relax.. it's just an old English language way of describing anybody vying for the top spot or challenging the reigning champion.. eg.. pretender to the throne
Fabian Peter really does write some rubbish headlines. https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2022/07/809957/zii-jia-must-win-world-title-silence-critics
The hip injury seems to have started as early as Thai Open final. He was visibly uncomfortable after he pulled his hip, and the condition most likely got aggravated in his match against Ginting. It's apparent when you see him moving lethargically on court. It looks like a footwork issue, as he suffered the same injury against Srikanth back in Hylo Open and proceeded to forfeit the final.
Tall guys are vulnerable to injuries. Cg is way above shortwr players. See the tall china twin tower who quit recently? VA is also a victim off and on. Lucky he reduces his tournaments entry. Just like the wc, no gain for him to win the wc and puposely gave it to lky.
I like his independent move. But i question his loyalty to country for missing cg. Others not complaining.
Being said that he did a good move. Now everyone is happy about NTY. If i were him, i would skip CG too.
In fact, LKY too should have skipped CG. Others are training and preparing for WC and they are flying thousands of miles across the world. CG title is nothing to shout about. The competition only has 2 to 3 decent players in each discipline.
But the fact is he cant judge his form directly at world championships, whereas he could clearly see where he stands at when he competes in a tournament where he is top seed. Simple logic. He would have came to a conclusion now that he should start from the scratch .
LZJ would have been top seed had he participated and favourite for the title too but he chose to skip to set his priorities which I think is a correct decision, even if he doesn't win the WC.
What really does LZJ have to gain from participating in the Commonwealth Games? Being the top seed, with the whole nation's expectations on you to win the gold medal. If you win, yes good for you and Malaysia, but you don't really get a confidence boost from beating lower-ranked players when there is tougher fish to fry in the WC. Also it's not really a guaranteed gold. LKW, LS and Srikanth are not mediocre players. If you lose, you set back your confidence and go shakier into the WC. I think Aaron/Soh was definitely hit hard by the meltdown against the English pair, not to mention the insane backlash from the fans and the media.
Looking at the standard, I think LZJ should be able to win the cg gold easily. Its a rubber for nty, So, I would think LZJ should be able to quickly finish off Sen in 2 games. Can't loiter with Sen much as he is a fit player. Everyone have their own opinion. I like LZJ chances now in wc as he is under more pressure to win it. He means business, thats why he skip cg. Hope his hip is ok.
i dont think its a sure thing if he had participated. Lahksya Sen might have created an upset, the way he is playing. not to mention Kidambi
LZJ no benefit by winning CG. It’s not a tournament that gets you better sponsorship. Lose and your reputation suffers for not winning a fourth rate competition.
LZJ's campaign in WC 2022 came to an end in round 16, lost to CHN Zhao Junpeng in 3 games... therefore have to wait next year WC...
I wonder what he had been doing for the past month, LZJ. Everything is worse than usual, the shots quality, the smash, the fitness and especially the defence.
