who is this Weng Hong Yang beating 2 INA MS players back-to-back? He is another CHN left-hand player too.
Wardoyo isn't really up there yet so I'm not surprised, but Jonatan Christie was a big upset. However, to be fair - Indonesian Men's Singles has been in steady decline for at least 10-15 years since Taufik. There hasn't been a "true" standout in MS from Indonesia - certainly nothing like MD with Sukamuljo / Gideon or Ahsan / Setiawan dominating MD.
Actually Indonesia Men singles has been in decline since the 1990s. After the era of Ardy, Alan and the last is Hendrawan. At that time, I remember 7 Indonesian men singles in probably top 15-20. Then only Taufik. Sony was alright but playing with injury almost throughout his career I think it has to do with junior development. I am not sure why many talents (some who are now in Men's doubles), actually play singles before, was told be better in doubles. If is is right, then there really hardly any talented men singles
NTY didn't lift much. All his shots were downwards. From the baseline, it was cross court drop. From the front, it was net shots to the centre. Made the opponent a little difficult to capitalise. And NTY was out of gas, hence towards the end, he smashed when the chances came. He was a little lucky to win.
Competition is tougher now, more countries play badminton. INA MS has been in decline, so do CHN since LD/CL days but AG/JC they are still able to be top 4 or top 8, 2 of them. INA is still ranked 2nd in MS SS titles win last season actually, behind Denmark. So maybe we can say they are the more consistent ones than the rest despite them not really having consistent title pedigrees but who do. Its frustrating in a way, we know they always come out with this kind of performances whether its JC or AG (in January) . it can just be sudden single digit loss, someth like that like what the hell lol
I should make a petition to rename all BWF tournaments into 'All England 1, 2, 3" and so on. LZJ should be able to enter SF consistently then.
Never saw Axelsen cried when he lost a match. not even in WC. The last time saw him cried is winning the OG but thats kinda expected , maybe the more is the one winning the Bronze in 2016 OG.
IMHO, INA is indeed slower in orbiting their junior MS players. While Kunlavut, Sen, NTY and Popov were already competing at the SS level, their INA peers like Adinata and Syabda were still playing in the IC class.
Sad to see Shida/Matsu can’t defend their title. Same with Yuta/Arisa, the only pair who can beat Zheng/HLZ. I hope Yuta can recover quickly as the start of Olympic qualifying events is coming very soon.
Seeing Viktor cry during the post match interview was heartwarming. This was the spirit of a true champion, so called passionate, even though he had won many tournaments before but still losing in a big tournament like AE brought him great sorrow. Another positive thing is that he doesn't make much excuses, instead congratulating and complimenting NTY. Comeback stronger Viktor
Viktor blunder. No planning and complacent. Nty will be too tired tonolay lsf. Hope he wins tho. This win will silence lzj haters. #91A moment ago
Hendrawan was one of the early jump smashers. He destroyed Zhao Jin Hua's big dream. I just don't remember which big tournament it was then.
Zhao Jian Hua retired in 1992. Hendrawan was playing in 1995 but really came into prominence in 1998. These two are from different time periods.
Thank you. I had to see the history. It was Hermawan Susanto who beat Zhao 1992 at Olympic quarter final.
Well he did almost bounce back to win it. I think what we saw in NTY is also the difference between being a young, fresh and unintimidated player, and being a player who already lost 5+ times to VA.
