What an amazing match and classic showdown it was.
Although I always maintain a neutral stand as a badminton fan, I've been critical of LCW. Not of his skills but of his antics and bad attitude towards opponents. My previous observation of him was; he had a mindset that he's best of the lot, and loses only it was because of unreasonable circumstances.
But after today's final dual, there's not a doubt in my mind that he is able to change and showed me that he is a player of true caliber. Those cocky attitudes are gone and he is finally able to concentrate on his own game and bring out the best of LD to beat him.
Skill wise and physically I would say both of them are on par. But unfortunately, it was Datuk’s poor temperament and lack of concentration at the finishing line that loses out.
Judging by his performances (at this tourney I meant) I don't think LD is injured and we have to give credit to SS who has definitely improved by leaps and bounds. I would say LD is a very shrewd player who knows how to pace himself and conserve energy for crunch matches. IMO, this is why Datuk who always play his heart out could not get the better of him thus far. Nevertheless, if he could maintain such classy performance like today's and not falter towards the end, I'm confident it won't be long for him to have his day.
Having said all that, I hope die-hard LCW fans could finally be humble enough and come to terms with the fact that “There's always a higher mountain” and give credits and respect to whoever they are due.
Finally, I hope this will settle the debate between LCW and LD die-hard fans;
WORLD No. 1 status undoubtedly belongs to LCW because his attendance and success rate at individual tourneys which offer ranking points is second to none. Judging by his current ranking point's status I don't see any player will be able to surpass him in the near future.
Without a doubt both LCW and LD are the two best players at present. If we were to compare their achievements and head to head, then the rightful candidate for the WORLD'S BEST PLAYER (up till now) must be LD. Our beloved Datuk might have to wait a little while longer to take that accolade from him, I guess.
Fair enough?