Imho he's just holding his cards close to his chest. He'll bring out the big guns when he needs to. At least that's what I think and hope... Sent from my SM-G988W using Tapatalk
@Cunning Linguist I agree with you - this is what I was referring to. I do not believe in the weaker opponent stuff. You can assess form even against weaker opponents. Go watch the match of the other top players and you will see. He is giving me the same vibe that he gave me during All England. And I expected a lot more for the Olympics. I expected a beast. Unless he is really really really good at concealing it or acting not in form. But for sure I am seeing the same thing that I saw at All England this year.
Given his current condition, I would be happy with a 'bronze' in the hope that he can take 'gold' in Paris. To be perfectly frank, a 'gold' would be no less than a miracle.
The difference is, true legends of the sport are mental giants who win even when not at their best. Like Lin Dan in 2013 world championship. Momota will pick up his pace when he needs to. I don't understand how anyone who watches him regularly can't see it. His second name might as well have been Control. He plays up to his opponent level. He always has. He rarely beats someone 21-3 or 21-5. Once the chips are down, his game will rise. He's done it time and time again. I don't see anyone taking two sets from him. He won't let it happen.
He was quite generous with the points in his first two matches at the 2019 World Championship too and that turned out well. Let's see how the second match goes first before we all start to panic .
Immaculate Observation. What an impeccable point you made there. @Quentin11 A half-arsed Momota either gets it back with no discomfort or doesn't bother at all.
One more point to add that stops me from putting my house on line on Momota-San winning Gold. Whenever Lam was attempting drop shot from the rear court, Kento was in SHAMBLES. Granted Lam netted 7 out of his 10 drop shots but Momota looked clueless reading any of it.
As @Quentin11 said, Momota's performance gives me the same feeling at AE. His shot is not that sharp and accurate as before. Hope it's because of the anxiety or pressure about the first-ever Olympic match in his life. Tomorrow's match will tell us. Heo Kwang-hee is not that easy like Lam.
I'm thinking he can still beat Heo. But did he show a form which made me think he can take LZJ? My answer is no. I'm not worried about his shots quality and touch of the net. Because this is easily affected by how serious you are playing. But to me your overall condition doesn't change whether you are playing against an easy or a tough opponent. I hope I am super super wrong and tomorrow we see the monster I was expecting. The World Number 1 Super Saiyan Mode. I was expecting the Momota who once pummeled Ginting when he went all out attack. But not necessarily with attacks only.
Japan Open 2019? Right? Best version of Momota Ever. There was a video of Momota crying after losing to Huang Yuxiang in the 1R of Indonesia Open, circulating all over the web But then he came back like an Emperor in the next tournament.
For those who are not getting my point, here is a match of Momota against a lower rank player. Do you notice any difference in his movement and his overall energy/impulse compared to what we saw against T.Lam? This is against an even lower ranked player. Again I hope tomorrow he proves me badly wrong and put me to shame. Please
I may not comeoff as a strong Momota supporter but I wanted him to win gold he deserved it, in an ideal world where there is no pandemic or car crash. Goddddddd I can't see this, my heart is weeping.
Is it just me or I feel Momota isn't the best him...? He doesn't seems to be that reactive and seems to struggle a little with Heo.
It is not you. I've been saying it since his match against T. Lam. Same vibe as AE. How come in 4 months you are still at the same level? I don't understand.
