JOJ played the right strategy, not allowing CL many attacking opportunities. Tanongsak also played, and luck was with him as well lots of nets and drives but CL figured it out as the match progressed. JOJ did the more or less the same but less obvious, less mechanically and luck was with him as well. On the whole, a well-deserved victory for JOJ. CL is hitting a bad patch now after the TC debacle.
Very clean performance from JOJ. His tactic is quite clear and I was wondering why Chen Long was so passive throughout the match. He has to find another plan when he face an opponent who doesn't lift much. Still, what a week for JOJ, not to mention his feat last week as well, looking forward to see hus performance at finale.
I'm surprised CL is all the time lifting the opponent's net shots, if not the first,then the second or the third, not winning the net exchange, even mishitting some. His presence of mind is not there. The CL who is commanding and controlling the rallies is not in evidence. Hope to see that all-conquering Chen Long back again soon, if only.
Thanks for all your posts here. At least I know what is going on. Live streaming is too laggy and monitoring on TS is too tiring for my football-fatigued eyes.
The Chen Long who is so quick and returning all kinds of shots, including the seemingly impossible ones, and suddenly attacking with venom, where his athleticism and agility is intimidating - is gone for the time being. He really has to get his self-belief and confidence and the will-to-win back, the sooner the better. Hard to say when.
Yes, I know, much worse than his WC R1 loss to a certain Guatemalan. He felt he let the whole team down at the TC. It's all in the mind, not sure if his character and mentality is mature and strong enough to help him get back on his feet in good time. To me, the best way for him to redeem himself is to keep winning time after time, tournament after tournament including the upcoming WC, Asian games, SSF, the more the merrier and soon all will be forgiven and forgotten. Easier said than done.
The service judge faulted Ahsan again and Ahsan walks to the service judge handing him the racquet and asking him to show him. Luckily, no yellow card from the umpire.
I am wishing for INA victory so that tomorrow's final will see players from different countries which is usually more exciting.