Well mixed doubles isn't all about power. His smashes are good enough, over 260, and it's often better to go for placement and mix the pace up a little instead of power smashing all the time. He Hanbin is often too happy smashing away and doesn't take advantage of gaps on court by placing a drop shot or a slower smash there. Zhang Nan, on the other hand, does that pretty well.
2010 Asian Games Individual Event: M.Kido/H.Setiawan have made it to the MD Final . M.Kido/H.Setiawan have just won their semi-finals match against JJS/LYD of Korea; 21-15, 13-21, 21-18. .
So the favourite and Korea best bet is out. Korea now can only hope for gold from Mixed and Men singles where they are not the favourites. I think the semi finals between HS/MK and LYD/JJS is probably the real final. Both HS/MK played very well and tricked the Korean many times. If not because of the silly errors made by the Indonesians, the score might be even further.
Seems like Korea isn't gonna take any gold medals at all - I don't think PSH can win against LD again (who will without doubt win against NGuyen), and even if he does, he'd be up against LCW/CJ in the final. He/Yu is probably too strong for their mixed as well. I'm very very sure China will take 5 medals, and the Men's singles could go either way imop. LCW has shown he can take on LD, and I think he can win against CJ in straight games if he's focussed and confident.
2010 Asian Games Individual Event Semi-Finals: KKK/TBH have made it to the Final . Watched the last few points of KKK/TBH's semi-finals match. Surprisingly they won by playing defensively most of the time. Let's see if they will still play defensively against MK/HS at the final, or will they not, since MK/HS's attacking play is more penetrating? .
If they rain down with smashes, I think they will play into MAS game plan. MAS will defend until the opponent are exhausted.
Yep, especially MK cant last if he has to jump smash the whole time. But I think he'll be intelligent enough to mix up the pace and try to get HS involved at the net - just like FHF/CY did at the WC final. They have to get the attack and win control of the net, which is a hard thing to do with KKK involved. But I think they can do it if they have a good day and stick to their game plan.
..it's more like "Let's wait and see at the end of Sunday, or even Saturday, if the BC's poll jinx will rear its ugly head again or not"..
..so what are your predictions for today's matches? KOR vs. CHN & CHN TPE vs. CHN in the XD Semis KOR vs. CHN & MAS vs. CHN in the MS Semis ?
I don't really follow WD or XD...but to answer your question, it will be CHN-CHN in XD. And LD vrs LCW in MS...that is my honest prediction but also, I really want to see that match happen..and LCW will hit top form playing CJ. If LCW does a 2-set win over CJ, then it will be 50-50 playing LD...3 long sets, and LD wins. That is it and if my prediction screws up, I will throw my china-made dollar-store crystal ball in the garbage. Advice to you...don't bet too much on this
..btw, as far as i know and recall, the only person who's been publicly (and repeatedly) announcing his predictions (of CHN winning 6 Golds and LD winning it all) and sticking by them is OTB; although i'm not sure if he voted or not..
Well I think the mixed doubles final will be a purely chinese affair - perhaps CHN-TPE, Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei have struggled a bit before. And I agree with OneToughBirdie on the Men's Final - I think it's gonna be LCW against LD, and I hope LCW can pull off another victory like in the JO - would be great for his confidence. Anyway, it's probably gonna come down to LD as the Mixed Doubles gold is definitely going to a Chinese team imop. Rooting for Zhang/Zhao, but I guess He/Yu will take it.
