Scope: We are looking at MD pairs' performances from the beginning of 2007 till now. I think we are pretty sure who are the top-3 pairs (in no particular order), CY/FHF KKK/TBH MK/HS Then, which is the last pair? CW/TG? JJS/LYD? CTF/LWW? JE/MLH? or ...? What is your opinion? The choice could be based on your own criteria - just explain why in your reply.
Agree with both of you too. What triggered me to create this thread is that I read what Rexy told the press after Macau Open, "The world's best four pairs were there (in Macau). And I certainly want to thank and congratulate the players (KKK/TBH and perhaps CTF/LWW) for a job well done." TG/CW didn't participate. Wonder if he was referring to JJS/LYD as the 4th pair. If JJS/LYD works harder, they may replace TG/CW one day. That will bring us back to the later part of 1980s where the "4 Heavenly MD Pairs" came from these four countries - CHN (TBJ/LYB => CY/FHF), INA (RG/EH => MK/HS), KOR (PJB/KMS => JJS/LYD) and MAS (RS/JS => KKK/TBH) while the No.2 pairs from these countries were not strong enough to consistently challenge them.
Yup, I think that's what Rexy meant... From the looks of it, we might very well enter another era of the "4 Heavenly MD Pairs"...
On the other hand, Denmark is still pretty much relying on the veteran pairs. JE/MLH (World #2 prior to the pairing up of KKK/TBH) is losing their edge as well. Former world champion LP/JR seems to be bouncing back recently but I doubt it could last long. So, I foresee the new era of "4 Heavenly MD Pairs" to arrive in 3 years' time.
I like JE/MLH a lot. They are still playing top class doubles despite their age, and this goes to show their class and professionalism. Dont write them off in Beijing, this oldies may just spring a surprise.
i still see tat potential winners in OG '08 to be KKK/TBH, CY/FHF, MK/HS, JJJ/LYD.. others might create upsets... referring to CTF/LWW, MLH/JE.. but i dun think LP/JS can do much cuz they have been toooo unconsistent.. ah.. i think the biggest threat is definitely TG/CW..
The veterans pair for example JE/MLH & LP/JR; CTF/LWW will be the main threat in OG.. That's where the experiences do matter most.. If Fu/Chai meets any of the above pair before the semis, they will be in deep trouble... But personally i think KKK/TBH have great record against those veterans pairs.. maybe with the exceptions of their own teammates.. It will be tough for MK/HS to win OG to repeat their greats success in WC07. but it is not impossible too.