The irony is, Lin Dan got so bored of winning the WC, he didn't bother to play any tournaments from 2013 to a part of 2014, so he didn't collect any ranking points to qualify for the 2014 WC. And in 2014, BWF didn't bother to give a wild card spot to LD, unlike 2013 when they did give him a wild card spot (I felt BWF should have given LD a wild card spot in 2014, since he was the defending champion from 2013). In 2014, I still think LD was the best player in the world, because Chen Long would win the WC in 2014, but at the Asia Games in 2014, LD beat both LCW and Chen Long to win the Asia Games gold. So if LD was able to play in the 2014 WC (ie. BWF gave him another wild card), I think LD could have won the 2014 WC. That would have given LD 6 WC titles. But whatever, 5 WC titles is enough I guess, I don't think LD is complaining about 5 WC titles
To Beat akane she needs to be moved from corner to corner and pinned at the back line and give her a mix of cross court and power smashes on the side lines and being quick on the net to bombard the shuttle as it arrives..Thats how PV plays her and thats the only way you can beat Akane or get her under pressure and CYF does seem to be doing that in second set. If CYF can put AY under pressure AY will break.
The CYF in the 2nd set, is looking like the CYF at last year's Olympics. Not sure if CYF can maintain this level in her 3rd set. At the same time, Akane lost some focus in this 2nd set.
Akane didnt lose focus but CYF applied the exact pressure its needed the perfect tactic she kept Akane at back and side to side and then when opporrunities arrived fired her cross court and side line smashes....Perfect cocktail to beat Akane !!
CYF Playing great shots but proly nervous cause those are 7 straight errors but have to give it to the out of the world defense by Akane...This Girl is on Firee
Akane need to have 4-5 point lead going into the interval, if it's only 2-3 point I think CYF will win it.
Akane has raised the level of her game in the first half of this 3rd set. CYF also seemed to go for some line shots at the beginning of this 3rd set that didn't work out.
I think Denmark will be okay. They will have a youngster step up to take Axelsen’s place once he’s ready to retire. They are a powerhouse and have a great badminton tradition with talented players such as Fleming Delfs, Morten Frost, Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen, Peter Rasmussen, Peter Gade, and Viktor Axelsen.
Can yamaguchi beat or come very close (rubber) to besting VA ? Seems like none of the MS can, so why not let yamaguchin Try
The gold medal that Japan didn't couldn't get at the Olympics last year. Congratz to Akane Yamaguchi! She is a hard worker, plays 100% for every shot, and she deserves winning 2 WC after all her hard work!
