2005 Sudirman Cup - Prime Taufik Hidayat vs Young Lin Dan I love this match. So refreshing compared to some of the Robotic duels today.
This match was played under the old 15-point on serve scoring system where it's possible for serve to change hands several times before a point is won such that it's hard to estimate when the match would end. At that time, even highly offensive players have to think twice about going all-out attack, esp when the opponents have a very capable defense. In the year 2005,the matured 24-year-old Taufik (who at age 17 was already showing signs of a world-beater in the making), was still at his prime having won the Athens'04 gold the year before and then the WC'15 crown beating LCW in the semifinal followed by Lin Dan in the final at Anaheim, USA,whereas the relatively young 22-year-old Lin Dan was just coming back from his slough of despond after the Athens'04 debacle. Noticeably, Lin Dan at that time was already at least Taufik's equal, and it wasn't until 2 (2007) or 3 years later, specifically at Beijing'08, that Lin Dan reached his pinnacle, thereafter leaving all his closest rivals behind at a respectful distance; even the rising LCW at his best could only play catch-up for years till well after LOG'12.
Good thread.. My favourite match of the past 10 years is the final between LYD/JJS vs FHF/CY in World Championship 2009 in India...
Surely the olympic 2012 MS final? I remember watching it live and it was such a tense match and a great experience
