China has enough depth at men's singles. Tian Houwei is up and coming and just needs more experience. Tian Houwei is exactly where Chen Long was at Chen Long's age - a top 15 player who needs more experience and consistency before he becomes a top 5 elite player. China has never had depth at men's doubles. Cai/Fu were the exception but as you can see now, the lack of good men's doubles players is a problem that plagues China.
Quite unusual and a bit sad that CHN still have to call upon their semi-retired stalwarts LD and CY/FHF to do duty on the big stage. I'm sure they 'd love to just continue playing for the love of the sport than to stress themselves up like that in such unpalatable situations.
Earlier as seen on camera, Liu Xin appeared happy just to be here though only as a seat warmer; same goes for Tian Houwei I guess.
LD is not semi-retired. He's the forthcoming OC 2016... It's the same as the last years: China dominates all disciplines, except for men's doubles. (Domination doesn't mean you win EVERY games and championship, but 80% of them or so...)
Either Kim/Kim got to play because of their higher world ranking or either Ko Sung-hyun or Shin Baek-cheol are injured.
I consider Lin Dan as semi-retired when compared to what he was before, not training as hard, not as dedicated and fully into the sport, and still actively engaging in all sorts of commercial and leisure activities as frequently reported in the Chinese media. Just an opinion.
The question is whether CY/FHF's bodies can hold in the 3rd set - mind over matter, sheer willpower is all they've got left.
My guess is BWF is not involved with this event. It explains why there is no Hawkeye. But I am just guessing.
