For WS, the burden falls on LXR alone. She's never in this kind of situation before, let's see how she handles the pressure of the burden of expectation. Everyone who meets her has nothing to lose and will their all right from the outset, She had better be on her toes from the get-go.
Deng Xuan performed commendably against the latest JAP sensation. I think we'll be seeing more of her in the near future; same for her male counterpart Gao Huan.
Good point. Very sensible and fair thinking. Who wouldn't want to beat the Olympic champion? Besides, China, I think , is not counting on LXR to win this title,considering her recent shaky form.
Chong Wei Feng (U) has powered into a SS Premier tournament for the first time in his career. In the process, he beat S Sasaki (S6), Hans-Kristian Vittinghus (U) and Takuma Ueda (U) all in straight games and he next meets the top seed Chen Long who also got to the SF beating all his opponents in straigjht games. CWF's advantage against CL would be his left-handedness and hopefully, he could spring a surprise.
Very very easy draw to li xuerui.. Even if she survives here in quarterfinals, she has to fight hard against non-chinease semifinals and finals, which she has to train hard.
Wow Huan Gao is up 12-6 vs Chen Jin! What a tournament he is having if he wins this. I really can't see the Danes losing their MD, based on the first points. Up 7-3.
The London Olympics gave China all the golds and ,in return, sort of make her pay a price by way of injuries,loss of form generally.
four different nationalities in the semis in WS this time that too in China.... That's good for badminton.
Kudos to Juliane Schenk (S5) for beating Wang Yihan (S1) in three games 19-21, 21-16, 21-17. The match was very physical and JS was very impressive in her jump-smashes. JS and S Nehwal appear to be the only players at present who could consistently challenge the Chinese players and win and this is good for badminton.
There is no such thing as an easy draw in a PSS, only appearing so on paper. You think Gao Huan is easy to play with? Ask JOJ and Darren. Ask Mitani who struggled to beat a relative unknown, Deng Xuan.