LD and LCW have arguably been the best badminton players of their generation. Some say LCW was unlucky to be born in the same era as the GOAT of badminton, LD. The two players have had the most epic head to head matches for badminton fans to watch over the last decade.
After winning the Asia Games gold in 2014, LD's drop in play became noticeable as he struggled to win more SS and in 2015, his drop in play lead to him exiting early at the WC. LD notched a Japan SS win in 2015, but to most observers, it looked more like Viktor Axelsen imploding and losing his cool, rather than LD raising the level of his game. LD would struggle in each successive SS until he saved his energy to win AE in 2016, proving to Li Yongbo that he is deserving to represent China at the Olympics. And LD did deserve his spot at this year's Olympics, pushing LCW to a 3rd set, 20-20, before succumbing to LCW. By the Bronze medal match, LD was out of gas and reverted to his defensive form, and Vikor Axelsen gained revenge for his loss in the Japan SS.
Unlike LD, LCW maintained his form throughout 2015 and 2016. Getting to the finals of the 2015 WC, he would lose to Chen Long once again. But LCW found success in many SS throughout the year, including beating LD and Chen Long at various SS during 2015 and 2016. But just like LD in this Olympic semi-final, LCW spent some of his stamina defeating LD and came up short against Chen Long.
LD is 32 years old, LCW is 33. LD will be 36 and LCW will be 37 if they decide to go for another Olympics. While LD seems to be regressing (especially in stamina), LCW has maintained a high level of play throughout 2015 and 2016.
Should LD or LCW retire? Should LD and LCW go for another WC? What do you think the both of them should do?
After winning the Asia Games gold in 2014, LD's drop in play became noticeable as he struggled to win more SS and in 2015, his drop in play lead to him exiting early at the WC. LD notched a Japan SS win in 2015, but to most observers, it looked more like Viktor Axelsen imploding and losing his cool, rather than LD raising the level of his game. LD would struggle in each successive SS until he saved his energy to win AE in 2016, proving to Li Yongbo that he is deserving to represent China at the Olympics. And LD did deserve his spot at this year's Olympics, pushing LCW to a 3rd set, 20-20, before succumbing to LCW. By the Bronze medal match, LD was out of gas and reverted to his defensive form, and Vikor Axelsen gained revenge for his loss in the Japan SS.
Unlike LD, LCW maintained his form throughout 2015 and 2016. Getting to the finals of the 2015 WC, he would lose to Chen Long once again. But LCW found success in many SS throughout the year, including beating LD and Chen Long at various SS during 2015 and 2016. But just like LD in this Olympic semi-final, LCW spent some of his stamina defeating LD and came up short against Chen Long.
LD is 32 years old, LCW is 33. LD will be 36 and LCW will be 37 if they decide to go for another Olympics. While LD seems to be regressing (especially in stamina), LCW has maintained a high level of play throughout 2015 and 2016.
Should LD or LCW retire? Should LD and LCW go for another WC? What do you think the both of them should do?