Yeah, I noticed that too and after the re-serve by KO which was too high and KOR lost that game. I also noticed the looks.
Indonesians XD is up there with CHINA. Ahmad/Natsir is 2 times All-England Champion. They have an upper hand against Zhao/Zhang and now Xu/Ma. Koreans XD can't beat Indonesians in many Super Series, and GP. Koreans XD is really not in the same level.
I 100% agree that at the current strength as reflected in this Sudirman Cup, a group of four consisting of DEN, INA, KOR and THA will render much more equalized, more intense matches with widely opened, less predictable outcomes, therefore giving a very dynamic and thrilling spectacle in that atmosphere.
Add Japan to that. One of the highlight this year was Den-Jpn match. That's why we need a QF draw after group matches so we could see such fierce competition among 2 already qualified teams. But Denmark was lucky in the draw, luckier than Japan who in fact won against Denmark.
Congratulations to China on retaining the SC. Wasn't ever a doubt about it.... A big doff of the ol' cap to Korea for once again showing why they are the second most impressive national team in the world. Other teams are getting there as well - Thailand, Japan and Indonesia along with a now-depleted Denmark. But there is still daylight between ROW and China. Always a big thrill for me to listen to Morten Frost, ably supported by GC. Chen Long looks very comfortable as lead man in the ensemble now. Liu/Qiu showed glimpses of INA-like brilliance. Liu IMO was outstanding -his physical ability to stretch his lean but muscular body (note to GC: please review! ) when smashing resulted in some spectacular hits that left even LYD beached and appreciative. Any single standout performance? For me, its a tie. 1. It would have to be LXR's masterclass against Indonesia's Lindaweni Fanetri. 2. Tago's superhuman (by any goofball's standards ) duel with JOJ. Slight disappointment: KSH. He should have improved in consistency and tactical awareness by now but has not. Still plays like a young cub. Gets a B-minus in red from me. I wonder if 2Kim are not already on the way to being the best Korean MD team...
Well said the CHN team has truly worked hard over the years and deserve this. ROW needs a lot more catching up to do as a combination. Individually fr the ROW there are teams almost in all disciplines that can challenge CHN bu not when they combine...
I would say that China vs Indonesia was the 2nd most thrilling clash, after Denmark vs Japan. But as far as the most thrilling match goes - the Xu Chen/Ma Jin vs Lilyana Natsir/Tontowi Ahmad would be the most heart-stopping. It is indeed too bad that the INA vs CHN clash was not at the final stage - I could have done with more pics of Head Coach Li Yongbo fidgeting in his seat ......
BWF: There was no snub http://www.sports247.my/2013/05/bwf-there-was-no-snub/ Too bad. But sounds reasonable.
wow indeed! wonder what the coach said to ahmad at the 3rd game interval, as they stormed the next 15 of 19 points after that! [video=youtube;rdagOjy73to]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdagOjy73to[/video]
"Last week, [Kenny Goh of BAM] hinted Malaysia may not bid for any of BWF’s major events – Thomas Cup, Uber Cup, Sudirman Cup and World Championships as the new commercial model for these events do not favour hosts, with BWF earning 80 per cent of the commercial revenue." http://www.sports247.my/2013/05/bam-it-could-have-been-better/
It is interesting and surprising !!! And what are the BWF officials going to spend the huge percentage of $$$?
will be interesting to see if no major badminton nation would like to host all the affected events as the consequence... let a less significant country host them, thus with smaller cakes to share... ha ha 80% of less bites i somehow sense a new height of $$$ thirst at the helm
Badminton lacks star players like Tennis do....so what good can $$$ do for BWF?????? If badminton have star players that is recognisable all over the world...then nations may want to host big events...
