-head" shot not "Over-the-head" shot..:p

[ye333]

Men it's the 2nd game that's impressive... ;)

The only players who "toyed" Persson are LD and LCW, I don't think they need 3 games to beat Zwiebler. :D

Anyway, Simon Santoso is on your side. :D I am very curious how did Simon manage to beat Tago so easily. Hope there will be video of this match available.


..okay, just saw the 1st game video (skipped the 2nd one). Personally, i thought neither player showed any brilliant plays. Zwiebler definitely was making more unforced errors in the 1st game. Maybe he was rushing it a bit or wasn't able to play to his tempo. On the other hand, Kenichi was moving so fast, Marc probably didn't know what to do in a few of those rallies.
As for Kenichi, I'll give him a star for his very good footwork and court coverage. If not mistaken, i only saw him do 4-5 backhand shots in the entire 1st game. The rest he was able to cover them with his over-the-head shot. Other than his very good footwork, his strokes are your usual variety.
Overall, i still wasn't surprised with the result.

The next time they play against each other, i'd expect Zwiebler to put on a better performance.

- There’s a reason for their seeding numbers, right?
- Personally, I rate Persson as higher than Zwiebler.
- If Tago can beat Persson in a tough 3-gamer, then it wouldn’t surprise me if he beat/toyed Zwiebler rather “easily”.
- Many also were able to toy with Persson and many had a tough 3-gamer vs. Zwiebler; just depends who their opponents were.

Btw, we're still waiting for one of the mods or kwun to merge the 2 threads together..

[volcom]

..have i been biased in my (past) reviews or posts??..:confused:
Btw, meant to write "Around-the-head" shot not "Over-the-head" shot
I don't mean to directed at you, I mean when some obvious fans give anlaysis or those fans that try to hide their biases.
Just to clarify things :D

[george@chongwei]

he lost quite easily to ss from ina just now..i wonder what happen to him just now?

[Zabee]

Tago kun still young... hopefully he will do wel in the next tournament..

[ctjcad]

Men it's the 2nd game that's impressive... ;)

The only players who "toyed" Persson are LD and LCW, I don't think they need 3 games to beat Zwiebler. :D

Anyway, Simon Santoso is on your side. :D I am very curious how did Simon manage to beat Tago so easily. Hope there will be video of this match available.
- I will try to watch the 2nd game later...Personally, i won't be overly surprised.
- Are you sure LD & LCW are the only players who've "toyed" with Persson??
Of course LD and LCW don't need 3 games to beat Zwiebler. But then, Zwiebler had lost in 2 games to other players before.
- I don't really care much abt Simon's result vs. Kenichi. It shows it depends on who is your opponent. So, don't go overly ga-ga-ga with Kenichi's results in the first 2 rounds of the WC.

I don't mean to directed at you, I mean when some obvious fans give anlaysis or those fans that try to hide their biases.
Just to clarify things :D
..you know my views have been 100% unbiased all the time.......okay, maybe 99.999999% of the time..;)

[ye333]

I guess we have different definitions of "toy" as a verb... ;) To me, to qualify, you need to make your opponent look very very awkward throughout the match/game. In other words, you need to make your opponent look lower than his actual level. Another way of saying it: You need to be able to make unexperienced observers say: "Hey, I can beat that guy too!". :D

An example: ZJH "toyed" Joko in 1990 AE final; (Reason: Joko, a world class player, looked like an amateur)

A counterexample: LD didn't "toy" LCW in the 2008 OG final. (Reason: LCW actually looked like a top player, it's just that LD played like superman)

As far as I can remember, only LD and LCW have ever made Persson look very awkward throughout a whole match. :cool:
[quote=ctjcad;1229253- Are you sure LD & LCW are the only players who've "toyed" with Persson??[/quote]

[ctjcad]

I guess we have different definitions of "toy" as a verb... ;) To me, to qualify, you need to make your opponent look very very awkward throughout the match/game. In other words, you need to make your opponent look lower than his actual level. Another way of saying it: You need to be able to make unexperienced observers say: "Hey, I can beat that guy too!". :D

An example: ZJH "toyed" Joko in 1990 AE final; (Reason: Joko, a world class player, looked like an amateur)

A counterexample: LD didn't "toy" LCW in the 2008 OG final. (Reason: LCW actually looked like a top player, it's just that LD played like superman)

As far as I can remember, only LD and LCW have ever made Persson look very awkward throughout a whole match. :cool:
- I would define the same also. What's more important is the scoreboard/how many games the match ends in. After all, isn't that proof enough of how one "toyed" with his/her opponent?? So, no, my definition is the same as yours.
- How many games did ZJH beat Joko in?? Of course, that was using the OSS.
- IMO, LD "toyed" with LCW in last yr's OG. I mean just look at the scoreboard. It doesn't matter if LD "played like superman", the fact is, LCW looked lost and awkward. Don't you think LD made LCW "look lower than his actual level" in last yr's OG?? Didn't you think "Hey, i can beat LCW, too??" For me, he did.
- Are you sure only LD & LCW are the only ones who have ever made Persson look very awkward throughout the whole match?? You never seen Taufik toyed with Persson before??..I bet they can do the same against Zwiebler..:cool:
- Again, if you want to discuss abt this player "toying" with that player, it depends also on who is the opponent. Another example, yes, i would say Simon "toyed" with Kenichi. But then again, i could care less.

Anyway, we are getting off the original topic of this thread (bringing up examples abt LD vs. LCW etc.)...

[ye333]

Honestly, No. I don't think LD made LCW "look lower than his actual level". He moved at his normal speed, his shots are of his normal quality, and so on. He looked totally normal to me (ya ya, a little bit nervous, I know I know :D).

And I definitely didn't think I can beat LCW too. :cool:

Anyway, what's important is that Simon Santoso beat the hell out of Kenichi Tago, "toyed" or not, not much difference... :D


Don't you think LD made LCW "look lower than his actual level" in last yr's OG?? Didn't you think "Hey, i can beat LCW, too??" For me, he did.
- Are you sure only LD & LCW are the only ones who have ever made Persson look very awkward throughout the whole match?? You never seen Taufik toyed with Persson before??..I bet they can do the same against Zwiebler..:cool:
- Again, if you want to discuss abt this player "toying" with that player, it depends also on who is the opponent. Another example, yes, i would say Simon "toyed" with Kenichi. But then again, i could care less.

Anyway, we are getting off the original topic of this thread (bringing up examples abt LD vs. LCW etc.)...

[ctjcad]

..if the score in that match doesn't indicate Simon "toyed" with Kenichi, then i don't know what is (is there a video??)...Was Kenichi fatigued??..

I watched the 2nd game of Tago vs. Zwiebler's match and i'm still not surprised with the result...Tago was defo 1.5 level above Zwiebler & .5 level above Persson..

..
An example: ZJH "toyed" Joko in 1990 AE final; (Reason: Joko, a world class player, looked like an amateur)

A counterexample: LD didn't "toy" LCW in the 2008 OG final. (Reason: LCW actually looked like a top player, it's just that LD played like superman)
...
..i could also re-phrase it the other way:
An example: ZJH "toyed" Joko in 1990 AE final; (Reason: Joko, actually looked like a top player, it's just that ZJH played like superman)

A counterexample: LD didn't "toy" LCW in the 2008 OG final. (Reason: LCW, a world class player, looked like an amateur)...a little bit nervous or not..

[limsy]

so,the toy term just apply on the way they look?not score?

[ctjcad]

...to how a player plays against his/her opponent; with ease or a struggle. The scoreboard is a good indicator of how a player "toys" with his/her opponent.

[george@chongwei]

this Joachim pearson is not consistent i could say. remember he manage to beat taufik hidayat in the japan open last year;)

his form is just like yoyo:p

[isaura]

i read in newspaper saying thatt her mum was ex-badminton player..HEr mum used to be runner up in AE n world championship but i dun remember the year and event she had participated..HEr mum was KEnichi's inspiration to do well in this wc

[tommy_bun]

i read in newspaper saying thatt her mum was ex-badminton player..HEr mum used to be runner up in AE n world championship but i dun remember the year and event she had participated..HEr mum was KEnichi's inspiration to do well in this wc
Her mum was 1977 WC Champion but I dont know her name....

[Dr. Evil]

Well he still have a long way to go before he can be consider as a force to be recon with. Saw his match in the WC and I must say his speed is still not up to par with the good players and by good players I am not even refering to the speed king like Lindan and LCW.

Second, he uses his wrist to smash a lot rather than going for the full force of mid body power + arms. That makes his smashes rather inefficient.

[ye333]

I am confused. Persson is a top 10 player. If Tago is 0.5 level above him, Tago should be around the same level as CJ, PG, or TH. Is that what you mean? :eek:

Finally watched the match (thanks badmintonfreak.com!). I would say Simon won easily due to experience. The young man Tago just lost focus after Simon varied pace a little, and is not fighting anymore. Is it fatigue? I don't know.

