So Axelsen and Kidambi have withdrawn and I guess they should after the week marathon they both were fighting at the World Teams Championships. So the Japanese VA was scheduled to play is now through to QF and the Irish KS was scheduled to play is now through to QF as well
Former World Champ and Oly Bronze Medalist Nozomi okuhara just lost to Michelle Li in a three setter in the last set she appeared to have lost all intrest to even play.Didnt follow the shuttle and made sequence of unforced errors...Now I dunno if she had suffered an injury of some kind or not but it seems she has definitely going on with her form. No worries Champ..come back stronger !!
Seems like a ton of players are not playing although they were here for the Thomas cup? Like none of the korean MDs? Seo/kang or Choi/kim, or jeon heok jin who is supposed to be on his comeback. Even the Chinese HJT/ZHD are not playing?
Lee ZJ being the only seeded left in MS category as many top-ranked players got injury, fatigue or didn't perform as they supposed to be, chance is wide open for the underdogs to capitalise this imperfect situation to shine in S500 tour. The Asian Champion will up against Indonesia third-ranked Rhustavito who became explosive player to smash Canadian rising star Brian Yang yesterday after had passive start in opening game. Two Chinese representatives Li SF, Zhao JP who need many points to upgrade their low world ranking must take benefit rare opportunity and book semifinal spot of BWF top-tier tournament. Meanwhile Naraoka and Irish Nhat Nguyen have free last eight ticket due to Axelsen, Srikanth walkover. Perhaps the match against Lu GZ in Thomas Cup preliminary round last week when World #1 slipped and caused minor injury. WS top contenders stay on course, the weary Okuhara displayed her fine touch hasn't return yet, losing three game with single digit scoreline in decider, 4-21 to the veteran Michelle Li was something astonishing result. Yamaguchi also almost sent packing but fortunately she could turn the tide to overcome the on-fire Kim GE who was careless in last stage of final game despite her footwork getting better. Uber Cup heroine Sim YJ was unable to outwit Indian darling Sindhu, competing experience generating the difference between these two players. Then the heavily promoted CHN youngster Wang ZY shots were too passive and repetitious how to handle the creative Intanon. The Olympic Champions Lee Y/Wang CL seem back to right track and will be tested by Tokyo OG bronze medalists Chia/Soh, big match that should be played on TV Court. Three Japanese, two Chinese, two Korean, and one Malaysian combinations more or less to describe current women's doubles strength in normal circumtances. China will banking heavily on their talismans Chen/Jia as the new partnerships still in process to transform into established pair. LIVE TV COVERAGE
This arena is a "one-way arena". Do you recognize that players who stand at the further angle from the camera, will have advantage to win the game ? Just look back all matches in this tournament (even in Thomas/Uber Cup). The scenario goes like this. Who stood at the further angle from the camera, will win the game.
Color me surprised. Lee Zii Jia made a comeback from 4-12 down to beat Vito 21-10, 14-21, 21-16. MAS assured of MS final spot.