Xue Song (薛松)

Mind you, this is the new and improved version 2.0 of Axelsen. The one that took down LD and Jorgensen, and managed to stretch CL to 3 games in the recent Australian open final.

 

I get itchy when people use LD as a representation of skill level. Although he is still extremely skilled, he doesn't seem to care at all anymore and he will lose games just because he doesn't feel like trying anymore so it's tough to tell.

 

Oh no, LD was got stretched lots and wss really trying... well not Olympic level trying... You should watch the match...Axelsen is now v2.0...

 

Mabye beating LD isn't the best way to show ability, but VA is definetly new and improved. Anyways, bit off topic, back to Xue Song...

 

But Song couldnt beat him at juniors either. He has a pretty powerful smash though

 

Unfortunately doesn't seem to be doing to well this year in the GP events he has participated in.

WZM, XS and THW are not developing as well as I hoped, which is unfortunate. When Lin Dan retires who will be CHN MS#2 after Chen Long?

 

XS is definitely the most entertaining of the three. WZM is boring at times, THW is sleep inducing.
With XS, there never is a dull moment.
He will break out eventually and will be a sponsors delight. Has far greater marketability than CL infact.

 

True, and he's the youngest of the bunch so still has time to break out. Hasn't really improved recently though which is troubling, especially when we see players around his age i.e. KM, VA and SK break out this year.

 

What was LD doing in 1999-2001??? I am sure XS will rise; as will ZZ

 

I have always been a little disappointed with XS and the juniors generally, but I must say this XS is so different from the previous, as was THW. Xue Song was leaner and fitter. He had lovely strokes and gave LD a good match. He has finally mastered the changes to his game and didn't give the impression he was still in "work in progress" stage. If he can improve his stamina to LCW's, level at his best, allowing him to execute smashes whenever he wants, he will be a force to reckon with. He still lacks the confidence that he can beat players of LD's standard as was evident in the third set of the AE.
He has all the strokes to beat the best, speed, agility, guile, defence, recovery and power. Double up on his stamina and he can return,reach and execute all the shots to win matches.
For me, based on his performance at the AE, he has the most potential of the new generation of China juniors. f he can repeat this performance at the Swiss open it will do a world of good to his confidence.
Well done the coaches.

 

Yep, even Morten Frost reckoned he's similar to LCW... during that infamous Indian GPG final a couple of yrs back where he bet Srikanth coming back form like 12-19 down or something.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNFsUaYUj3M

I highly recommend people watch the 2nd set of this game.

 

XS withdrawn from Swiss Open QF due to injury, hope he recover soon.

 

Xue Song's 2016 has ended,fears Chinese Media.

Touted as the 'next Lin Dan', Xue Song is out for an year per the speculations.

 

This is as per James. I will post the link

 

Xue Song, O Xue Song, I feel for you. Why oh why, must this (horrific?) knee injury (ACL?) happened to you at this time just when you are on the rise.

Nothing to add but to hope for the best. May it be not as serious as we feared. Awaiting further news anxiously.

 

According to his microblog, the Indian doctor determined it being a "meniscus tear" and suggested operation. He will re-examine upon returning home and decide on what to do. He thanked everyone and the Indian BA for providing assistance. It may be a long road back for Xue Song. Wish him a speedy recovery.

His microblog: http://weibo.com/u/2475399641?refer_flag=1005055014_&is_hot=1

 

Thanks for the update, RedShuttle. Now, which is more serious ACL rupture or Meniscus tear? Can a doctor among us please kindly enlighten.

 

Hello tbgoh88

It takes 3-6 months for a sports player to be back in full flow again.

 

Both are bad. My guesses:

He will have to rest for 2-3 mons, after which he will undergo repair surgery. Then it will be followed by 4-6 mons of rehabilitation and physio.

Atleast one year before he plays professional badminton. He might start with some local tournaments to gain confidence. One had half to two years from now before he plays at the top level again. I fear he might not be the same player again,even if he makes a comeback. And there are always the chances of re injuring yourself as the torn ligament is a weak spot. If you try to play protecting one leg, the other leg bears more stress and end up getting injured.

I am a big fan of Xue Song, but i guess this is how it should turn out. I will be glad if my predictions are wrong and he plays again earlier and stays fit for a longer duration at the top level.