Well... When you watch OG final, edit the birdie out. Edit LD out. Then tell me, did LCW move like an amateur? Did he reflex like an amateur? Did he perform shots like an amateur?


..if the score in that match doesn't indicate Simon "toyed" with Kenichi, then i don't know what is (is there a video??)...Was Kenichi fatigued??..

I watched the 2nd game of Tago vs. Zwiebler's match and i'm still not surprised with the result...Tago was defo 1.5 level above Zwiebler & .5 level above Persson..

..i could also re-phrase it the other way:
An example: ZJH "toyed" Joko in 1990 AE final; (Reason: Joko, actually looked like a top player, it's just that ZJH played like superman)

A counterexample: LD didn't "toy" LCW in the 2008 OG final. (Reason: LCW, a world class player, looked like an amateur)...a little bit nervous or not..

[ctjcad]

I am confused. Persson is a top 10 player. If Tago is 0.5 level above him, Tago should be around the same level as CJ, PG, or TH. Is that what you mean? :eek:

Finally watched the match (thanks badmintonfreak.com!). I would say Simon won easily due to experience. The young man Tago just lost focus after Simon varied pace a little, and is not fighting anymore. Is it fatigue? I don't know.

Well... When you watch OG final, edit the birdie out. Edit LD out. Then tell me, did LCW move like an amateur? Did he reflex like an amateur? Did he perform shots like an amateur?
- Don't be confused. I would say Tago is not in the same level as CJ, PG & TH..yet. Those guys are at least 1 level above Persson. Thus, those guys' levels are a bit above Tago. Don't look into their rankings (top 10 etc.) too much.
- I will watch it later. But i wouldn't be surprised w/what you described.
- I can also do likewise with the 1990 AE Final: Edit ZJH out. Did Joko move like an amateur? Did he reflex like an amateur? Did he perform shots like an amateur?

[ye333]

Ha... I didn't realize you put Tago already that high. :D

For your last question. Yes. Because Joko often stood still on the court, having no idea in which direction to move (typical situation for amateurs, right?). :D


- Don't be confused. I would say Tago is not in the same level as CJ, PG & TH..yet. Those guys are at least 1 level above Persson. Thus, those guys' levels are a bit above Tago. Don't look into their rankings (top 10 etc.) too much.
- I will watch it later. But i wouldn't be surprised w/what you described.
- I can also do likewise with the 1990 AE Final: Edit ZJH out. Did Joko move like an amateur? Did he reflex like an amateur? Did he perform shots like an amateur?

[ctjcad]

Ha... I didn't realize you put Tago already that high. :D

For your last question. Yes. Because Joko often stood still on the court, having no idea in which direction to move (typical situation for amateurs, right?). :D
- Yes, IMO, his level is higher than Persson & Zwiebler. I saw with my own eyes Tago's game, so it's nothing biased, just simple observation. Proved also by the scoreboards. Tago's skills are pretty good, esp. his footwork. But he's not as high (in level) as the other 3 players you mentioned.
- I could say the same with LCW. With the way Super Dan played in the 08 OG, LCW had no idea, no time, no chance to read LinDan's moves..

[ctjcad]

...
Finally watched the match (thanks badmintonfreak.com!). I would say Simon won easily due to experience. The young man Tago just lost focus after Simon varied pace a little, and is not fighting anymore. Is it fatigue? I don't know.
...
..okay, i just finished watching that match. And boy, i nearly fell asleep..:(
From my observation, I would say Tago seemed like he either didn't want to play or he just looked lost out there. Esp. in the 1st game, many unforced errors from him and he hardly moved like in his previous match. He could also improve on his defense as i saw many times he could barely react to Simon's smashes. He could be fatigued but he was moving okay in the 2nd game. I also don't know if that was their first ever meeting but i'd wait til their next match to see how Tago has figured out Simon.

Btw, here's their 09 Worlds' match videos:
http://www.badmintonfreak.com/simon-santoso-vs-kenichi-tago-world-badminton-championship-2009-video/

[Blurry D]

Well he is promising... played with a cool attitude and he is in the finals of the 100th all england.

He is young and there is a lot more for him but this has been a good on for him...

[limsy]

finaly...my fave ms have his own thread...

finally
my fave ms entered the ae final:eek::D

[cooler]

finally
my fave ms entered the ae final:eek::D

i didnt know that u r into japanese products:p

[twobeer]

I think I posted http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=651817&postcount=4 .. back in 2007 .. in the "future stars" thread :-)

/Twobeer

[limsy]

i didnt know that u r into japanese products:p

there is another upcoming ms
and he is more handsome than any japan player i had seen:D
watanabe tatsuya
and also mitani minatsu
my fave^^


I think I posted http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=651817&postcount=4 .. back in 2007 .. in the "future stars" thread :-)

/Twobeer

brilliant:D

[Thom_bad]

Imagine he win the AE : he now would be considered as a legend in Badminton having win over LCW in the final of the older tournament ever, after victories over BCL, TMN etc..

[madbad]

there is another upcoming ms
and he is more handsome than any japan player i had seen:D



I thought you were going to say "myself" or "george" :p:p

[ctjcad]

good, surprising performance by him in this yr's AE..if he keeps this up, who knows, he might indeed be following his own baddy idol, Taufik Hidayat..:cool:

[narnia]

Kenich's movement is awesome. "It's not just footwork!" He is moving around all court so smoothly, seamlessly and freely. I thought Shoji was one of the quickest MS players but Tago sang goes beyond that.

Not just movement, his mentality got very strong - check the scoring graphs against CJ and BCL.

:)

[undeadshot]

Kenbo...let's call him that :p

Anyway, congratulations for him to enter the All-England finals. He is a player to watch, following spectacular defeats against Chen Jin and Bao Chunlai. Can he add Lee Chong Wei to the list?

[OneToughBirdie]

Quite amusing...just that Kenicki wins over CJ and BCL, praises flow freely, like Tago is the next one, the chosen one. LD lost to BCL, and that is an end of an era, washup and history. Lets see how CHN and LD perform at WC10 and AG10 before we say the end of his domination:D Next time, LD will bring along his secret weapon 'Itu Barang':D

[OneToughBirdie]

The better man wins this time and all the time, Tago earns his ticket to the final and may the better man wins tomorrow...I was thinking if LD took 3 months off, sucked in his last tournament which is EAG09 and it took BCL who is a top 5 world class player playing his best baddy in top form 3-set to beat LD, what happens if LD regain his old form and game sharp next time. This loss could be a blessing and may actually push LD so to say Lin Dan is Done and write him of is quite dangerous.

[limsy]

I thought you were going to say "myself" or "george" :p:p

nah
watanabe tatsuya is the most handsome;)
handsome than lyd;)

[Blurry D]

LIMSY that was quite gay. IMHO

[Krisna]

oh...from my memory...he is the champion..why huh???memory failure...T.T...

Kenichi won the Asian Junior Championship... :D But runner up of the World Juniors...


Her mum was 1977 WC Champion but I dont know her name....

Emiko Ueno! The All England WD champ of 1977 and WD World Champ of 1977... She was the queen of WD back then... ;)

[eRa@에라]

nah
watanabe tatsuya is the most handsome;)
handsome than lyd;)


Agreed! 200% :D

watch the QF last nite but couldn't keep my eyes open when kenichi played the 2nd set... but our instinct said he could pull a win and that he did... good job!

[jasonmarc]

Kenichi won the Asian Junior Championship... :D But runner up of the World Juniors...



Emiko Ueno! The All England WD champ of 1977 and WD World Champ of 1977... She was the queen of WD back then... ;)

Exactly........i tot the one who always right with his facts never wrong !! :D:D:D

[limsy]

anything funny from the post 2 years ago??:D
maybe someone is 2 year behind from my time frame;)

[george@chongwei]

Kenich's movement is awesome. "It's not just footwork!" He is moving around all court so smoothly, seamlessly and freely. I thought Shoji was one of the quickest MS players but Tago sang goes beyond that.

Not just movement, his mentality got very strong - check the scoring graphs against CJ and BCL.

:)
yeah, his mentally and physical is so strong and good throughout this tournament. Besides, he show NO fear and played bravely against the china number 2 and 3 ms player respectively and he manage to beat them!;) His never say die attitude also i respect a lot..

anyway, good luck to him against datuk lee later on;);)

Being in the FINAL of the ae already very big achivement already for this youngster.. i hope mas youngster will follow tago's attitude and commitment..:rolleyes::)

[limsy]

he will be serious contender for 2010 wc,2010 ag,2011 ae,2011 wc,2012 ae,2012 og:D
and the list go on
iah!
will he be as good as taufik hidayat?
my heart and brain say YES!!!

