"no rush! only one more game! hold on to it!" It was the men's single match in AE 2004, Chen Hong and Peter Gade was fighting for a place in the quarter final. on the sideline, Lin Dan was cheering the loudest. cheering and giving tips to Chen Hong . Although Chen Hong managed to even score with Gade in many occasions, he failed to maintain the momentum and eventually lost in a marathon 79min match. Gade not only won the match, but he also won Lin Dan's respect. Although Lin Dan was supporting Chen Hong, he enjoys watching Gade's play, he complements Gade's style and character on court. "Peter is getting older, but he is always holding on. Whenever he is down, he never lose his confidence, although he is down a game, he will play like fresh on the second one, he feels like he is still the young Peter Gade. He is unlike other players who will start questioning themselves if they are a losing." "If he doesn't have this self confidence, it will be hard for him to continue on. Afterall, he is less fit than when he was younger." "Peter has very nice strokes and nice to watch." "Although he is a European player, he has the character of an Asian player, like his speed and footwork, etc."
i think that is a great complement on Gade from the world #1 Lin Dan. Gade seems to be coming back to his old form slowly after his injury. also shows that Lin Dan is an open-minded person. who'd praise his on court foes just like a real sportman and champion would do...
yes, it is nice to see sportsmanship. Altho to be fair, any of the seeds could win the AE, the seeding system is flawed, since it is based soley on world ranking points, which are effected by how often people play, injuries, player form. but it makes it interesting to watch too as they are all so close together.... Chen Yu beating Lee Hyun II to 5 and 5 in the 3rd round tho doesn't look great tho :S Neil
