Right now the chicks category from China's perspective isn't that good. CQC is the only outstanding player, and Huang Yaqiong/Li Yinhui/whoever else is nothing special to speak of. Zhang Nan's just around to help promote XD for a little bit until they get better. He's probably ditching after that unless a 10 year younger Zhao Yunlei shows up. I hate to say it, but I feel Zhang Nan's of winning gold over the next few world's are falling... Wish he was paired with Li Junhui instead of Liu Cheng
Well, at least from what I see from in the present situation his chance of winning gold or any medals is higher with Liu Cheng than with anyone in XD. At least with Liu Cheng they are in the top 10 for quite a while. Personally, I am not a fan of XD so I hope he would ditch the girls sooner than later Would love to see him more focused in MD from now on. Is Li Jun Hui better than Liu Cheng? I can't imagine them splitting Li Jun Hui and Liu Yu Chen.
There's two factors where Li Junhui I guess isn't as good as a partner as Liu Cheng. Liu Cheng has superior firepower, and Liu Cheng's playing pace matches Zhang Nan's better. That being said, Li Junhui far superior in the flat game both front and back, esp when below the net. I see Li Junhui and Zhang Nan as some pair that can stand against Gid/Suk.
I see. I'm trying to visualize Zhang Nan paired with Li Jin Hui and somehow it just hasn't clicked yet. I have watched some video Zhang Nan pairing Liu Yu Chen in some National League but not with Li Jin Hui. It might work.. maybe they could try out new pairings in the Thomas Cup this May. Maybe give Chai Biao another chance with Zhang Nan? Nah.. bad idea, Chai Biao is not young either is he.
Here ya go: Zhang Nan paired with Li Junhui. Unfortunately it was filmed with a potato. I watched the game with Liu Yuchen, it seemed like firepower was lacking as neither could do a powerful smash. Before Hong Wei retired last year, I would have thought that would be a good combination too. Hong Wei Zhang Nan. Also filmed with a potato. Hong Wei > Chai Biao in attack, defense, and flat game. Chai biao is only better at the net. I am not a fan of Chai Biao.
Thanks for the videos. Well they look compatible enough, but we need to try it out in International matches too. We'll see how Liu/Zhang do in the BAC later. Why did Hong Wei retired? Injuries?
Looks like Liu Cheng, after retiring, has now joined Victor as a brand ambassador, following the likes of Cai Yun, Li Junhui and Tang Jinhua
