I don't know what people in Indonesia think about Kevin and other Indonesia players (comparison), but in my country (the forum and facebook), Kevin is brighter than other Indonesia players. Of course, Indonesia also have Ginting, Setiwan/Ahsan, Jordan/Oktavianti, Natsir/Ahmad,... and many, but in present, Kevin is "a hot word". People tend to talk about Kevin more than others. So I think he is brighter (lighter). Anyway, it's just my view.
I watched a few 2017 matches, and can’t help but see how much more effective were Marcus’ smashes last time. You guys think his smash became weaker over time? Or is it because their opponents improved their defence?
Both I think. The opponents got used to his smashes. Probably one of the reason why they use the term "predictable" especially when they play in slow halls.
I'm watching solely because Watanabe is playing. Don't believe me? Sent from my Redmi Note 7 using Tapatalk
I'm watching solely because Watanabe is playing. Don't believe me? Sent from my Redmi Note 7 using Tapatalk
"In crucial time at like 19-18 kevin made 2 mistakes, he should block it but he drive it" - herry ip I agree with herry, kevin should be more patient in crucial time next time they meet yuta/endo again. I remember his mistakes at the end of third game also cost them the match at hongkong open.
I think Gideon smash is the same from 2016 till now , he is not some player that is so impressive but that also makes his downward curve almost negligible, means he can still play at the top for 3/4 more years. Won 4 in a row in Fuzhou in a court that is basically like AllEngland & Musashino. His Overall performance is good at this AE , maybe say 8.5/10. Malaysia & TPE pair is no match to him in which i expected rubber matches at least.
I agree, but he can get away with it most of the time against any other pairs, against yuta/endo he would get countered if he's not patient enough.
Exclusive interview with Steen Pedersen : Kevin is a Magician "Of course Kevin Sukamuljo, because he's a magician. There are things that no else have done at incredibly high speed and I think while he has got to this position, there must've been so many times where his coaches just have shaken their head thinking, "why not just play the easy shot there instead of risking making mistakes," and he must have a lot of mistakes earlier on. Seeing him playing at his best, it takes it from sport to more like art. Because he makes it seem so easy and it is entertaining as well. And I like to see players who do that, when you know how hard it is to play well and you see players where it just seems easy. Momota also makes it seem easy when he plays." Full article about what it takes to be good commentators by Badmintalk with Steen, his views on Badminton now, and others : http://badmintalk.com/news/Steen-Pedersen-Kevin-is-a-Magician.htm
Another article and interview with Coach Herry IP, talking about MD performances, COVID 19, minions, and future steps for INA MD. For full article (in Indoneisan) : http://badmintalk.com/news/Herry-IP-Bicara-Soal-Evaluasi-Minions-dan-Rencana-Berikutnya.htm Jump to the bits about minions : Many reporters who watch Kevin/Gideon play feel like that they look like as if they are playing around, and without pressure. What is the psychological approach there? "I think that's one of their strong point. They enjoy the matches. So many would say that it's different from everyone else. We could say that their appearance or style with the pairs in the past and with the currently active pairs is a bit different. But that's their extra value. In my opinion, they are really enjoying the matches. No pressure, even though there is (pressure) but they enjoy the match so much. That's the characteristic of The Minions." The most memorable moment from The Minions for Herry IP was when they won in 2017, why is that? "Because it was unexpected, that they could win in All England. They were just about to rise up. Actually at that time Ahsan/Hendra was still above them. So, it was so soon for them to succeed in winning one of their dream which was winning in All England, one of the most prestigious tournaments. Almost all top international players want to win All England, so they were very delighted, more over it was their first debut. Their performance was beyond my estimation. Fast, entertaining and some funny actions." In fact, what do you think of the acts, like swinging the racket but not hitting the shuttle? "Well, that's one of Kevin's characteristic. Sometimes his can't get his game out if he kept it all in. Therefore when he lets it out and finds his game, he can be free and let off the steam. But in normal days, Kevin is not usually like that. They are only on court acts. Because it would be uncomfortable to play your own friend in training. It's different when it's against the enemy, different expression." Isn't it seen as teasing the opponents? "As long as it's not breaking the rules, why not? Be my guest. It's what the crowds are waiting for. It's for entertainment. It's one of a kind attraction and different from others. Just like in the old era we knew a legendary Danish player, (late) Svend Pri, was well-known for his special shots and that kind of style. Maybe this (Kevin) is a bit different." What about the chance for Olympics Gold? "As a coach, I have to be optimistic to prepare my players for a better performance in the future. Which opponents we need to watch out, and to pay attention to. Teamwork too. We have to prepare for a tournament like Olympics because it is very important." Will there be any changes to the program as they are two pairs will be prioritised to go to the Olympics? "For training program, it will be overall the same. But at the end of the sessions there will be a specialised menu for each player. So, the first, second and third program will be the same. In the last program, the specialised menu will sharpened individual's skills." Will that specialising take effect when they play players from other country, for example Ahsan/Hendra who can play against Endo/Watanabe compared to Kevin/Marcus? "Every pair has a bit different playing style of their own. Not every pair is the same. That's what we would like to emphasize. For now it is Ahsan/Hendra who can deal with Endo/Watanabe better than Kevin/Marcus, but I hope if they play each other next time, they can prove that they can also succeed in defeating Endo/Watanabe. We are preparing for that and we are learning too. "
Time for some reminiscence. Minions first international debut, All England 2015. They were stopped at QF by Madses. Same sleeveless jerseys like this year's AE, smaller figures though Marcus' surname was Fernaldi back then. Which one was the right one? And why Indonesian supporters call him by his surname Gideon, while Kevin is by his first name?
Well, Gideon looks quick this tournament. His net kills has been decisive. Its probably why its that close. Now, if Kevin can stop cutting Gideon shuttle , maybe they can do better. Many times, they lost points because Gideon got caught out of position especially in the Final. They probably lost G1 because of that. Had they won G1, they will have win the match.
