IMO, he should restrict himself to exhibition matches when playing in areas like North America, South America, Africa and Australia (and the CIS area). Without doubt, it's wonderful for US fans to be able to (again) see him play competitively at a local venue. But it's embarrassing to watch someone who has trumped the world's top singles players (and is still active on the elite circuit) now compete against Asian exports and other wannabes . Perhaps it's commercial pressure (from Yonex) that pushes Taufik to play in these tournaments. Perhaps it is the (justified) availability of easy money. Perhaps it is a necessary confidence booster to be able to win some event occasionally. All said and done, isn't this very much like Stephen Hawking competing in a school physics quiz?
Don't see what's wrong with him taking part in the game. But it will be embarrassing if he couldn't win.
lol. Even if TH lose a set but still win the title, it is still embarassing but it would fade away pretty quick. No doubt yonex pushed TH to the US open but it's all good. If he truly says he want to spread badminton popularity around the globe, this is what he or any pros should do. Yes, exhibition would be better for TH because it would be less riskier for him but to reach the grassroot level, what TH is doing now in US open is all good for the badminton sport,and for his THL as wel.
If you were a kid who took the physics quiz with Stephen Hawking, wouldn't you be much more inclined to pursue a physics career? As one of the Asian exports myself, I think he's doing a great thing for badminton in the US, as long as he doesn't injure himself...
I agree with you this time. In fact I hope other independents, like CH, would also consider competing in north america... Of course it would be even better if players like LD would come, but we all know that's impossible...
More players will come if US can get GP Gold next year...dont think we will get Super Series now....thats sad!!..I do hope Canada can get GP so US and Canada GP are good to get more players to come.....like AUS and NZ GP
Maybe taking his daughter to Disneyland is a good reason for him to come back Or maybe someone can entice him to be another Asian/Indonesian export and become a player/coach here (after his competitive plays of course) Dream on, dream on, ...
Toby/Grace defeat last years XD champs 13-21 21-18 21-17 Good Job! Should be a really good match tomorrow against Alvin/Jiangxue.
Wow! Thought the WS match between M Li and Lili would be really close but 1st game Michelle took it pretty straightforward, 21-15.
It's hard to see Prof Hawking these days. I don't see him much lately although we live in the same city(I rather call it a town although the government has named it a city). He has been really ill and spend alot of his time in the hospital. Can only hope that he will be fine. Back to the topic. I am not impressed by TH's scores against his opponents
I think he is really taking it easy....from the videos....i can see he is not even breaking a sweat... too easy for him... period.
Yes, people come to watch him, and nobody want to see the match finish in 10 minutes. I think Taufik knows that also.