Wow, this thread has just EXPLODED. I thought I saw 25,000 plus just a short while ago. Now the viewership is inching towards 27,000. limsy must be having sore fingers pressing the like button so many times . No one seems to have mentioned or noticed that Minatsu has exquisitely fair skin. I can't help comparing her to some of the dainty noble ladies of the medieval past.
I think it's called talent. The same reason why she can hit the shuttle hard. Theory is those with more fast twitch fibres will do better in the sprint events, while others with more slow twitch ones tend to be able to run the long distances well. Personally I believe there may be another factor. That is, how many muscle fibres are actually involved in each contraction. The more there are contracting together, the faster the person can move around the courts and the harder he or she can hit the shuttle. I'm guessing that this both occurs naturally and can also be trained. Just a wild shot .
But then, it's widely expected that you would be more observant of the minor details than most when it comes to things Japanese!
This is Minatsu Mitani at Singapore Open 2012, managed to take photo with her She looks very COOL indeed, her style looks very different when shes playing on court
I envy you all "lucky" guys... :crying: I live in a country where people think badminton is a backyard game for pass time. And the place where I live people have not even heard the word 'badminton' The nearest place where an international badminton tournament held is nearly 2000 miles away.
I have finally caught up watching all the BWF videos, including the MM v SN one. My observation is that SN came out of the gates trying to intimidate MM but the JPN girl settled in quickly and showed tremendous defensive prowess. Her round the head defensive clears weren't that deep but she managed to block a fair amount of Saina's subsequent smashes with interest. Saina was also clearing cross court a lot but that too was handled with relative ease. With Saina's initial energy expended and little to show for it, MM gradually worked her way into the match and exhibited decent forecourt control. In the end it looked like Saina was completely spent chasing a variety of deep and deceptive shots. IMO, a less fatigued Saina would have won the match even not playing at her best. But, hey, nobody can dictate what in condition you or your opponent arrive at the court so you play the person in front of you. Congrats to Minatsu. (Personally, I don't find her that cute so don't shoot me )
Minatsu, pls be my partner ( I mean for mix doubles la ). We can even beat the MD at the courts at where I play.
Minatsu relies on her superb defensive skill more than counter-attack and too little on initiating the attack to win, esp that match vs Saina by denting her attack, frustrating and wearing her down. It may not always work against the top players who are good attackers or all-rounders, including Saina. But then Minatsu isn't standing still, she keeps improving ,particularly evident during the last two tournaments. IMHO, in that match against Saina, she won G1 mostly be defence, then in G2 she changed tactic to attack a bit more even catching Saina by surprise a few times. Minatsu may appear short and petite but she has powerful legs,just look at her thighs, that make her a fast mover. She will go far.
So brave and honest of you to admit you're a leg man. Ya, strong,supple,beautiful legs, fair and smooth skin,exquisite...Did I describe it exactly for you? (Don't ask me what type I am).