Tai TY 's fitness and stamina has improved a lot, just like Intanon Ratchanok when she won three SS/PSS titles in a row back-to-back.
Sung should attack TTY's body more... XXZ came up with the idea of body smashing against all Indonesian players.. It worked. The Indonesians still haven't figured out how to return such a smash.
The WS revolving door or musical chair is now with Tai Tzu Ying. Who's next ? Have to wait until March next year when the new campaign season begins.
THW played one of his better tournaments here - I think he did a good job. Calling him mentally weak, etc, is a bit harsh, considering he came out firing on all cylinders in G2, after having been completely outplayed in G1. Also, I think VA didn't choke, he was just outright tired. On two occasions in G3, I thought "that was it". But THW was also more tired than he looked, couldn't keep up the pressure on VA and the long rallies. VA did the only thing he could, at the end. He wasn't able to run another 30 shot rally, so he went on full attack. From 17-17 he has 3 hard smashes almost on the sideline. You can't say that THW choked for not catching those. It was just VA who was down to "all or nothing" play, and got lucky and found the winners. Great G3 by both players. With the exception of the really nervy bad serves they both made leading up to 16-16 (where they smiled at each other, recognizing the nerves on both sides.
BTW: You asked why the umpire called on VA a few times during the match, while camera was off. On the last occasion, it was due to THW changing the shuttle, while VA was looking the other way. The umpire called him, to get his attention, and make sure the next rally would be played with a new shuttle. Good umpiring.
I believe a large part of TTY's excellent play is due to her much improved fitness and stamina. Her deceptive shots are not new, coming from her. Just more consistent, less error prone, and getting a lot more back.
Tai TY didn't win two SSF in succession, last year's winner was Nozomi Okuhara who beat Marin twice. TTY's previous win was in 2014. Li Xuerui won twice in a row, 2012 and 2013.
That young lady sitting beside TTY's slightly older coach looks like TTY if my eyesight did not fail me. Is she TTY's sister? I was told she has a badminton-playing sister.
