Anything can happen with Ahsan/Setiawan. They live on a knife edge. I really don't know how they end up winning almost all their games with very tight scores. We all have to admit they are simply clutch in pressure situations.
As if they really care. So what whether it's Chen Long or Tian HW to the final, it's still an All-CHN affair between Lin Dan and any CHN player? Whatever prompted Chen Long to withdraw last-minute, it's his decision. Actually, a couple days ago he expressed that he was already looking forward to it and openly telling his fans in Wuhan to turn up in full force to watch the final should they matchup again.As for Lin Dan he's also declared his determination to win the title, no matter who he faces en route to the final. Another trivial news is that the Hubei-born Chen Long just before the start of the tournament specially made a trip back to his hometown where he grew up in Jingzhou which is three-hours drive away from Wuhan, the tournament venue, and was tempted to savour his favourite local fare, a certain prawn dish, and had the runs (diarrhoea). Today he cited injury concerns as the reason for the withdrawal. I felt that if a player is not mentally and/or physically ready or prepared to play, then it's pointless forcing him/her, and furthermore the risk of accidental injury is higher when a player is not fully concentrated in the game (remember how LCW twisted his ankle during the Thomas cup'2012 when he was facing some family problems).
Yes, better to discuss how to nurture, raise more and better shuttlers to compete in the top echelon instead of throwing out those insinuations to litter this board. It takes much more efforts and resources to grow such potential. Just words won't do!
I don't agree with your statement. As a professional, you have to face your opponent if you have decided to enter a competition regardless mentally and/or physically ready or not ready. Mental and physical are part of the games. Unless you are injured. Some other exception ofcourse.
The sensible, broad-minded,fair-minded and wise one has spoken. I remember your previous posts about the politics and propaganda behind certain sports, such as tennis, which I'm afraid is beyond most people who see sport as just sport. A bit too profound, somewhat outlandish.