LD, full of experience, completely shattered the dreams of gallant XS. But the impatient XS will make his mark soon.
He thinks he is Superstar. He also loves to mock other team mates. But I think that attitude will take him far.
I don't know who was supposed to be the older player: LD or XS. Looks like LD was fitter from start to end. I wonder if XS depleted his reserves playing against Chen Long and Viktor Axelsen. I've been critical of LD over the last year for his poor play in 2015. I didn't think LD really trained hard in 2015 and his form was off and probably his fitness too in 2015. But it looks like LD spent the last few months training harder, and getting his form and physical fitness up to speed and it's showing in this tournament and German GP. If LD can keep his fitness and form up, and stay free of injury, I don't see why he isn't a threat for gold at this year's Olympics. I had written LD off for this year's Olympics but for this month at least, he is looking like the best player in the world.
Frankly, LD knows XS' game very well, they train together day in day out, that's the advantage he put to good use in this match without having to expend too much energy. By constantly keeping XS guessing, moving him around all over the place, LD gradually tires out the much younger man who had already played several tough matches prior.
I think you know better. But he has not broken Rudy Hartono's record of 8 AE titles. LD can keep on trying.
Will be interesting to follow Xue Song's next few tournament results. If not for Lin Dan,he would be the 2016 ALL ENGLAND Champion.
