It's hard to compare different generations. That's why I now choose to say 'Greatest of the modern era' to clasify Lin Dan. Regarding your comparison of Lin Dan to Yang Yang.... There are a few major differences. 1) Lin Dan was never truly 'schooled' by anybody. Even if he did lose to someone, he would always return the favour with LOADS of interest. His 'track-record-&-performance' againts Taufik & LCW is the main proof of this. Yang Yang on the other hand will always have ZJH whom seem 'superior' in every way except sadly the story we all know. 2) You my say that both Yang Yang & Lin Dan are athlethic,... but the truth is that Lin Dans Athlethicism is at such a different level & pace. Play both players matches together at the same time and Yang Yang desn't look very ahlethic anymore. Fit maybe. Perhaps you should compare Yang Yang to Lee Chong Wei?
I would re-phrase it as " The best player amongst the current professionals now". Nope, LCW is not in the same category as YY, at least not in my books. YY produced performances and results with far greater consistency. LD's approach to the game is indeed very close to YY's in terms of corrections and hard work. And also the results he produces.
Kinda off-topic, but guess what? Cooler has contributed 1.6% of the total posts in BC. Compare to the list above...
Quite a degree of exaggeration, bias, ignorance and lob-sided. His common practice. He only see 1 side of a coin.
title of this thread is correct only if lin dan is unbeatable until now.... i have read the entire 166 posts and i think the bcer here are exhausted... to claim x is better than y when there is a time difference of more than 10 years or even 5 years, is just impossible even though we can see the game has improved in terms of speed endurance, technique and power
LD won't be number one in 2020 for sure. Even #1 in 2016 would be a stretch. Aging catches up with everyone Unless LD starts to use drugs, he can't win against aging for long.
I just agree With you. The training methods have just improved since the ancient era. (for me the modern era start in somewhat 1999, when Peter reached the top)
Is there any player who can win 24/7 of the time? Just because he lost two QFs in a row doesn't mean he isn't good any more. Give him a break. Just like how people should give LCW a break too, going to the linecall and all