[george@chongwei]

perhaps better than taufik? heheheheh:D

China team will surely watch out of this youngster too in the future:cool;
anyway, congrats for being the finalist of the ae ms final today:)

[limsy]

perhaps better than taufik? heheheheh:D

China team will surely watch out of this youngster too in the future:cool;
anyway, congrats for being the finalist of the ae ms final today:)

yeah
thats why he deserve to be my fave
even lcw doesnt qualify to be my fave;)
hopefully
another of my fave will also shine

[Loh]

Japan Today
Sunday 14th March, 07:37 AM JST

LONDON

Kenichi Tago became the first Japanese in 44 years to reach the men’s singles final at the All England Open Badminton Championships in Birmingham on Saturday.

Tago, No. 20 in world rankings, rallied to defeat Bao Chunlai of China 18-21, 22-20, 21-18 to advance from the semifinals for the first time since Masao Akiyama finished runner-up at the 1966 meet, according to badminton officials.

Tago also etched his name in Japanese history by becoming the first-ever to make the final in the 12-legged super series event, which was established in 2007 and features the world’s top 32 players.

Tago next faces top seed and Beijing Olympic silver medalist Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia in Sunday’s final.

[FIVEs]

K. Tago has probably arrived:D? I mean either he wins it all or not, it's already a big statement by itself by making it thus far!

Poor LCW, he can win as many and ppl would still say things and if he don't (specially the AE)...arghh, I just feel sorry for the hard working LCW.

[Smichz]

Great job by K.Tago.Hopefully he can keep up the good work and be in the top levels like the other top players.

[OneToughBirdie]

It is a feat to beat CJ and then BCL, and took LCW to 19 pts in final. But just like Choi beat LD and then fizzles like an ice cream cone in the hot malaysian sun (I just been back from KL), I like to see how Tago perform in the next major before he can be called the 'next one' or 'rising one'...err.. I mean the 'rising star';):D

[madbad]

It is a feat to beat CJ and then BCL, and took LCW to 19 pts in final. But just like Choi beat LD and then fizzles like an ice cream cone in the hot malaysian sun (I just been back from KL), I like to see how Tago perform in the next major before he can be called the 'next one' or 'rising one'...err.. I mean the 'rising star';):D

I do think that Tago came in to the AE with more credentials than Choi did in the EAG. Tago has shown to possess pedigree in his Jr Asian Championship title and his Jr World silver medal. We could see him progressing strongly over the course of last year into this. Choi on the other hand, had no such track record or indication he would take a step up in his badminton career.

I would be very surprised, nay shocked, if Tago doesn't continue following his progress pattern

[OneToughBirdie]

I do think that Tago came in to the AE with more credentials than Choi did in the EAG. Tago has shown to possess pedigree in his Jr Asian Championship title and his Jr World silver medal. We could see him progressing strongly over the course of last year into this. Choi on the other hand, had no such track record or indication he would take a step up in his badminton career.

I would be very surprised, nay shocked, if Tago doesn't continue following his progress pattern

I agree with you on your assessment. Also, Choi is an old fella in badminton age. Tago is 20, more accomplished and more time. By that, fair to rate him the rising one:p;)

[Destricto_Ense]

Tago was an absolute joy to watch this All England, his tricky shots and determined shot retrieval were very refreshing.

[cooler]

Monday March 15, 2010
Badminton fans going to hear a lot more of Japanese kid
STORIES by RAJES PAUL
THE badminton world was abuzz with Kenichi Tago when he became the first Japanese to win the Asian junior title in Kuala Lumpur four years ago.

And after lying low for some time due to injuries and poor physical condition, a more determined Tago has gained attention again with his dynamic performances in the All-England.

And this time, Tago, who will turn 21 in July, showed that he is here to stay for some time on the big stage.

On Saturday, the world No. 20 became the first Japanese to reach the All-England final in 44 years.

He set up a match against world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei after showing immaculate form in beating China’s Bao Chunlai 18-21, 22-20, 21-18 in an energy-sapping semi-final match that lasted 76 minutes.

En route to the semi-finals, the unseeded Tago also showed great spunk to beat three top players – Nguyen Tien Minh of Vietnam (seventh seed), Denmark’s Joachim Persson and China’s Chen Jin (third seed).

He was an instant crowd favourite whenever he was on court. He dived to reach shots, retrieving impossible ones and won admiration for his steely determination.

“As a child, I had always had this dream of becoming a world beater. I did not want to confine myself to only be a star in Japan but I also wanted to do well on the world stage,” said Tago.

“I came here to learn the attitude and playing style of world-class players. My achievement here is beyond my dream.

“I want this to be a great start. I want to continue to enjoy the game and be better in what I do. At least, that is what my mother has always encouraged me to do.”

As the son of Yoshiko Yonekura, a two-time All-England doubles runner-up and a semi-finalist in the world championships, the badminton court had literally been his playground since he was three-years-old.

Tago said that his sudden rise to form at the All-England had also to do with all the hard work he put in during physical training and the great fight he gave against Indonesia’s Taufik Hidayat during the Thomas Cup qualifying round in Thailand two weeks ago.

He went down 16-21, 23-21, 18-21 to Taufik in the semi-final tie. Despite the defeat, Japan qualified for the Thomas Cup Finals, which will be held at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil from May 9-16.

“A knee injury hampered my progress last year. But when I got back to my feet, I worked out a lot. I just had to be physically fitter to challenge the best in the world,” said Tago.

“The match against Taufik was important to me too. It gave me the self-belief that I can do well in the All-England. And I am happy I have finally made it a significant event for Japan here.”

Tago is the first Japanese to reach an All-England men’s singles final since Masao Akiyama in 1966.

Japan’s chief coach Park Joo-bong said that Tago’s breakthrough and amazing fighting spirit did not come as a surprise.

“It runs in his family. He reminds me of his mother, who is a fighter too,” said the former Korean double ace.

“He already had the skills coming into the national team since winning the Asian junior title but could not run the pace in training. A lot of emphasis was given on his physical training to make him faster and stronger on court.

“Tago is highly disciplined and mentally a stronger player. The only thing that I was surprised was his vastly improved fitness condition. I thought he would be drained out by the end of each match but he returns the next day with a sudden burst of energy.

“He is certainly a highly motivated player and has a bright future ahead of him.”

[abedeng]

All Tago needs now, is the ability to complain and question bad line calls especially during pressure cooker situations. Neither LD, Gade or Taufik would have accepted the call in that last rally.

Even his legendary mild mannered coach Professor Park managed to eject and replace one line judge during his XD World Championship Finals match, playing the current BWF COO and Pernille Dupont. Ended up with Park and Chung Myeong Hee winning in 3.

[OneToughBirdie]

All Tago needs now, is the ability to complain and question bad line calls especially during pressure cooker situations. Neither LD, Gade or Taufik would have accepted the call in that last rally.

Even his legendary mild mannered coach Professor Park managed to eject and replace one line judge during his XD World Championship Finals match, playing the current BWF COO and Pernille Dupont. Ended up with Park and Chung Myeong Hee winning in 3.

Regarding the incorrect line call, TH would have storm of the court. LD would throw his racket in protest. I would maybe swear to protest.:D:p

[george@chongwei]

Regarding the incorrect line call, TH would have storm of the court. LD would throw his racket in protest. I would maybe swear to protest.:D:p
More 'drama' would be going on by then;)

[szekt]

Maybe he was just happy being in the finals....besides in terms of performance, LCW should have won anyways....

[Destricto_Ense]

KT did not look that happy after the final, which I think is understandable. He had some great comebacks during the AE so I bet he believed he still had a chance at matchpoint LCW.

[madbad]

If anyone is just happy to get to the final, they need a mental adjustment. You better try to win it cos' you might not get there again. And even if you do, you might lose again. It's so difficult to get to a final in a major, especially if you're not at the very top of the food chain. If Tago was indeed not very happy, then he's got the right attitude and I hope it drives him to many more major finals. And hopefully he can pick up a win or two.

[Loafers]

KT was awesome. I couldn't tell if he was just happy being in the finals, but I liked how he laughed and smiled a bit compared to most players who are just stone faced and lifeless until they win or lose the game...

As for his gameplay, I think he's a mix of Taufik and LCW. He has appropriate aggression and passiveness. Very refreshing to see in badminton.

[FIVEs]

Definitely a great run for KT:). He's got the talent and demeanor for bigger things in the future for sure:cool:! And it would be nice if Japan can measure up with the usual suspects: Indonesia, Mlaysia, China, etc.:)

[Wong8Egg]

Maybe he was just happy being in the finals....besides in terms of performance, LCW should have won anyways....

I am sure he is happy being in the finals, but would even happier if he gets the title, especially when he knows he has a chance to upset LCW.

Tago achievement in AE is a good sign for badminton and I hope his break through could help badminton to promote in Japan. :cool:

Good luck for him in the future.

[Granum]

Tago plays with the best aspects of Taufik's smash/net play and still has some pretty great athletic ability in his dives.

