i think those are smiles of relief/feeling lucky for not having to play third set.. chen long was a tough nut to crack today, if not for the consecutive unforced errors by CL at the end of the second game, it could have gone either way. CL dominate the net outright today but LCW fought back from the rear court to win the first game. but in the second game CL improvise his defence, sending back LCW smashes. LCW just couldn't pull away like usual and the score was tied until the end. i hope this will serve as a reminder to LCW, just because Lin Dan is not in his top form, other Chinese player can still get him. (or tire him up like limsy said). i'm hoping PG will give LCW a good fight tomorrow. Doesn't matter who win or lose. it will be LCW last chance to discover any area that needs improvement and work on them before the WC.
Agree CL is dangerous because he would have played many matches with LCW clones before he meets the original LCW. However, even if it had gone to rubber, CL won t be able to sustain a high level. It takes a while to reach that level of experience. But it s always impressive to see the tactics that CHN coaches have come out with, to sieve out LCW s shortcomings. I do doubt those smiles are that of relief or escape. It looks like LCW and his coach share a cheeky secret about CL and CL s playing like they expected. But TSB is quite a personable, warm fellow who smiles easily.
I agree, that 'after match smile' between TSB and LCW was like 'worked as we plan, mission accomplished' .............
hmm from 2009 to now there is 8 final that opponent only earn single digit(include today final) and the lowest is 21-5(simon,singapore open 2009)
seriously..LCW is damn good and too good today for PG...looks like he is quite prepared for WC..im quite worried as a LD fan of course haha!
But Chen Long troubled LCW in semi. I'm sure LD also prepare well, he didnt show true form during this 2 SS
Haiseh, I didnt say about LCW mah, only say observation on LD side. I'll see if my trend prediction true or not this year.
As a MAS supporter I am worried LCW's opponents may have too many opportunities to read his game and take measures to counter him before WC2011.
LCW was just too good for PHG in their MS title match of the 2011 Indonesian Badminton Open. He blew PHG away 21-11, 21-7. It was an awesome display of speed and skills by LCW and PHG was always left stranded. PHG is no mean player having secured 3 final and 1 semi-final placings in 2011 tournaments so far. LCW also created a record as the only foreigner to have won the Indonesian MS title 3 times in a row. His total Indonesian MS title tally now stands at 4.
The Super Series takes a break giving the shuttlers a breather before the World Championship in London in August but Chong Wei knows the Chinese are watching him closely. Six of their best men's singles players were here but none made it to the final, including their reigning Olympic champion Lin Dan. The Chinese cameras were mounted on the four corners of the Istora Senayan each time Chong Wei is in action and the Malaysian camp is aware of it. >>>>source from bernama news. Four cameras on lcw? they are not just watching lcw video, I think they also want to make a 3D video of him!