Incredible, where did Wang Shixian get all those energy to finish off the supremely fit Soldier Schenk in two straight games. Actually, in G2, she was like leading with 12-3 before Schenk reeled off the next 7 points, then drew level at 13-all and even went ahead 14-13 at which point I thought WSX was tiring and we might see a decider. But, amazingly, WSX re-asserted herself to close out G2 and the match. Well,well,well, I can only applaud her, she bowled me over again.
Neither, I played badminton since the age of 8, was in the school's team as a badminton single player.
I'm late the party but I saw bits of the 2nd and third game of the Russian MD vs Setiawan and Ahsan. From what I see these 3 games were also pretty quick. What was the match like? Definitely survived what was a scare for the Indonesians, saved by some untimely tight errors from the Russians. Saw some great attacking play and steep smashes from the Russian pair though.
That was a great MD match just now. Ivanov/Sozonov vs. Ahsan/Setiawan The Russians were very good in their tactics and did everything right. Just a few un-coordinated executions costed them a few points.. Although they lost the match, tactically they were better than the Indonesians and can match them at their own game (service/return situation and first 3 shots). Hope they don't get too discouraged. They beat the current Olympic champion and 3rd set deuced with the World Champions and on the verge of victory, so no hard-done. But they have alot of room in improvement, especially in their fast exchanges.
If you watched the replay of Ahsan/Hendra vs Russian MD earlier encounter in Indonesian SS, you probably see similar close play where it is difficult for one or the other to break away and lead, especially towards the end. So the Russian are unlucky to lose twice in such a manner. They are good but not good enough.
If you watched the replay of Ahsan/Hendra vs Russian MD earlier encounter in Indonesian SS, you probably see similar close play where it is difficult for one or the other to break away and lead, especially towards the end. So the Russian are unlucky to lose twice in such a manner. They are good but not good enough.
Hendra commited modicum error today, his mind seem to rise to the cloud sometimes.. Ahsan indeed seems to haven't be back on his prime form.. Seems that his shoulder hasn't fully healed
That was a great MD match just now. Ivanov/Sozonov vs. Ahsan/Setiawan The Russians were very good in their tactics and did everything right. Just a few un-coordinated executions costed them a few points.. Although they lost the match, tactically they were better than the Indonesians and can match them at their own game (service/return situation and first 3 shots). Hope they don't get too discouraged. They beat the current Olympic champion and 3rd set deuced with the World Champions and on the verge of victory, so no hard-done. But they have alot of room in improvement, especially in their fast exchanges.
i thought the Russians would nail it... the INA WC might get away this, but there still got Lee Yong Dae/Yoo Yeon Seung standing their way...