They are always a bit enigmatic to me. I saw them the first time during the final of Hongkong Open, when they beat Boe/Mog so easily and cheekily! I noted them as very fast attacking type of pair, and foresaw them to have many more titles in the future. But... Recently (just after they lost at semifinal WBC 2017) I am a bit confused that they could lose sooo easily and also can win sooo easily as well. Could someone who are more knowledgable elaborate on this?
It's because they only have 1 style of play. There's no plan B, no tactical subtlety. Can you live with their pace? You win. You can't? You lose.
Their smash always interests me. Do correct me if I'm wrong, but they're about the only pro-level pair that starts off their smash with their arms below their waists which then has to be raised again for every shot. Tiring, don't you think?
they played w/ a lot of variety against mads(x)2 in the quarters. you have to get the upper hand and take them out of their game w/ great defense like ahsan can. saputro was along for the ride. it's pretty much like that with all md pairs. the match up is key. fernaldi/sukamuljo struggle against teams that can force them to smash a lot. boe/mogensen & mads(x)2 struggle with the faster teams who have just enough power to keep them guessing. ahsan/saputro struggles against a defensive genius & front court master like zhang nan. to beat zhang/liu you need 2 players who can consistently keep it away from zhang nan while overcoming liu chengs power.
IMO Kamura/Sonoda playing style is likely similar with Endo/Hayakawa, they gives much more energy to play hard & fast stroke without giving more priority to destruct their opponent's position first then do attack in the right times. No need to drain your energy by smashing a lot but ended giving point to your opponent because your opponent knowing the right time to do their attack at the right time by only giving 1 smash to kill. Or by simply term is lack in using tactical play. Some people give credits to other JPN pair (Takuro Hoki/Yugo Kobayashi) because they play smarter than Kamura/Sonoda. To speed up their games, Kamura sometimes do several small jumps before receiving/servicing to make his blood pump faster and more active to support his fast and furious attacking play. In short terms we could say, if the other pair succeed in making Kamura/Sonoda couldn't play with such speed they will easily defeated Kamura/Sonoda.
So glad to see them win the Malaysian open 2018! Always loved their fast paced and attacking style players, hope to see more titles from them !
So disappointed to see them get knocked out by the Korean pairs...always loved their aggressive style of attacking plays.. hopefully they will get better in the next open !
Can they be considered as the best JPN MD ever? They have the most titles out of the other JPN MDs and also the WC silver medallists. Their recent title is very deserving as they beat the top 2 INA MDs along the way.
Shb65z Tonami exclusives https://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/index.php?threads/sonoda-and-kamura-shoes.178241/ Edit: Just notice, you started tht...
According to Yonex, they both wear "Power Cushion Aerus 3 Men". (Information posted on April 16 2019, after the Singapore Open at http://www.yonex.co.jp/badminton/news/2019/04/1904161100.html <Japanese>). It looks like they have changed gear. ... Actually, these are really great shoes. I have bought a pair myself.
Anyone know what strings Kamura is using? I've tried taking a look, and from what I can I see, I'm guessing possible AB Boost? It was with the yellow strings on the main, and the crosses seemed black Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
According to Yonex information published after the Singapore Open, Kamura uses Aerobite Boost, whilst Sonoda uses Nanogy 95.
I'll miss hyper Sonoda and his serving. Kamura seemed like a great guy on tour, but I guess now he'll settle down with married life.