It also appeared to me that LXR can handle highly deceptive players better now, not stranded so often as before, a hallmark of a thinking, more experienced player.
Here's something really strange- GC commentating all alone on the finals day at a SS. And there were pairs on the other days! Someone obviously dropped the ball.... *cough, cough*
A very different energy this year at the japan Open. Obviously the TC win (and the UC runners-up) has galvanized more than just the players.
MatTak are taking this match very, very seriously. Maeda is hunched up; she just knows they will be gunning for her all over again.
Another huge rally at 13-17, Maeda going to the wall, and then a weak return with nothing left in the tank.
I'm jumping ahead of myself - considering that LXR is not known for her stamina (that's my opinion), should she survive till the later rounds next week at the INA SSP, I'd expect her to struggle a bit with her fitness problem. Let's see how she cope with it, the ability to pace herself well round after round will be a test of her self-awareness and intelligence.
Afterwards I don't really expect Hu Yun to beat LCW though I'm hoping for it and will be rooting for him, I'll be satisfied if he can put up a creditable performance and not go down in a lop-sided match. Hu Yun, JiaYou !
The 3rd-place finishers, both pairs of semifinalists, are on the podium - that should clarify our doubt why Liu Xin wasn't present earlier.