[madbad]

Tago plays with the best aspects of Taufik's smash/net play and still has some pretty great athletic ability in his dives.

Someone said he was a hybrid between Taufik (smash/net play) and LCW (defence, athletic ability, speed).

[george@chongwei]

The spotlight is on him now:D

Anyway, looking forward to catch his performance in the swiss open:)

[LD rules!]

Quick question

Does anyone know why Kenichi Tago, doesn't have the YY logo on his racket ? Is this the same for the whole JPN team ?
Thanks

[Destricto_Ense]

Maybe he strings it himself :/

[cooler]

depending how the arrangement is set up, a player can have more than 1 sponsor

[LD rules!]

Maybe he strings it himself :/

I have noticed this with other JPN players as well, they don't have YY logo on shirts even tho they are YY sponsored

[george@chongwei]

I have noticed this with other JPN players as well, they don't have YY logo on shirts even tho they are YY sponsored
yeah, this is weird.. maybe someone should ask some japanese players or officials next time;)

[george@chongwei]

so he lost to du peng yu in 2 sets in the 2nd round of the swiss open... hmmmm;)

[Loafers]

so he lost to du peng yu in 2 sets in the 2nd round of the swiss open... hmmmm;)
He probably partied too much after All England :rolleyes:

[dennisvanbekkum]

i played with tago in malaysia and he doenst have the yonex logo on his racket because he string it with so mutch tension that he has to throw his racket away after using once!! so no need to put in the logo!!

bad publicity for yonex!!

[Destricto_Ense]

He probably partied too much after All England :rolleyes:
Yeah, for the whole one day break he got between the AE final and SO first round, give me a break.

[Loafers]

Yeah, for the whole one day break he got between the AE final and SO first round, give me a break.
It was a joke directed towards Lin Dan fanboys who said almost the same thing when Lin Dan lost to Peter Gade :)

[Destricto_Ense]

Heh, all right... LD fanboys deserve all the stick they can get :p

[LD rules!]

i played with tago in malaysia and he doenst have the yonex logo on his racket because he string it with so mutch tension that he has to throw his racket away after using once!! so no need to put in the logo!!

bad publicity for yonex!!

I don't understand, what tension is he using ? Also, it's not just Tago that doesn't have the paint on the strings, it's most if not all the JPN players

[weeyeh]

i played with tago in malaysia and he doenst have the yonex logo on his racket because he string it with so mutch tension that he has to throw his racket away after using once!! so no need to put in the logo!!

bad publicity for yonex!!

In that case, he should just switch Dink's Ultra. Proven rackets at uber tensions. :p

[LD rules!]

Quite amusing...just that Kenicki wins over CJ and BCL, praises flow freely, like Tago is the next one, the chosen one. LD lost to BCL, and that is an end of an era, washup and history. Lets see how CHN and LD perform at WC10 and AG10 before we say the end of his domination:D Next time, LD will bring along his secret weapon 'Itu Barang':D

just wondering, is KT using NBG98 ?? I noticed the gold of the strings, I am just wondering.
Also anyone found out the reason why the JPN players don't have the YY logo on the strings ?

[Thom_bad]

i played with tago in malaysia and he doenst have the yonex logo on his racket because he string it with so mutch tension that he has to throw his racket away after using once!! so no need to put in the logo!!

bad publicity for yonex!!

Are you joking or something ?
Do you mean a top player string himself his racquets ?

[cappy75]

If their racquets are re-strung onsite by tourney stringers, stringers won't have time to imprint the YY logo on the stringbed.


I have noticed this with other JPN players as well, they don't have YY logo on shirts even tho they are YY sponsored

[Thom_bad]

If their racquets are re-strung onsite by tourney stringers, stringers won't have time to imprint the YY logo on the stringbed.

Then why do the others teams (Mas,Ina,Dk,etc) have the logo ?
I bet they also give their racquets to the tourney stringers

[jhirata]

just wondering, is KT using NBG98 ?? I noticed the gold of the strings, I am just wondering.
Also anyone found out the reason why the JPN players don't have the YY logo on the strings ?
Read on a Japanese forum that he uses NBG98 and bg66 (also comes in cosmic-gold colour) at 35lbs.

[Thom_bad]

Read on a Japanese forum that he uses NBG98 and bg66 (also comes in cosmic-gold colour) at 35lbs.

Wooh 35 lbs !?!? :eek:
he should be sooo powerful :D

[Blitzzards]

Wooh 35 lbs !?!? :eek:
he should be sooo powerful :D
I believe it's an exaggeration, 30-33lbs looks more likely. The NBG98 is a very stiff feeling string, and to me feels even stiffer than the BG80 (Thomas Laybourn uses BG80 at 36lbs by the way).

If not then Tago would have had the strength to punch holes through all of our stomachs :eek:

Kyokushin Karate anyone :cool:

[Thom_bad]

I believe it's an exaggeration, 30-33lbs looks more likely. The NBG98 is a very stiff feeling string, and to me feels even stiffer than the BG80 (Thomas Laybourn uses BG80 at 36lbs by the way).

If not then Tago would have had the strength to punch holes through all of our stomachs :eek:

Kyokushin Karate anyone :cool:

*dreaming of Tago punching Ld's head at ABC final* :D

[Blitzzards]

*dreaming of Tago punching Ld's head at ABC final* :D
That would be a great match to watch, although definitely NOT LITERALLY speaking :D

Tago has a bright future, and Lin Dan sure will still be fighting to the end of his marvelous career.

[jhirata]

Apparently he used BG66 at 35lbs at the WJC in 2007.. o.o

I feel that thicker strings feel harder to play with at high tension than thin strings like the zymax62, bg66m, rsl superti630, etc..

[BethuneGuy]

What the FRICK? 35 pounds... that's insane. He must never ever mishit the slightest bit off center... And they're 66's, not 65's. Unless he used a very different method of stringing. I hear in China they use a very non-orthodox method that supposedly requires very high tension but ends up being normal (to our standards). I don't really know, since I'm not well-acquainted with the techniques of stringing.

[undeadshot]

I wish I could see Tago Kenichi against Lin Dan in the ABC Final...

[Thom_bad]

That would be a great match to watch, although definitely NOT LITERALLY speaking :D

Tago has a bright future, and Lin Dan sure will still be fighting to the end of his marvelous career.


I wish I could see Tago Kenichi against Lin Dan in the ABC Final...

Agree with you guys. After seeing the matches against Lcw, and Bao, I can't wait seeing the Japanese rising star playing vs the (future-ex) king superdan :D

[madbad]

Got a feeling our new rising star KT won't make the ABC final. He might have hit his purple patch for the year and will probably settle at a level he's more expected to be in.

[Thom_bad]

You're not very optimistic eh !
Hope you'll be wrong; I really think having a non Chinese or Malaysian or Indonesian to contest the top 5 ranking might put on the suspense :)

[george@chongwei]

*dreaming of Tago punching Ld's head at ABC final* :D
CJ and BCL especially already told a looong story to lin dan:D:rolleyes:

[Thom_bad]

CJ and BCL especially already told a looong story to lin dan:D:rolleyes:

Haha yeah I can imagine KT's future pseudo : the serial-Chinese-Killer..
Lyb might be fed up with the rising star :)

[cooler]

Agree with you guys. After seeing the matches against Lcw, and Bao, I can't wait seeing the Japanese rising star playing vs the (future-ex) king superdan :Dno problemo. I see tago vs LD score similar to boonsak vs LD score.

[Aspire]

no problemo. I see tago vs LD score similar to boonsak vs LD score.
He meant LD being Boonsak and Tago being LD respectively this time around. He should have been more precise.

[cooler]

He meant LD being Boonsak and Tago being LD respectively this time around. He should have been more precise.i say u made my statement even less precise.

[Thom_bad]

Hehe cooler you've been owned..
If Ld isn't in form evey upset is possible

[cooler]

Hehe cooler you've been owned..
If Ld isn't in form evey upset is possible
does he cares?
do i care?

to me, an AG and a 2nd OG is all he need to own.
Others can own the rest, LD is generous.


btw, datuk lcw is considered invincible now by your bolehers and home media.
Imagine the pressure on that boy now.
LD has no pressure ...

[Aspire]

The good aspect about these young japanese and korean players are their abilities to follow instructions given by their coaches combine with strong mentality and fighting spirit.

They may not go all the way to win the tourney but a couple of upsets are very possible and that's where the damage are done.

[Aspire]

does he cares?
do i care?

to me, an AG and a 2nd OG is all he need to own.
Others can own him for their fame, if he shows up at all.


btw, datuk is considered invincible now by your bolehers and home media.
Imagine the pressure on that boy now.
LD has no pressure ...
Oh please... this is merely discussions. Nothing personal. Cooler is a strong guy.:)

[cooler]

The good aspect about these young japanese and korean players are their abilities to follow instructions given by their coaches combine with strong mentality and fighting spirit.

