. Chen Long-vs-Taufik Hidayat On Saturday 11-Dec-2010, at the Hong Kong Open Super Series, we shall have an interesting match at the Mens Singles semi-finals. It's the "Chen Long-vs-Taufik Hidayat" match. From the current BWF World Ranking, Chen Long is at No.4 (China No.1) and Taufik Hidayat No.3 (Indonesia No.1). They have played against each other twice before. Below are the results; Fri 30-Oct-2009 FRENCH SUPER SERIES: Taufik Hidayat [4] defeated Chen Long 22-20, 21-15 in 50 minutes Wed 24-Jun-2009 MALAYSIA OPEN GRAND PRIX GOLD: Long Chen defeated Taufik Hidayat [2] 21-14, 20-22, 21-19 in 57 minutes What will be the results of this match: China No.1-vs-Indonesia No.1? .
Chen Long has overtaken Lin Dan as China's BWF No.1 player . I also think that TH could win (at this 2010 HK Open SS) even though TH is older and slower. BTW, CL has overtaken Lin Dan as China's BWF No.1 player. This tournament is a BWF tournament; so Chen Long might also wish to overtake Taufik's BWF ranking. .
Ehmm.. if this is about rivalry, this thread suit to be in Professional Player. But if this is about upcoming match in HK SS 2010, then this thread should not be here. And.. I say this is a 50-50 match. IMHO, TH weakness is at backhand area (which is his famous ability). Many of TH lost caused by his opponent exploit his left side. TH tend to do backhand rather than doing overhead kind of shot and/or bending his body or run quickly to left. He is a bit lazy to run so prefer doing backhand. So, if CJ and LD already advised CL to consistently exploit TH left side and force a high speed game, all goes to CL .
Taufik signed contract to play for Guangzhou Badminton Club at the 2011 China League . On Thursday 09-Dec-2010, TH signed a contract to play for Guangzhou Badminton Club at the 2011 China Super League. Probably, TH would now be thinking - Must do well every time when playing against any CHN players from now on. Source: http://bbs.badmintoncn.com/thread-161964-1-1.html .
Not just talking about their match at the 2010 Hong Kong Open SS . No. Not just talking about their match at the 2010 Hong Kong Open SS, although I commenced this thread from the match to be played there. Expecting TH and CL to play their best whenever they face each other. It could be a great rivalry. .
Yeah, talking about rivalry, Taufik already started the war year ago (forgot where and when). He said that CL is not as good as LD when LD was at same age
2010 Hong Kong Open SS: Chen Long-vs-Taufik Hidayat at the Semi-Finals . In an hour's time, the Chen Long-vs-Taufik Hidayat Semi-Finals match at the 2010 Hong Kong Open SS will start. I would think that TH could win, even though he is older and slower. Why? I think TH's experience would prove too much for CL. Let's wait and see. .
Well a narrow 3 setter. CL is still on the learning curve. But after this I think he would now fully understand TH's make-up. at the moment TH can still hold his own over 3 sets with CL,and still close the game at the end, implying CL's strokes are still not damaging enough. Pity CL couldn't make it this time, now he will miss the chance to test LCW.
2010 Hong Kong Open SS: Chen Long-vs-Taufik Hidayat at the Semi-Finals Results . Let us record the match scores/stats here, as I have posted in our match thread. At the 69th minute, TH won !!! Game 1: TH-CL 15-21 (Smash Winners Stats: TH-CL 2-4) Game 2: TH-CL 21-11 (Smash Winners Stats: TH-CL 9-1) Game 3: TH-CL 21-19 (Smash Winners Stats: TH-CL 5-4) .
I think TH has improved a lot compare to 2-3 years ago, despite he is getting older. Currently not many players can take him down, maybe only LD, LCW and CJ can defeat him. Really appreciate his effort to bring and maintain his performance to where he is now. Can we now say: TH is BACK?