There s nothing deceitful about comparing WSX with Marin. You see it that way because you believe CHN players can do no wrong and WSX is a CHN player. Now let me show how WSX and Marin are similar and different: 1) Both yell during matches more to offend and disturb real opponents than to release tension. It s a tricky weapon because when they start to yell less, the alert opponent will know fatigue has set in. Energy is required to produce sound and they reckoned they can t afford to waste energy on a peripheral vocal weapon. Anyone else notice how WSX minimized sound energy usage against Nozomi? 2) Overall, WSX is a much, much gentler version of Marin in the yelling department. However , Marin is better than WSX in one way. Her serve routine is quick; WSX s serve ritual delays play when she uses it for thinking and recovery time. It s a real pain to watch her serve courtside. I believe you miss the point about the red card. It s not the intensity of misconduct that matters. When Nozomi was ready and WSX constantly delayed play despite constant warning ( regardless of to WSX or both), the misconduct threshold s breached, hence the red card. As you said, Marin is better behaved now, probably because of the red card effect. Hopefully WSX learns not to give umpires any more tests in future.
I assume you meant the Asian Invitation Tournament in 1976 when Tang and Hou lost to 26-year-old Iie Sumirat, they were 34 years old and semi-retired. Tang during his prime 1963-75 never lost internationally, Hartono started winning AE from 1968 and had chance to play Tang a few times but somehow avoided it. The 26-year-old defending AE champion Kops got 5 and 0 points in two sets against Tang in 1965.
Here is what Cai Yun says about Nozomi (but not specific to the red card incident) Apologize in advance for any translation errors.
Avoided it? This is funny. The Indonesian had played few times with Tang, Hou, Fang and friends during 60's in invitational matches both in Indonesia and China, the results were pretty even. But those who played are seniors like Tan Joe hok or Ferry. Rudy was junior back then. Comparing Tang and Rudy was another funny idea, Tang was 7 years older. Tang was great but he was in another era and the political situation didn't allow him to compete internationally. But it such a stupid accusation calling Rudy avoiding to play them. About Rudy raising too early in late 60's. Well Rudy was a junior in his first Major tour in All England in 1968, sent with many other seniors but somehow he managed to win it. He was 19.
hard to describe it. but I have had played people from Chinese national team before where it is impossible to even get to their clears because they have such a type of rhythm that easily destroys mine. sounds like magic but it is true.
Pros have very deceptive strokes where their preparation for clear, punch clear, fast drop, slice, smash etc look exactly the same. As amateurs like us, we can't tell which shot is done until it has left their racket after some time. And it is this variation in timing of shot execution (mentioned by Cai Yun) that Okuhara has that messes with her opponents.
right. i think it goes a bit beyond that. they not only have total control of their shot execution, they made it in such a way that they will match it against your own rhythm by punching the shot out at the worth time for you. an analogy will be someone playing piano and then someone else comes in and start clapping their hand at the wrong rhythm and throws off the piano players'. easier said than done.
Lol... You posted just as I was editing my previous post. I added: And it is this variation in timing of shot execution (mentioned by Cai Yun) that Okuhara has that messes with her opponents. They can't split step and anticipate as easily against her. Your piano and clapping analogy make perfect sense.
This is exactly what Susi said as well. She said Nozomi's game plan and physical stature reminds her of herself. I remember reading somewhere a european opponent of Susi commenting that playing her is like playing against a wall. And it what makes her lost because her 'rhythm of play' was broken. I also see Kento's game was similiar to Ginting's and Ihsan's, in line with Taufik's. This doesn't surprise me as Kento's old coach ( Coaching him for around 5 years when he was junior) was an Indonesian that also coaches Ginting and Ihsan during 2014-2015.
i think a tournament thread should talk about the following: 1. Discussion of techniques and strategy. 2. analysis of games, and 3. translation/report of what players/coaches have said we should thank kwun for doing a wonderful job.