Yes, it was just after the Li Lingwei/Han Aiping era. Part of the reason China dipped during that period was that they began to use tall players with power, expecting that power alone could win matches. So Tang Jiuhong/Huang Hua/Ye Zhaoying didn't do too well when they can't last against Susi Susanti/Bang Soo Hyun, who had superior fitness. But the speed of the modern game is now such that floating on court is no longer fast enough. You need explosive movement, dives, sudden injection of pace and direction to take charge. Perfrectly shown by Ratchanok in her demolition of Sindhu - it's like playing with someone two classes down. When I look at videos of long ago matches, even the men's doubles felt really slow ........
At the age of 18 years 2 months and 22 days old, Ratchanok Intanon becomes youngest ever Superseries winner.
So she is using one the lightest rackets. But how can she generate much power in her smashes? She must have very strong wrist.
I remember the MS matches were very exciting though. Started watching badminton (don't play it) when I accidentally stumbled onto the Han Jian-Liem Swie King live match in a team competition (should be the Thomas Cup). Need to go search for these old videos to relive the memories.
RI has the skills to be in the top 3 easily, I just hope that she can improve her fitness. I'm sure she could have beaten Tina in the All England Open if she wasn't tired from the previous rounds. I don't usually watch WS but I enjoy watching her games, reminds me of Taufik's play style a bit
Just started to notice Ratcha after she won the India Super Series as I was not really into WS games lately but her performance was very impressive. She plays with a very strong integrity and motivation yet she holds her sportsmanship on court. A superb young talent with a humble atitude on the court, I am very delighted to watch her games. Hope she can sort out her stamina issue and grab more golds in WS games.
Ratchanok powers up for world top-3 mission Lerpong Amsa-ngiam The Nation May 14, 2013 1:00 am [h=2]World No 5 Ratchanok Inthanon has reset her sights for 2013, aiming to break into the world top three by the end of the year.[/h] The 18-year-old's fulfilled her initial goal with a Super Series win in New Delhi two weeks ago that catapulted her to a career high No 5. But now she has recalibrated her ambitions, with the world top 3 the first target before she launches an assault on the world No 1 spot. "I had hoped to finish the year in the top five, but I have already made it. So the next goal is to be in the top 3," said the three-time World Junior champion. -------------------------------------------- Read more : http://www.nationmultimedia.com/sports/Ratchanok-powers-up-for-world-top-3-mission-30206080.html
In this year ,May improve her physicly,technique and mentally because Banthongyod club (May' badminton club) changes the sponsor support to Singha Corporation. They have enough financial support to sent private coach (Pattharapol Ngernsrisuk) physiotherapist with her in every tournament. BY the way , her target reaching top 3 in this year is not easy because she did'n still pass Chinese dominance ( WYH,LXR,WSX) and she will win 2-3 SS event. But now she maturate and all more support , I hpoe she will in top3 in the end of year and expect she wil beat chinese dominance in this year. cheer up Ratchanok,Su Su
Ambition is good, but hope it won't bring her too much stress as it's not an easy task. Btw, people are talking about the chance of May getting the world's first rank. Which 'May' will achieve it first? It seems May - Ariya Jutanugarn (Thailand's golf golden girl - born in 1995, the same year as Ratchanok) will do it first as Chinese badminton players won't succumb easily. Have to admit that it's an uphill task to beat them.
Good job for thailand and Ratchanok make history for 3rd place in sudimancup 2013. Congraze! Thailand fist step to improve thai badminton.