They may not go all the way to win the tourney but a couple of upsets are very possible and that's where the damage are done.yes indeed, lcw should take heed as he look shakey at 2010 AE MSF

what is lcw's form now after all the guest appearance and touring he had lately???

[Aspire]

yes indeed, lcw should take heed as he look shakey at 2010 AE MSF

what is lcw's form now after all the guest appearance and touring he had lately???
Dont allow my prediction on you materialized. Keep the discussions on Tago. Please for once. Lets talk LCW some other time other place.

Cooler is a sensible guy.:)

[Aspire]

I think Tago's will have tougher matches in the future as everyone will studied his game. They will come more prepared when playing him this time around esp. the chinese squad.

Anyway if he's able to play the way he did during AE10, those tight net shots and attacking prowess, he should be on the news front one more time.

[Thom_bad]

And what about the fact he doesn't have the yy logo on his racquet's string ?

[george@chongwei]

And what about the fact he doesn't have the yy logo on his racquet's string ?
Ask him himself or ASK yonex japan:D

[cooler]

stringer ran out of ink:p

[Thom_bad]

Lol may be Cooler..
Or Perhaps this one was a Chinese fan :)

[demolidor]

And what about the fact he doesn't have the yy logo on his racquet's string ?

Why would you walk around with a Yonex logo at all? :p Human billboard ...
Unless you get paid for it, no thanks http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif.

Regarding all the japanese it might be related to their league teams having different equipment sponsors? (mainly outfits) I'm sure Gosen wouldn't much appreciate it when someone is carrying the yonex logo on their strings when playing in a Gosen outfit. The racket logo is much more recognizable ...
Just guessing here ;) ...

[Destricto_Ense]

Questions related to players and racquets are generally best handled by ants.

[Thom_bad]

Woow hard first round for KT at ABC against the malaysian Wei Feng Chong
he will probably have to face Yan Kit Chan in r3 and TH in qf...

[Thom_bad]

Okay KT is now semi finalist.
He will face the Chinese Zhengming Wang. Hope he make it to the final !!

[SibugiChai]

KT seems to have obvious weakness at his forehand defends

[undeadshot]

Tago Kenichi's defence is not very good. He cannot take smashes of Wang Zhengming's level. He must also check his crosscourt smash, it went wide a lot of times today. His style won't fit Lin Dan, as his defence is not very good.

[george@chongwei]

Wang Zheng ming smash in that match was unbelievable powerful..!;)

[volcom]

SOmeone needs to upload that match for me :D

[volcom]

It's good to hear WZM smash is powerful cos quite frankly I'm sick of the weak smashing types like CJ, CL etc

[cooler]

Tago Kenichi's defence is not very good. He cannot take smashes of Wang Zhengming's level. He must also check his crosscourt smash, it went wide a lot of times today. His style won't fit Lin Dan, as his defence is not very good.

well, with ZMW's smashing power, most top players would look like tago's defense too. Tago was able to pick a few near the end but ZMW was smart enough to mix them up and put tago alway guessing.

More headache for lcw and misbun/rashid now:D:D

[Wong8Egg]

It's good to hear WZM smash is powerful cos quite frankly I'm sick of the weak smashing types like CJ, CL etc

WEAK???? :eek::eek::eek::eek:

[Thom_bad]

I saw Kt vs Lcw AE final to day (second game only). Seeing this you can't say Kt has a good defense :eek: :confused:

[george@chongwei]

WEAK???? :eek::eek::eek::eek:
WZM smash is surely powerful than their's;)

[AlanY]

this Tago guy has been playing professional badminton since 2007, best result is a lost in the AE final recently. ok, he could had won it if not the bad line call as the momentum was with him toward the end of the second game, but who knows? a raising star as the OP suggested! more like a one trick pony to me.

[pBmMalaysia]

well, with ZMW's smashing power, most top players would look like tago's defense too. Tago was able to pick a few near the end but ZMW was smart enough to mix them up and put tago alway guessing.

More headache for lcw and misbun/rashid now:D:D

why more headache when his weapon is only using his smashing power? u should try to talk to your national coaches at home and learn something there instead of making wrong comment everytime :cool:

[madbad]

Is this the first time Tago has played WZM? If Tago is a smart kid with sharp coaches, he'll have learned a thing or two about WZM's playing style. Perhaps introduce some variation to keep WZM off balance and minimize his smashing. Easier said than done, I know :o

Don't you all think making the SF is a decent showing for Tago? Are you expecting him to make the final of every tournament he enters? A few post like that. Like I said in an earlier post, Tago will settle into the correct level for him. Perhaps he'll be the new Mr. SF. :D

[madbad]

Gonna nip this in the bud before collateral damage occurs.

cooler and pBmMalaysia, can I arrange for you to square off head-to-head on a neutral location... say Iceland. I hear some flights are open in that airspace now. ;):D

[pBmMalaysia]

Gonna nip this in the bud before collateral damage occurs.

cooler and pBmMalaysia, can I arrange for you to square off head-to-head on a neutral location... say Iceland. I hear some flights are open in that airspace now. ;):D

seriously i don't mind but iceland is too far and you know we asian where got wear thick jacket, maybe from malaysia distance to canada divide by 2 somewhere in india? i would love to have 10 sets of singles with him and see whether he can last that long as his post does!!

and about stringing lets show it out and place a bet enough to cover the cost of my trip + + :D

[pBmMalaysia]

Is this the first time Tago has played WZM? If Tago is a smart kid with sharp coaches, he'll have learned a thing or two about WZM's playing style. Perhaps introduce some variation to keep WZM off balance and minimize his smashing. Easier said than done, I know :o

Don't you all think making the SF is a decent showing for Tago? Are you expecting him to make the final of every tournament he enters? A few post like that. Like I said in an earlier post, Tago will settle into the correct level for him. Perhaps he'll be the new Mr. SF. :D

you remember chen jin when he first show up? he started with big bang and was a short success but later he became the chen jin of today..:D

tago is a player to watch if he can make use of his speed and he has a good and experience coach:cool:

[twobeer]

Is this the first time Tago has played WZM? If Tago is a smart kid with sharp coaches, he'll have learned a thing or two about WZM's playing style. Perhaps introduce some variation to keep WZM off balance and minimize his smashing. Easier said than done, I know :o

Don't you all think making the SF is a decent showing for Tago? Are you expecting him to make the final of every tournament he enters? A few post like that. Like I said in an earlier post, Tago will settle into the correct level for him. Perhaps he'll be the new Mr. SF. :D

I agree :-) .. Tago has shown great progress! But another aspect is of course that WZM and others have noticed Tago now, and team china coaches etc will of course analyze his weakness... So Tagos opponents will probably be better prepared tactically when tey face him in future tournaments.. Same with WZM :-) Other teams coaches will start to analayse to find the "right" tactic against WZM..

Chen Long, Tago, WZM and Victor Axelssen are probably the min forces of the future.. Maybe Rumbaka and Zulkiffli could progress as well???

/Twobeer

[madbad]

I agree :-) .. Tago has shown great progress! But another aspect is of course that WZM and others have noticed Tago now, and team china coaches etc will of course analyze his weakness... So Tagos opponents will probably be better prepared tactically when tey face him in future tournaments.. Same with WZM :-) Other teams coaches will start to analayse to find the "right" tactic against WZM..

Chen Long, Tago, WZM and Victor Axelssen are probably the min forces of the future.. Maybe Rumbaka and Zulkiffli could progress as well???

/Twobeer

It's true. I neglected to add that scouting works both ways. WZM must also add layers to his game in case Tago has figured out his primary strategy. I have no doubt the CHN coaches are spying on this conversation and noting our world class analysis intently, haha ;):D

[phaarix]

this Tago guy has been playing professional badminton since 2007, best result is a lost in the AE final recently. ok, he could had won it if not the bad line call as the momentum was with him toward the end of the second game, but who knows? a raising star as the OP suggested! more like a one trick pony to me.

Erm... he's 20 (according to Wikipedia). You don't expect him to be winning tournaments left, right and centre as a teenager do you :rolleyes:?

[lilyaks]

does he use yellow towel grip or strong grap? tago

[Dr. Evil]

well, with ZMW's smashing power, most top players would look like tago's defense too. Tago was able to pick a few near the end but ZMW was smart enough to mix them up and put tago alway guessing.

More headache for lcw and misbun/rashid now:D:D

Nahhh..... they already overcome such obstacle, namely Chen Yu. If smashing is all that matters, MAS would have ruled the world with Tan Boon Heong.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but ZMW will probably end up being some second stringer.

[Dr. Evil]

It's true. I neglected to add that scouting works both ways. WZM must also add layers to his game in case Tago has figured out his primary strategy. I have no doubt the CHN coaches are spying on this conversation and noting our world class analysis intently, haha ;):D

More like flash in a pan for me. When CL beat an ill LCW in IO09, he became the jia you fanatic proclaimed future World Champion........ and they say MAS fan tend to "over celebrate"...... rrright. Now, nobody even talks about CL anymore after a series of blunder.

