Finally, Lin Dan of China won his first grand prix title at Korea Open. Is he a rising star? Does he have the speed, power and skill to stay at the top?
I thinh we got to wait a while more. See if he can win the Japan Open And subsequently see if he is consistent.
Lin will be the next top Chinese MS player in the years to come. He has the speed, attack and skills to become number 1, his only lacking attribute would be his mental game. He does not have enough experience and so at times might become a little too impatient or frustrated if his attacks fail to work(Eg. AE-2002, Lin vs. Budi Santoso). But if he improves the mental aspect of his game then the number 1 rank will be his.
Will he overtake Xia and Chen Hong? Does that mean 1st singles Indo vs China, Marleve vs Lin Dan, Budi vs Chen Hong, Xia vs Hendrawan? Xia vs Hendrawan, a dangerous prospect for the Chinese... The team tactics are eagerly awaited.
Hendrwen has indicated he is not going to be a member of the Thomas Cup team. In any case, it will be a different story for the 5x7 score scheme. The No.3 player will be Taufik Hidayat who is even more fearful. In any case, I don't think China has a serious chance against the Indos in the Thomas Cup. The Indos should be able to collect the TC for at least one more time.
Agree, it looks like the same old story as the last TC. China must win all three singles.So now they have to strategise so that the 'correct' match with the Indons is achieved & hopefully with homeground advantage they could pull through.
Haven't seen Lin Dan play in the K-Open & Taufik is out of competitive badminton for a few months already. So have to see the results of the J-Open,then we'll wud be able to ans the question more accurately. Perhaps Chen Hong or Lin Dan. In the Asia Cup, a couple of mths ago CH won.