For those who did not get to see this match- Tam is a stout left hander with a big smash. His strategy was to put down the shuttle hard into sidelines at every lift.His opponent played consistently but not positively, following Tam and trying to stay and outlast.The result would be about same if say Taufik was playing Roslin.There looks to be so much a retriever can do, especially if he cannot change strategy. Of course Hendrawan was too smart to fall for that. In fact half of last eight seem to be very crafty and complete players, Hendrawan, Gade, Chen Hong and Gopi.Wonder if Xia has learnt anything new or is he going to be tricked by Hendrawan again?
StarOnline reports that Roslin wasn't feeling well before the WC started but he didn't tell Misbun. he didn't want to create any trouble or withdrawl. is that a correct thing for him to do? or is that just another thing to save face? BAM was very understanding with regard to Roslin, letting him not participate in the SC. now that Roslin crashes out, how will BAM react? Tam also spoke out after his win. Tam thinks that Roslin's shots are not powerful enough and too flat. Tam tries to attack Roslin on the sidelines. that seemed to have worked.
What Tam said was also admitted by both Misbun and Roslin in post match interview.It appears that BAM was actually quite kind to offer Misbun to have his players spar as it has worked with BAM players advancing and coping well after training against a large pool of different players in BAM. Of course it is oversimplifying things, perhaps it could have been different. BAM is in no position to do anything.I think it is true that you can read Roslin's game easily. Players like Gade and Hendrawan or Sun Jun know where opponents ' shots are heading and are most of time half way there before the bird even crosses the net.Half the battle is won with good anticipation and deception added on.Again of course it is all obvious and very easy to say but it is what most seasoned players say separate the men from the boys.Even Tam is no boy.
I agree that Roslin wasn't playing his own game. I think he's too confident of winning against Tam and was eager to finish of the game. He got every opportunity to kill the shuttle but he choose to play on. If he plays more aggresively like Lee or Wong who go for the kill when ever they see the opportunity he surely can get past Tam without any problem. The preview match with the Indian player that I get to watch over here makes me wonder is he really physically or mentally prepared ??? I think Misbun will need to look deep into what happen to Roslin at WC.
I think you are right. I don't think TAM's skill is better Roslin, and certainly not his fitness. I think TAM just happen to play the right note on that day, and Roslin just did everything wrong. He has to kill, his defence is without a doubt one of the best. I last saw him play during ALL-ENGLAND, he lost to Chen Hong because he could not kill him off. His fitness level was amazing though, Chen Hong was already crumbling but Roslin was still walking around not even out of breath. Somehow Chen Hong found that extra bit of reserves to win at the end. Roslin has to kill, not only defend and retrieve. Need to go fast to the net.
