The recent Malaysian Open was the first time I've seen this pair play and have been quite impressed, especially Wang Chang. This is the first Chinese MD pairing I've seen that seems to play a more Indonesian-style game, an excellent fast flat game, fast feet, refuses to lift, and lots of nice angles. They seem to be playing with a genuine smile too and are able to laugh off silly errors. I think this relaxed attitude will only help them achieve more as they develop. I can see the makings of a top pairing here. Still a bit of a rough diamond with a lot of refining to do and some creases to iron out but lots to be excited about.
Wang Chang : Born: 7 May 2001 (age 21 years), Ningbo, China Height: 1.8 m Current ranking: 17 with Liang Weikeng (27 December 2022) Liang Weikeng : Born: 30 November 2000 (age 22 years), Guangdong Province, China Height: 1.76 m Current ranking: 17 with Wang Chang (27 December 2022) Fully agree, a relatively young, up-and-coming CHN MD pair with huge potential, exciting and refreshing to watch, highly entertaining, very promising. Their body language and on-court attitude exudes positivity and cheerful demeanour, notably the good-looking Wang Chang who's always smiling. Note that the Wang Chang/Liang Weikeng partnership was formed sometime in the first half of last year, 2022, WC's previous partner was Di Zijian whilst LWK's was Shang Yichen, and so far their achievements are one Super 750 Japan Open '22 championship, and two runners-up, namely, the Super 500 Indonesian Masters '22 and the just-concluded Super 1000 Malaysian Open '23. Not too bad. Wang Chang (L) and Liang Weikeng, winner at the Daihatsu Yonex Japan Open 2022
Wang Chang (R) and Liang Weikeng, celebrate their win during the semifinals match at Petronas Malaysia Open 2023
Liang WeiKeng got my attention with the his performance at the National Games in 2021. I have been waiting for his breakout ever since. Wang Chang has raised his game, especially the net coverage, to top flight status. Now that they will become a target, they need to raise their game ever further. Their occasional carelessness can be quite costly when facing the toughest opponents. In any event, it will be exciting to watch their development.
Wang/Liang is still a relatively new and young pairing, formed less than a year ago and age 21/22 respectively, very much a work-in-progress, both unpolished gems, hugely talented with tremendous potential. It's early days yet whether they are destined for greatness one day. I hope so, time is on their side.
Strong wrist for defence. Good smashing power as well. A matter of time they win a S1000. A little bit of complacent at times. Smile too much.
Liang is a little too.. chubby. Sure it helps him with his smashes, but he got caught by some of the drop shots and half court shots by Ahsan/Setiawan. I can’t remember the last time we had a #1 chubby MD player, Qiu Zihan is the only one I can think of but he suffered from a lack of agility too.
While I don’t necessarily disagree with you he had strapping on his hamstrings that match which might be another reason, I can’t recall him having any particular trouble with drop shots in earlier matches. Ah yes they kind of play like Liu/Qiu as well LYC is also chubby (compared to his compatriots)
