Correct, it was discussed many times before. However, if you wish to bring this up again, try to narrow down your topic by defining what do you mean as "best" and "ever". Otherwise, it will be another fiery debate here!
I think its very interesting topic to come discuss. "Who is the best singles player in the world?" After following the badminton scene from 60s to present and with so many contrasting styles. Some greats to note- Wong Peng Soon, Rudy Hartono, Liem Swie King, Han Jian, Luan Jin, Morten Frost, Yang Yang, Jiao Jian Hua ? But todays champion has short life span. I am also keen to know how Tang Xian Hu (The Thing) and How Jia Chang would measure up with the rest. Pity he did not play with Rudy Hartono. Heard that Indonesian Federation wanted to avoid this match at all cost. So many players. Question is "WHO IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD"
Rudy Hartono is the biggest name. For those i have known in my 18 years it would be Sun Jun or Peter Gade. These 2 players are masters in speed, tecnique and offensive play. Perhaps also Høyer Larsen and Haryanto Arbi could join these two.
I have only played for a few years so i don't know that many players, would you say Chen Hong is one of the best?
hmm thats hard to say. I would not say he is the best, perhaps right now but not in for the last 10 years. Chen Hong is very fast and has some very hard smashes but besides that he isnt so impressive as for example Sun Jun who could attack or play defensive using his amazing technique. I dont say that Chen Hong is a bad player or weaker than other former world class players. I only think that he hasnt so many skills like Sun Jun, Gade or Hoeyer Larsen who have played or still plays in the same time as he does...
I don't follow badminton competitions much but have watched the World Championships and the All England this year (mainly due to the lack of exposure on UK satelite TV) but the one thing that I notice is the inconsistency of wins, it seems to me the Chinese are in a far better position when it comes to competition consistency for doubles (both mixed and level as they always seem to be in the semi's and finals) but the singles seems to be all over the place. The finals in these two competitions were very different, more of a mix of nationalities. So I would like to ask, what determines "THE BEST" is it results in competition or the ranking system, showmanship and creativity or longevity of career having been there or thereabouts for so long when the top few are constantly changing? Any views
Another major point in making a player the 'best' will be consistency. You can be one of the most talented player in the world and yet win nothing or fall when it matters the most; beat some of the best rivals while losing to lesser ones. That, to me, does not sound like 'the best' at all. If consistency-wise is a point of consideration, then, for the 80s it should be Yang Yang and/or Zhao Jianhua for that matter.
Currently , i can say that Chen Hong is the best player around because of his consistency in winning tournaments unless if he in hampered by injuries. I can't say much in regards of best Player of all time. Its just too many to mention.
Thats true, there must be so many great singles players i am not sure if it would be possible to choose one. How about choosing the top ten then putting a poll up.
top ten MS in my opinion.. Rudy Hartono-INA Choong-Mas cant renember his name, but he played in the 50's Yang Yang-CHN Morten Frost-DEN Suprianto-INA Sun Jun-CHN Peter Gade-DEN Heryanto Arbi-INA Poul Erik Höyer-DEN Chen Hong-CHN Wong Choong Hann-MAS I know there are a lot of others, specially from the 50-80's but I havent seen them play so it's hard to point out where on this top ten they should be. Are these players just crap or have I made something wright
- Fairly accurate list , mostly based on results. Eddy Choong from Msia, probably father of Msain badminton. Also left out Erland Kops, Sven Pri , Tang Xian Hu and Hou Chia Jiang. I think in terms of raw talent Zhao Jian Hua and Taufik are in a class of their own. Definitely Sun Jun and Morten Frost were close to being complete players.
Definitely Erland Kops should be on the list - he ha an amazing record. Losing to a friend of my friend though in the 1964 All England final, Lee Kin Tat of Singapore.
Sun Jun lost to Hendrawon at 2000 Sydney Olympics at QF stage (Hendrawon went on to capture silver). But he did win 1999 World Championships
- When Sun Jun played in 2000 Olympics he wasn't even at 60 % of his best because of injury. The best badminton he played was in 1998/99 where he had many seesaw clashes with Peter Gade. I think one true test of how outstanding a player can be is the length of time he remains unbeaten. I think Rudy Hartono may hold that record, maybe even Morten Frost in 1984. I think that record is still Ge Fei and Gu Jun, unbeaten from 1996 till 2000.
yeah I also renember the year 98/99 where Sun Jun and Peter Gade was superior to the other players in MS..Ge/jun are problary the best WD who had ever been...