Frankly, my heart is with both of you but my head is much more concerned and anxious with her lack of physicality still being an issue at such a late stage where the OG cycle is about to begin, hence my gripe against her is more of a lamentation than criticism. Just look at Saina who is about the same age as her, physical condition almost as strong as she was in her younger days so much so I read that she felt she's coming back to her best. If Li Xuerui can do the same soon, I believe she is a serious contender to qualify and medal at the Olympics. Let's not forget, Saina and Nozomi too, previously came back from injury, albeit Saina's not as debilitating as LXR, but Nozomi's was pretty bad too except that she was still quite young then, so I don't see why not LXR in the physical department after one-and-a half year. As Xia Xuanze has spelled out, LXR's only stumbling block is her suboptimal physical condition as her extraordinary technical skills which previously brought her one OG gold and two WC silvers is more or less back at or near her best, and she herself knows it. As she herself has clearly stated, the sole purpose and motivation of making a comeback is to give herself another shot at the Olympics, nothing less, and for that she has to pit herself against the very best in the world, including her junior teammates who are hot on her heels if not a real threat to her as it is for a couple of them. Therefore, every time she flops for lack of fitness or stamina, not for lack of technical skills, who will give her a break ? That's why I was very surprised she chose to play the CBSL followed by a couple of tournaments earlier instead of joining the traditional but important annual winter camp training stretching over a little more than one-and-a half month (up to 55 days) right from the beginning and only joined the training for the final remaining two to three weeks, apparently inadequate as now shown by her less than ideal physical condition. Alarming, isn't it ? Perseverance is not just about mouthing some uplifting words, taking concrete actions and working smart is what counts. Didn't Lin Dan and Chen Long both opted to absent from the CBSL and a few other tournaments to fully devote themselves to rigorous training ? Even then neither got a good start to the initial campaign season, what more can we expect from LXR in view of her personal circumstances ? Never mind, it's all up to her. This one, two years would make or break her career, she is neither too old nor young anymore. Time is of the essence. I can only wish her the very best.
Goh/Lai has done the JPN pair a favour by eliminating the CHN XD, Wang/Huang, hope they can prevail and get into the final.
Playing as the underdog has its advantages, once the MAS pair entertains hopes of getting into the final by beating the JPN pair, they become more self-conscious , pressurized and less able to play freely as they could against the CHNB pair yesterday.
Well, the top 2 CHN XDs are way above the others. Give them time and I am sure that they can challenge anyone, including Zheng/Huang.
