Either NTM forgot his age or he's not pacing himself right, using a bit too much energy in G1. Not a highly experienced player like him should be doing (unless, of course, if he cares too much for this match).
Morten after the first game, "I don't see how lin dan winning this one" Morten after the second game, "I don't see how nguyen winning this one"
I should say it's natural for any rational commentator to change their views as the match takes a different turn
NTM never struck me as a very cerebral player that paid any attention to properly pacing himself. Basically just fighting for every single point as hard as possible. With proper pacing in G2 he might've run LD into the ground, but he redlined himself hard several times in G2, in long, long rallies where LD was visibly controlling the rally and running much less than him. Also, LD doesn't seem to be quite as clueless about how to score points any more, and NTM is no longer pinning him to the base line, instead 'giving up' and playing a drop shot first most of the time now.
What's with LD and the net Go LD! This hours difference is killing me.. I am gonna be a panda for the rest of this week
After seeing the first game I didnt see LD winning it either. No ability to score points, just playing NTM's game with him, being visibly frustrated and searching for answers, letting quite a few shuttles drop into the court. I think he got his feel for the court now (few misjudgements anymore), NTM is tired enough to not play 6 clears in a row with good length and height, and LD does have the feeling now that he can score points comfortably.
NTM seems to be running on fumes. Not a single smash despite several shorts lifts/clears. Shot quality around the net getting worse and worse.
Watching how this match unfolds gives me the impression that Li Dan could be thinking to himself, hey, I aim to go to the final, ok; whereas for NTM, it's, heck ,all I want is to beat you and that's enough. Just saying.
More likely scenario is LD overestimating himself in G1 and losing a few points too many. However, I'm also guessing he knowingly let it go and stayed disciplined in his approach instead of throwing his all into a comeback attempt, avoiding redlining (unlike NTM in G2). Admirable discipline if true.