[Thom_bad]

Wait and see if he can confirm this..

[pBmMalaysia]

Nahhh..... they already overcome such obstacle, namely Chen Yu. If smashing is all that matters, MAS would have ruled the world with Tan Boon Heong.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but ZMW will probably end up being some second stringer.

giving him 2 years to tighten his court movement, if not then you are absolutely right! :D

[Albatross]

guys, find a good interview of Tago and his mum at the end (japanese) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_8VyVgFEo8

[AlanY]

guys, find a good interview of Tago and his mum at the end (japanese) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_8VyVgFEo8
what an ugly guy with those crooked teeth!

[george@chongwei]

But who cares... the most important thing is he's good enough to become japan number 1 ms player now;)

[Albatross]

what an ugly guy with those crooked teeth!

what are u talking about ? you expect Jude Law here ?

[twobeer]

what an ugly guy with those crooked teeth!

But I bet he can more easilly fix his teeth than you could attain his beutiful badminton shots :-)

/Twobeer

[Thom_bad]

But I bet he can more easilly fix his teeth than you could attain his beutiful badminton shots :-)

/Twobeer

Hohohoh....
:D

No matter his teeth if he plays well of course :)

[Destricto_Ense]

what an ugly guy with those crooked teeth!
What a horrible thing to say.

[george@chongwei]

What a horrible thing to say.
Agree.. He's being too straight forward already by criticizing the player til like that.

[jasonmarc]

Agree.. He's being too straight forward already by criticizing the player til like that.

Relax, KT is a badminton star now........not a movie star, i dont think he need to be very good looking.......:cool::cool: The talent is most important here....;);)

[george@chongwei]

Relax, KT is a badminton star now........not a movie star, i dont think he need to be very good looking.......:cool::cool: The talent is most important here....;);)
I'm relax as usual.. as u said.. i dont think he need to be very good looking

So, it doesn't matter whether he's good looking or not.. the most important this is he can play badminton.. and the talent for sure:D

[Thom_bad]

Another loss agaisnt Lcw 21-12 21-13 in 38 minutes...
Comments anyone ?

[madbad]

Another loss agaisnt Lcw 21-12 21-13 in 38 minutes...
Comments anyone ?

Tago tried many of the things he had success with against LCW in the AE final. Tight net play especially. But LCW read him well was superior in almost all departments. There is still a gulf between LD/LCW and the rest

[Destricto_Ense]

Was the matched televised/recorded?

[george@chongwei]

Was the matched televised/recorded?
Yes of course. The crowd is too hot for tago to handle:p

[limsy]

can kenichi tago beat his idol?:D

[pBmMalaysia]

hopefully in the next 2 years tago can have better ways of getting points other than relying heavily on his smashes and net play :cool:

[Oriental]

hopefully in the next 2 years tago can have better ways of getting points other than relying heavily on his smashes and net play :cool:

I'm pretty sure he will become a all-around player in the near-future. Time is the key. Don't forget that he is still a youngster!

[Destricto_Ense]

can kenichi tago beat his idol?:D
He has beaten Taufik before :)

[ants]

Experience will go to play tomorrrow. Tago playin in a big stage. And against his idol and have nothing to lose. He will surely go all out. Taufik will have to rely on experience and his fitness.

[pBmMalaysia]

if tago wins ms1, he will wake the other team members and poor indonesia will be in trouble :D then final will probably be mas and japan! :cool:

[george@chongwei]

It will be a tight one;)

[clemenza]

Another loss agaisnt Lcw 21-12 21-13 in 38 minutes...
Comments anyone ?

Tago is no match for LCW..when LCW beat Tago at AE final..they say LCW is lucky..but the victory at Thomas cup prove that LCW is a true champion!

[pBmMalaysia]

Tago is no match for LCW..when LCW beat Tago at AE final..they say LCW is lucky..but the victory at Thomas cup prove that LCW is a true champion!

the jia yu fans always say lcw can't or if lcw could it was luck, it was this and that... it never ends! thats the beauty of this forum!

tago is a fast player and a good one to watch provided he has more arsenals he could also be a world beater...:cool:

[pBmMalaysia]

Experience will go to play tomorrrow. Tago playin in a big stage. And against his idol and have nothing to lose. He will surely go all out. Taufik will have to rely on experience and his fitness.

if taufik is a real real idol of tago for sure taufik is going to be in big big trouble! every of his game play probably mapped clearly in tago's brain... :D

[stanster213]

Limsy: can tago beat his idol? He has beaten Taufik before :)


That is exactly what I was wondering.. for a long time.
Looking forward to see the outcome of that.
Malaysia boleh.

[Albatross]

can't wait to see Taufik v.s. Tago and LCW v.s LD

[george@chongwei]

Unfortunately Tago can't beat his idol. I would say he gave TH too much respect already in the match.

[Destricto_Ense]

Taufik was moving quicker than usual, hmm. Tago was definitely playing a bit "sleepy" though, some shots did not have much thought behind them.

[Badmintan]

I think team Japan played impressively to reach the Thomas Cup semi-finals. They have shown good team spirit and are well-coached.

MS has solid depth in Tago, Sasaki and Sato. Not to mention their traditional strength in MD.

Anyway that's good news for world badminton as East Asia now has strong competition in Japan, South Korea and China.

[limsy]

I think team Japan played impressively to reach the Thomas Cup semi-finals. They have shown good team spirit and are well-coached.

MS has solid depth in Tago, Sasaki and Sato. Not to mention their traditional strength in MD.

Anyway that's good news for world badminton as East Asia now has strong competition in Japan, South Korea and China.

how solid on ms?
sasaki is near to retired
sato shoji is md player now;)
their md are not traditional strength until pjb come;)

[stanster213]

how solid on ms?
sasaki is near to retired
sato shoji is md player now;)
their md are not traditional strength until pjb come;)

IMO,
quite solid lor... they were able to turn the tide against Malaysia, and they didn't do too badly against Indonesia (sasaki clinched a point, i think)
sasaki, he also use "wilson" equipment :cool: nice...
of course the rest use YY.... japan mah... :cool:

Japan has seen some strong improvements as of late wit PJB..
Hopefully Msia can do the same in the near future...
Not fun 2 c them always knocked out by the end of Semi-finals, you know?? :D:D haha. (goes back to the whole annoying BAM debate....)
they hav a lot of potential.. yet, how to harness that potential consistently?? :D

[LD rules!]

Happy Birthday Kenichi Tago, 21st birthday today (16th July)
Congratulations ! And good luck to him in future tournaments. :)

[undeadshot]

Where is Tago Kenichi? :( I hope he will be another bomber in the WC this time! :D

[george@chongwei]

Where is Tago Kenichi? :( I hope he will be another bomber in the WC this time! :D
No super series right now.. so u can't see him in international tourney;).. wait till the WC:cool:

[pBmMalaysia]

i think tago is in for an overhaul

when he comes out i am sure

he is going to be dangerous tago

[cobalt]

What's up with Fuzzball???:crying: (AKA Goofball...)

Everyone knows he has more talent and potential than he has been showing recently. Everyone but him, it looks like!:eek:
Someone needs to sit him down and have a heart-to-heart talk with him.

He's got BCL's number, but in the later stages of any tournament he flatters to deceive.
I think he just enjoys himself too much on the court! :D
Sometimes it feels like even he can't believe, "Hey! I'm actually playing international badminton! With all my idols! OMG!!!" :D

He needs some serious motivational lectures... :mad:

[george@chongwei]

He gave too much respect and chance to Taufik Hidayat.

[limsy]

he is really coming
like what george say he respect his idol too much
the match against bao chun lai is brilliant!
u can see how he opt when to smash and when not,constructing the rally very well,will be great given one more year of experience

[cobalt]

Agree he has the potential and the skill and talent to become a real champion. But his mind is fragile, and his attitude is not yet "tough".
Like, he does not have that mental "steel" that is required to be consistently successful.
I think he is still going through the stage where he is enjoying the "experience" too much, and not taking the "responsibilities" seriously enough.

He needs the confidence to know deep in his heart that he belongs at the top. And then, he must play like he belongs at the top. He still has not found that way inside his head.

My 2 cents...

[lcleing]

Agree he has the potential and the skill and talent to become a real champion. But his mind is fragile, and his attitude is not yet "tough".
Like, he does not have that mental "steel" that is required to be consistently successful.
I think he is still going through the stage where he is enjoying the "experience" too much, and not taking the "responsibilities" seriously enough.

He needs the confidence to know deep in his heart that he belongs at the top. And then, he must play like he belongs at the top. He still has not found that way inside his head.

My 2 cents...

I think you are being too hard on a 21 years old:crying::crying:. Asking to play like he is belonging at the top in the era of LinDan/post Taufik is asking too much don't you think :crying::crying:.

