It's as if LZJ started the match from the get-go playing freely without overthinking and stunned Chen Long to grab G1 convincingly with 21-8, but then when it seemed so near and yet so far as Chen Long narrowly snatched G2 to give himself a lifeline, that it began to dawn on LZJ that he is carrying the weight of the whole nation on his shoulders, upon realizing this it became a test of mental strength for the young pretender to the throne. The end result, LZJ failed to pass the test as his game unraveled with mistakes galore, practically losing his touch, self-confidence and the will-to-win. As for The Dragon, Chen Long, he is the manifestation of what Lee Zi Jia should become if he is to succeed at the top, assuming as he is touted to be the younger version of Chen Long in build and playing style.
LD couldn't be bothered about bronze. He barely tried and still won a set. Chen Long was just better than LCW. He owned him in literally ALL important matches since 2014 or so. LCW failed to beat Chen Long in World Championships too. It's mental, not physical. Your argument is even more empty if you expand your view to other sports such as tennis.
I guess we agree to disagree. I will go with the interview from the Chinese team after Rio 2016 and what they said about LCW being tired by the finals.
Sure that tiredness plays a role. Of course. But it's not THE main reason. LCW was an elite athlete, he can play two matches in 24 hours no problem. If he can't, he has no place to be there. Look at ice hockey. Some teams play two games in two days. Including travel across time-zones for example. They can still win. With today's science and technology it's much easier to recover quickly. Eat well. Have a massage. Maybe a cryo or sauna. And age plays only a minor part. Some people make it sound like if you're 33 or 35 you're done. But it's not always the case. It depends on the individual.
In my humble opinion, I'd say both of you are right to a certain extent - it's more of a mental thing than physical for the top contenders when so little separates them, except with one caveat, the age gap must not be too wide or it would certainly favour the much younger man more, esp when it's a hard-fought match.
Wow, what Chen Long just did is still playing in my mind, an old dog which undoubtedly continues to have the fight in him. That despite his age and presumably being off his prime - he showed perseverance, resilience, endurance and grit. Makes me wonder how far he can go here, a place in the final is not too much to ask, I suppose? But another Olympic Gold in the footsteps of his illustrious compatriot, The GOAT Lin Dan? Wishful thinking !?
While almost everyone here would have believed LZJ to win ,because of AE and especially after taking the 1st set so comprehensively, you still believed CL to win. Amazing Wonder what made you believe in such a performance from CL. Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk
It will be really tough, but he's the player I'd like to see win the most. I always cheer for previously dominant players who are past their prime
Why not. Or just take the penalty. Why would you play sub-par tournaments that are a total waste of time.
Can't really follow you on this one, their last meetings have been badminton at the highest level and were more than entertaining. Really looking forward to that match
Yeah but it is not the same tension there is between two countries. This might as well be a practice match. It will be entertaining as a badminton match. But it loses certain aspect when it is same country
Olympic gold medal is what every individual chasing for. If you miss it, you have to wait another 4 (or 3 - Paris 2024) years. WangHuang is like XuMa shadowed by ZhangZhao, I don't think they will give up easily and less tension.
it's not that surprising..... marcus kevin always flop at big tourney as for christie come on man have you seen him play?
Science is not just a cryo or a sauna. It's in fact acknowledging age matters in terms of recovery and physical performances.
