Agree with Visor. It's impossible to be sure of anything for the racket. But without a doubt it's adidas shoes at LD 's feet. I even saw an enlarged picture of the sole, where you can guess the adidas logo on it. A possibilty could be that Li-Ning US and Canada really aren't aware of wich racket Lin Dan uses !
Today, Lin Dan plays using a racquet without a Li Ning logo. There is no way that racquet is a Li Ning racquet.
Even Lindan wears Adidas shoes ( or using their racket ), why Adidas or Lindan wants to do that by removing the logos as the main intention of sponsoring gets defeated here. Also, assuming that Lindan is testing Adidas racket and shoes to be true, will the current sponsor Lining allow that to happen as they had invested huge money for the players. Also if he moves to Adidas as assumed, have they got the line up of rackets like Lining or Yonex ? So unless until it is official, we need to wait
We're not speculating at all. We're patient. We can wait for the official announcement, which will eventually come. Meanwhile, we just know from our own eyes that is an Adidas QF7 shoe that he's wearing.
I think that's a very valid point about if the sponsorship by Adidas is in place already, then why delay announcement? Sports contracts can have different conditions. For example, LD may have specified that he would only like an announcement after Thomas Cup. Why I speculate this? It's because this would be the last team tournament he has to enter and to keep team spirit, he wears LiNing uniform same as his team mates. (Li Ning being the team sponsor). Secondly, I have heard through local rumours that Li Ning has no contract with LD now. I.e. expired. Thirdly, if it is Adidas, they do have the range of racquets. They have other racquets in the pipeline not yet released. He has been testing a new racquet for a while now. So there has definitely been a preparation phase. It's not like he signs a new contract and only then he gets to use a new racquet. Whilst under Li Ning contract, you can definitely play with other racquets - just don't let the logo of another equipment company be seen on your body.
You were faster than me to answer Cheung ;-) Totally agree with the third part. I already had some of this future adidas rackets in hands, and one of them particularly seems to fit to a player like LD (really close to an AT 700 or N90).
lucky you! I haven't been able to get my hands on new prototype samples. But I have heard LD has been testing a racquet similar to his old one - something that he wants.
It's help to work in a Badminton shop But I guess that this new rackets I had in hand wasn't the same as LD ones. I might be few months late on those !
If Adidas has got good line up of rackets as mentioned and sponsoring Lindan as assumed, then it is all good news for Badminton Lovers. More the brand competition, more the good rackets we get and if Adidas aggresively marketing their products through players, then more global brands like Nike so on might follow the suit.
As supposed by Cheung, I think he's not totally free from his engagements to the CBA and Li-Ning. The Thomas Cup in May (Team event) can also explain this.
Cheung already mentioned a few possible reasons. To not clash with the team sponsor before Thomas cup.
I'm surprised no one mentioned the stenciling on Lin Dan's Racket in his quarter final match. View attachment 158011 Since we have already talked about how he is moving sponsors, he's obviously testing out his all-black racket that's not Li Ning. When players don't have sponsors, they usually leave their strings without any stenciling. I think Lin Dan is about the only person who can get away with stenciling his own initials "LD" and not look ridiculous.
I guess Lin dan for racket and shoe is no longer sponsor by Li Ning . maybe other brand already . for clothing its still Li ning .
You can't exactly sponsor the clothes of a badminton athlete. The sponsors of companies are on it (i.e. Redbull, Maybank, Yonex/LiNing/Victor) but that's only if they contribute in any sense, you can't sponsor individual clothing pieces. Meaning LiNing is still contributing in one way or another (probably shoes).
LD's Response on changing shoes and racket http://sports.sina.com.cn/o/2014-04-18/21287125477.shtml LD: " I am still choosing, anyhow, I want to continue on. My agent already told me about the rumors and opinions on the Internet. The most important thing is that no matter what I choose, I will play hard." Reporter: "So, are you waiting for a suitable contract?" LD: "Not just a contract, my hope is for a good partner in the future. Not just what you read about the fees for being the spokesperson, I look even further down the road."