Poor Tago, not getting credit for his hard work;);). How cruel can this world be :p? You will get labelled as 'gambateh' fans soon, cobalt, as opposed to jiayou and boleh fans :D:D:cool::cool: .

[limsy]

i was all cheering for tago when he meet bao chun lai
as a fans since 2006
and he proved that he is at least better than the china number 4(3rd should be chen long now)
and still 3 more to climb(ld,cj and cl)
he shows the great fighting spirit and mentality to dispose the 200% well prepared dicky in 2nd round,which he fight and run for every inch on court
i believe he will be better than chen long in future

[lcleing]

i believe he will be better than chen long in future

My gut feeling tells me the same thing. IMHO,Tago seems to possess more qualities than CL. Could you call this talent? Anyway,I might be horribly wrong though.

[cobalt]

I think you are being too hard on a 21 years old:crying::crying:. Asking to play like he is belonging at the top in the era of LinDan/post Taufik is asking too much don't you think :crying::crying:.

Poor Tago, not getting credit for his hard work;);). How cruel can this world be :p? You will get labelled as 'gambateh' fans soon, cobalt, as opposed to jiayou and boleh fans :D:D:cool::cool: .

No, not being "too hard!" :D There are great players in every era. He cannot afford to make that an excuse! LOL.
And fans should also stop treating him like he is still a kid (and yes, maybe its time he stopped behaving like one! :D)
I am not saying it is his "fault" either. Just calling it like I see it. He does need some people around him who can instill that level of confidence he really needs.

At the top and international level of play, you need more than just playing skills, technique and physical strength. You also need mental strength. That is what will separate the winners from the also-rans. He needs someone who can help him in that department.:)

Personally, I like the guy a lot. As I said, I believe in him. The problem is, I don't think he believes so much in himself! :D

[cobalt]

PS. I remember even the perceptive Gill Clark mentioning that he reminds her very much of a younger Taufik. So he can't be bad at all! :D :D

[limsy]

congrats to kenichi tago
beaten chen long,adding to his collection
only ld left for the top 4 china ms that he yet to beat!

[SibugiChai]

Tago has added some dimension to his game. Everyone has anaylised his game after AE2010... that's why he didnt made much progress after that. Now he is back with STINGS!

Good to have someone good from the land of the rising sun

[cobalt]

Tago lost out to DPY in the Quarter-finals of the KO. I haven't seen the match, so I can't comment on it.
But I still have great faith in his talent and capacity.
In fact, he is one of the guys with a good chance to make it to the OG2012 finals, IMO.

[pBmMalaysia]

Tago lost out to DPY in the Quarter-finals of the KO. I haven't seen the match, so I can't comment on it.
But I still have great faith in his talent and capacity.
In fact, he is one of the guys with a good chance to make it to the OG2012 finals, IMO.

I think dpy's pace is faster and tago doesn't like this :D

[LD rules!]

Tago lost out to DPY in the Quarter-finals of the KO. I haven't seen the match, so I can't comment on it.
But I still have great faith in his talent and capacity.
In fact, he is one of the guys with a good chance to make it to the OG2012 finals, IMO.

Probably the fact that he had played two three game matches to get to his QF match with DPY didn't help. And seeing as his previous match was 89mins long, he was probably quite tired:)

[madbad]

Probably the fact that he had played two three game matches to get to his QF match with DPY didn't help. And seeing as his previous match was 89mins long, he was probably quite tired:)

This was clearly one of the main reasons. 89 mins against CL the day before will normally do it.

[phil-mm]

Some photos of Kenichi.

94572

94573

94574

94575

Wow, look at his adoring fans http://www.smileys.me.uk/smileys/Happy/happy0203.gif (http://www.smileys.me.uk/getcode.php?dir=Happy/&image=happy0203.gif).

94576

[suetyan]

is he wearing a key pendant necklace? :D I am wearing one too. When one turns 21, the parents will give him/her a key pendant necklace. :D Is this the same in Japan? :D

[undeadshot]

Wow, Japan has its own thread of Professional Players! About time, they thoroughly deserve this!

[limsy]

i like the way he beat simon,looks like he is the secret weapon for japan to reach semi
too bad japan lost
but this kind of style doesnt fit in individual tournament because his stamina cant support his game

[chris-ccc]

i like the way he beat simon,looks like he is the secret weapon for japan to reach semi
too bad japan lost
but this kind of style doesnt fit in individual tournament because his stamina cant support his game
.
At the ranking list released today (from the 2011 Week 22 World Ranking Lists), Kenichi Tago made a big, big rise (up 7 places); from 25th to 18th.

Well done Kenichi Tago !!! :):):)
.

[cobalt]

I like Kenichi's chances of making it to the finals of the WC 2011 !! :D

The first 2 rounds are straightforward enough. In round 3, going by Chen Jin's recent reord, Tago should be able to get by him, if he just keeps his head on his shoulders and his focus on the bird.

That means he will meet Taufik in the quarter-finals. Taufik has been showing signs of slowing down, and possibly runing out of gas for rubber games. Tago has a very good chance of beating Taufik if he can extend him to 3 games. (I am torn apart by this, because I so greatly admire Taufik, and always pray for the miracle!)

So, will Kenichi then meet LCW in the semis? If that happens, its over for Kenichi! :crying:

But wait! This is the World Championships we're talking about! The event that has always jinxed LCW, remember? :p He has to get past Dino, then PSH (who will be looking out for revenge) and then, either Chen Long or Marc Zwiebler (Marc has played sublime badminton over the past 4-5 months; anything can happen now!) if he has to get to the semis.

So its possible that Kenichi may meet up with Marc Zwiebler, or PSH, or his buddy Chen Long in the semis!

I wold love it to the Chen Long! Kenichi has a great chance of beating him if he brings his best game to the table. And then, it's on to the finals!

If Kenichi makes it to the finals, I am pretty sure about what's going to happen there!:D

[limsy]

i would say quater or semi will be his limit
all the best to my fave ms

[cobalt]

Badminton: Coach wary of underdogs
New Straits Times
Wednesday, August 10, 2011, 12.23 PM

Full story: http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/pibjopdibj/Article/ (http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/pibjopdibj/Article/)

Excerpts:

...the 22-year-old has gone off the boil since and instead of building on his fantastic performance, Tago has become a bit part player since.

His poor run continued in the ongoing World Championships at the Wembley Arena when he was sent packing by India's Ajay Jayaram in the first round on Monday.

Japan chief coach Park Joo Bong had a ready answer for Tago's defeat.

"He couldn't cope with the adulation he received after the All England final. In fact, he became big-headed and it is costing him dearly," said the plain-speaking Park yesterday.

"We have tried to advise him but it has been to no avail. Hopefully, this latest defeat will make him forget last year's All England final and instead spur him to focus on future challenges."

Japan need Tago to be firing at his best again, especially as the sport is enjoying a resurgence with quality players in all disciplines.

"There is no doubt that Tago is the best men's singles in Japan but if he doesn't refocus, then his talent will be wasted," added Park.

That is something that Malaysia can relate to as there have been numerous players who have fallen by the wayside despite their immense talent.

Hopefully for Japan, Tago will realise his folly sooner rather than later.

[OneToughBirdie]

Japan has one problem to deal with i.e. to get Tago to focus and not go zig-zag, sideways. Japan is smart to entrust this game to Park, a proven manager/coach and look at the talents in the Japs team in such a short period of time.
MAS has more than one problem, the talents are there and not falling on the wayside, just that the players are not given the opportunity to play because of the idiots running the organization are so stupidly incompetent, couldn't care less attitude and commited to run this game to the ground, a double whammy to overcome.
I wonder Maybank RM5M funding windfall, is there any accountability (i.e. show me the results) and audit (i.e. tell how how you spent the $$$, not sending your buddies to London to party time, retaining lousy coaches like Rashid (what the heck is he doing other than warm the seat in London, has not produce anything worth mentioning), creating nonsense position like high performance whatever, Maybank loot is to develop talents and finding the next star players) and these fools are far from doing it.
TC, Sudirman and forget about UC, MAS might lose to Taiwan, Thailand, Japan....so much for all these RM10'sM funding.
LCW better wins this one and OLY12, after that bye, bye.....

[Perfektion]

Kenichi Tago just lost in the first round against Zhenming Wang from China. Saw the match live and was a pretty poor performance from such a talented youngster. No credit taken from Wang who played a really aggressive game but still think Tago could have done better than that.

[twobeer]

Kenichi Tago just lost in the first round against Zhenming Wang from China. Saw the match live and was a pretty poor performance from such a talented youngster. No credit taken from Wang who played a really aggressive game but still think Tago could have done better than that.

WZM is a pretty talented kid as well!! That smash-power he has is awesome!

[KillerQT]

It's dejavu like in World Championship... Lost in the 1st round.

