I watched it in HD, watch when LD was leading 17-14 or something in the first set and he took a towel break, you can clearly see the cap is gone.
Lin Dan said he wanted to emulate PG and play till 35... I think that's a bit tough coz there are so many good CHN players in line to taking over him... Having said that, he should quit after OG2012 with the silver medal
It does look like you can see into the bottom of the wooden handle. But it also looks like just the very bottom part or plate of the cap is missing while the sides could still be intact. Not sure if this is the same for all his racquets or if there is really a reason for anyone to copy this. My guess is he broke the cap and did not bother to replace it
I believe ... because on the 1st set he stand on the side ("top" from video camera point of view) where the wind blow faster than where Gade stand. He wanted to prevent the shuttle going out, so he used heavier racket (with the grip wrapped so high). I used to do it the same like that before If you notice during this sudirman cup 2011", some player had more problem on the top side & the shuttle often went out. Even the commentator also mentioned about that
Much has been said about Lin dan since the start of sudirman cup but nothing has been mentioned by bcers about his current style of play. To some, hoping for a re-match like the Olympic 08, I can confirm not likely after watching all his matches here. He definitely has change his style of play and he is troubling a lot of players Just take a look at his 'reserved energy' after been attacked or rallied by his opponent. I supposed that is his new weapon Not only those opponent lost to him, I think they were clueless and exhausted towards the end He doesn't smash much yet he is deadly What do you guys think?
LD is playing it smart, his speed, fitness, reading the game and power smash are all there but he uses it only when he needs to. The way LD played PG, moving PG around, that was very impressive. Now that Sudirman and AG are over, there are 2 majors left for LD to tackle. I think LD is playing it safe to avoid risking injury, just do enough to win, get those WR points to be #1 or #2, peaking for WC11 and more importantly OLY12. I say 51% OLY gold to LD and 49% to LCW just that LCW has to get past one other CHN player, whoever he is, is not easy to play, and that is why I favor LD to win OLY12. But OLY12 is still a long way to go
If the observations are confirmed, then it is racket tampering to enhance a player's performance and the BWF should act. It is the same in cricket with ball-tampering and a certain country was issued a warning by the World Cricket Council. We, Bcers, should continue to highlight this 'abuse' so that no player gains at the expense of others.
That's just downright silly. If that's the case, applying an overgrip or partially removing a grip or adding lead tape would be considered tampering too. I think you're being a little overzealous. Do you want badminton to become golf where spectator Nazis report infractions at every opportunity because they feel it's their right to police the game?
I'm not sure, if Lin Dan is still able to play as explosive as before. He kept playing the same more defensive style in the All England final against LCW and lost. Besides I don't think that you can switch styles that convincing if you don't use it a lot. So even if it's a kind of strategy to surprise LCW at the Olympics 2012 I doubt that it'll work out that way.
I think he's just cruising. Trying out various styles, experimenting with speed, comfort etc, all the while knowing that he can turn it on with 98% of the crowd whenever he wants to. And keeping his powder dry most of the times. Excuse the overuse of mixed metaphors. Its hot here today.
Tuesday May 31, 2011 The Star Lin Dan: I want to emulate Peter Gade By CHOW HOW BAN QINGDAO: Lin Dan wants to be China’s Peter Gade Christensen. The Olympic and three-time world champion hopes to emulate the Dane to continue playing even at the age of 34. “My next goal is to become China’s Peter Gade because I really hope to play until I am 35-years-old. I hope that more young players from China can learn from Peter and stay active for a long time in the sport,” Lin Dan said after his win over the Dane in the final tie of the Sudirman Cup here last Sunday. The 27-year-old shuttler had said that he was learning to enjoy playing badminton after his success in 2008 Beijing Olympics and was looking forward to defending the title in the London Games next year. When he was told that Lin Dan was inspired to follow his path, Gade Christensen laughed and offered some advice. “I am proud that I can still be at the top today,” he said. “Lin Dan and (Lee) Chong Wei are really tough players to compete against and I have to do my utmost best in my everyday’s practice. I hope that Lin Dan will still be around for a few years more.” The Dane added that he respected Lin Dan very much as the Chinese shuttler was a complete player and perhaps the best player who ever played the game. “He has the kind of character that I like. He is not truly confident. “You can see he’s got the mental feeling, which is good for him. But sometimes it makes him a bit vulnerable and I like that about him,” he said. During the Sudirman Cup, Gade Christensen revealed that this would be his final series after having represented Denmark for more than 15 years. Chong Wei and Lin Dan also hinted that they may not feature in the next edition in 2013.
What?! LD is seriously? I think it is just can be pressure for him. Ehmm.. If LD failed in OG 2012, in my opinion it is not really happen But, still can't wait at moment when he is playing until 35 years old Anyway, is it a good or bad news to XXF ?