[cobalt]

Kenichi disposed of Wong Wing Ki of HK easily enough in round 1 of the French Open. He will face a more serious test in round 2 against Du Pengyu of China. Kanichi can overcome Du Pengyu if he really puts his mind to it, and does not lose focus at sensitive moments during rallies.

I hope Park Joo Bong has been able to get KT to retain focus and killer instinct. He must get into position to become a champion again. He has the potential; he just needs to convert it into substance.

[mb111]

Agreed with Cobalt. Kenichi is talented and a good player. Maybe he could use some sound advice and counselling from OTB.....hehehe

[cobalt]

“Kenichi… Kenichi.

“I know you’re there. I know you can hear me. They say you’re dead because you’re up against Lin Dan. But I know you’re not. How do I know? Because the Oracle told me, Kenichi. That I would believe in you, and that the player I believed in would be The One. So you see, Kenichi, you cannot be dead.

“Now, get up!!”

(with apologies to Trinity, Neo and the rest...)

[cobalt]

I knew it!!! I knew you were "The One" :D:D:D

If you believe in your self and your destiny, you will take the title tomorrow, Kenichi. Do it! Do it for Japan!!! :D:D:D

[twobeer]

I knew it!!! I knew you were "The One" :D:D:D

If you believe in your self and your destiny, you will take the title tomorrow, Kenichi. Do it! Do it for Japan!!! :D:D:D

You Wish ;-) I think The MS final in Paris has already been played ;-)

[cobalt]

You Wish ;-) I think The MS final in Paris has already been played ;-)
That was the illusion. The reality is tomorrow.

Kenichi Tago always did have immense potential, just that he needs to keep a strict control on his mind and reactive tendencies and he is capable of being just as good as anyone else in the world today. It's a shame he doesn't have the kind of resources going for him that players at the CBA have; otherwise I truly believe he could have been on top of the heap by now. All due respect of course, to Park Joo Bong and the rest. But...

[extremenanopowe]

So far, he is good to have. A China slayer just like in AE. ;)

[twobeer]

That was the illusion. The reality is tomorrow.

Kenichi Tago always did have immense potential, just that he needs to keep a strict control on his mind and reactive tendencies and he is capable of being just as good as anyone else in the world today. It's a shame he doesn't have the kind of resources going for him that players at the CBA have; otherwise I truly believe he could have been on top of the heap by now. All due respect of course, to Park Joo Bong and the rest. But...

Agree completely.. Tago has huge talent.. (read my posts from 2007 on Tago ;-)) He was on par with CL in the junior days, and with better coaches he would probably surpass CL imop.. But it is a sad thing usually for Japaneese talent.. They are usually soo good at about 15-19 and then there doesn't seem to be a plan to progress so they cannot take that final step to the absoulte top...

Another big problem for him is his insanity in racket choice.. Playing with arc-z is a recipe for loosing :cool:

[Perfektion]

I was seriously stunned by his performance against Lin dan in French Open 2011. He played so aggressive and so well compared to his other tournaments. In my opinion the Arc-Z is a great racket! He already tried VT80 couple of tournaments ago

[SibugiChai]

Arc-Z... it might be just a paint job from Yonex! don't put too much attention towards what the racquet Pro is using

[extremenanopowe]

KT doesn't have that natural jump smash ability like lcw, ld, pg and th. Difficult to be successful. He need to do more hopping. ;)

[twobeer]

KT doesn't have that natural jump smash ability like lcw, ld, pg and th. Difficult to be successful. He need to do more hopping. ;)

Not really.. Tago has a pretty good offensive game. He looses more when defending smashes against body and when a bit late backwards still going for smash.. Many of his loosing points today could be attributed to semiforced errors.. I actually think his Arc-Z is hurting his game.. It gives him good power, but it hurts his control / defence..

[cobalt]

KT doesn't have that natural jump smash ability like lcw, ld, pg and th. Difficult to be successful. He need to do more hopping. ;)
Ahem.... :D

110189

[limsy]

still need to add on some intensity in his stamina tank in order to have a more consistent appearance in semi final or final.
as i said in post number 221 in this thread
anyway,he had improved on this lately but still not good enough
and he need to be more humble
humble and humble
ur idol,taufik have reasons to head up but u have none,so u should keep your head down and learn more

[pBmMalaysia]

Not really.. Tago has a pretty good offensive game. He looses more when defending smashes against body and when a bit late backwards still going for smash.. Many of his loosing points today could be attributed to semiforced errors.. I actually think his Arc-Z is hurting his game.. It gives him good power, but it hurts his control / defence..So you are saying if Tago changes to another racket that gives better control / defense, he could lessen his errors ? Also, will that be a sacrifice for his smashes / attack ?? :p

[cobalt]

Kenichi lost the finals of the French Open 2011, to LCW in straight games. But that dry information does not tell the real story. It does not tell you how Kenichi Tago played.

It will not tell you about the power of his smashes that left LCW stranded time and again. Or the choice of his attacking defensive returns that made the fastest player on the planet scramble to get at. Or of his immaculate netplay, which we knew he always had.

It does not tell you of the beauty of his backhand, or of the power and suppleness of his wrists when he hits those backhands; shots which would make his idol Taufik proud to own.

It does not tell you about the look on Kenichi's face: of a young man who wants to win that title, but who agonized, must watch it slip away because he is still not consistently good enough to beat the Malaysian. But it will tell you about Kenichi losing hope at some point in the second game, and with it, his consistency, his immaculate defence, his accuracy, and finally, his interest.

But I would like to tell you Kenichi: we believe in you.

We believe you can be The One. That you can be among the best in your time. That you can win the big titles. That you have the potential and the skill, and the raw talent and instinctive brilliance that most Chinese and Indonesian players would gladly chop their other hand off for, to possess.

That is not enough, though. You must believe in yourself. And follow up the belief with hard work. And build up the consistency and intensity. There is no other way.

And you must stop being tentative and overly respectful of your idols. You must make your idols proud of you! They should be proud that they were able to inspire another player who would become as great as they were! You have to be ruthless on court, without being arrogant or insulting. But you must learn to be ruthless.

At 22, Kenichi Tago is still young enough to play for another 8, 10, 12 years even! His best days are yet ahead of him. I fully believe that in the very near future, we will know Kenichi, not as the giant-killer; but as the giant, himself.

[shahkiz]

Kenichi Tago perfomance against LCW is amazing yesterday.BTW,his back with his favourite racket Arc Zslash from VT80.

[twobeer]

Kenichi Tago perfomance against LCW is amazing yesterday.BTW,his back with his favourite racket Arc Zslash from VT80.

16-21, 11-21 .. Define Amazing???

[shahkiz]

He manage to make LCW fully stretch all the game,i think that is amazing.Compare to his all england 2010 and Open Japan 2011.. =)

[KillerQT]

He manage to make LCW fully stretch all the game,i think that is amazing.Compare to his all england 2010 and Open Japan 2011.. =)

I think All England 2010 is much better and thrilling game... KT gave LCW problems especially those smashes from KT... and the winning point is a tight call.

[pBmMalaysia]

Kenichi lost the finals of the French Open 2011, to LCW in straight games. But that dry information does not tell the real story. It does not tell you how Kenichi Tago played.It will not tell you about the power of his smashes that left LCW stranded time and again. Or the choice of his attacking defensive returns that made the fastest player on the planet scramble to get at. Or of his immaculate netplay, which we knew he always had.It does not tell you of the beauty of his backhand, or of the power and suppleness of his wrists when he hits those backhands; shots which would make his idol Taufik proud to own.It does not tell you about the look on Kenichi's face: of a young man who wants to win that title, but who agonized, must watch it slip away because he is still not consistently good enough to beat the Malaysian. But it will tell you about Kenichi losing hope at some point in the second game, and with it, his consistency, his immaculate defence, his accuracy, and finally, his interest.But I would like to tell you Kenichi: we believe in you.We believe you can be The One. That you can be among the best in your time. That you can win the big titles. That you have the potential and the skill, and the raw talent and instinctive brilliance that most Chinese and Indonesian players would gladly chop their other hand off for, to possess.That is not enough, though. You must believe in yourself. And follow up the belief with hard work. And build up the consistency and intensity. There is no other way.And you must stop being tentative and overly respectful of your idols. You must make your idols proud of you! They should be proud that they were able to inspire another player who would become as great as they were! You have to be ruthless on court, without being arrogant or insulting. But you must learn to be ruthless.At 22, Kenichi Tago is still young enough to play for another 8, 10, 12 years even! His best days are yet ahead of him. I fully believe that in the very near future, we will know Kenichi, not as the giant-killer; but as the giant, himself.Cobalt, that was a nice one :). If Tago can read and understand it I am sure when he meets you, he will hug you with his powerful legs up your waist. :D Thus, I suggest you go to the gym right now after reading this post and start pumping your thight muscle :DBtw, I can't write like you so I can only tell him to be a full timer :D