2015 BCA INDONESIA Open SS Premier : SEMIFINALS (6th June 2015)

[Lokesh]

I am a very neutral voice on this.

I am a very objective person, and hence only focus on results.
So, yes I accept that the rest of the world has caught up with China, and surpassed it.

The only issue is that language is a bitch, and highly subjective.
You said, "find it interesting how some people appear to simply not accept that other countries have caught up with China (and now surpassing them) in the WS discipline"

Now if this is a statement based solely on today's quality, there should be no doubt about it.
But, some people can also construe it as other countries overall WS program now being strong enough that CHN is in a long dust.

That isn't assured at all.

Definitely i go with SSJ. Nobody can deny it that Other countries are equal in strength in WS department even few are better than them . I am being neutral here. This is current situation. And also except Singapore Open SS won by 21 year old Sun yu(where most of the top players did not play), China did not win any other WS titles this year. It is unfair to say Chinese women players gone down. But it is very much neutral to say that other country players had reached top level already.

 

[kelana]

Such is Lin Dan's immense reputation that, despite his aura of invincibility having faded considerably no doubt due to his recent unexpected failures, he, The GOAT, is still widely regarded as very much capable of springing a surprise or should I say restoring our belief in him as to prove his naysayers and detractors all wrong. Write him off at your own peril.

For MS WC, I should name Chen Long, Lee CW, and Lin Dan, not necessarily in that order though I'm inclined to place Chen Long first, the defending WC. Actually, for Lin Dan, the question is how much does a sixth world title mean to him. But, after a couple of embarrassing early exits,unprecedented in his entire illustrious career, I believe he would be driven by the desire and duty-bound as well to redeem himself if only to satisfy CBA/LYB and his big-time sponsor Yonex, and what better way to do so at this time than to win the WC in August, the ultimate aim being still the Olympic gold, his third, next year.

Justin, you line it neatly how the upcoming WC is a crucial junction on how serious one should take The Goat after his two 1st round exits... is he still the fearsome Goat or simply a great master of the past.

Of course the 2016 Rio is the undisputable benchmark for a player's very existence, in particular for one of such paramount class, The Goat, but the WC may serve as the clear mid-term indication.

 

[kelana]

Hehe, find it interesting how some people appear to simply not accept that other countries have caught up with China (and now surpassing them) in the WS discipline. When a China WS player loses, it's (mostly) because she is not playing well or some other excuse. It's time to wake up from your dream and admit that there are simply many other players that are at least as good as China WS level now, and yet many more that are simply better.

Just enjoy the euphoric moment while it lasts

You are definitely right if you take the time reference of a short span.... the past nine moments (!?) and from how many SS & SSP tournaments.

But let's see from a longer time span...and I'll save my verdict just after 2016 Rio

I vaguely recall there's a period of gloomy achievements of CHN WS squad in the past but then they overhauled and turned over the table, just can't remember when the sour period was. Perhaps someone here can help illuminate my unfaithful memory

 

[kelana]

The 2015 profile list of both WS finalists at my post #681 shows the obvious ups and downs of each player in the entire 2015 tournaments so far, ranging from the qualification round exits (Yui) up to be the winner (RI at 2015 BAC). Consistency is just an elusive word here.

Anyhow, I predict RI will own this match.

 

[Lokesh]

The 2015 profile list of both WS finalists at my post #681 shows the obvious ups and downs of each player in the entire 2015 tournaments so far, ranging from the qualification round exits (Yui) up to be the winner (RI at 2015 BAC). Consistency is just an elusive word here.

Anyhow, I predict RI will own this match.

Yes . I accept this. If you consider Consistency as the key factor, we have to see regular QF or SF appearances. I have to admit, Carolina marin is in top of all the WS players. She is very consistent.

1. Carolina Marin played 7 tournaments so far. 5 finals ( 2 runner ups, 3 titles - All England, Malaysian Open, Australian Open ), 1 semifinals, 1 1st round -Indonesia open . Did not consider sudirman cup and BAC.

2. Saina Nehwal played 6 tournaments excluding BAC and sudhirman cup.

3 finals (2 titles , Syed modi india GPG, India Open 2015 SS , 1 runner up - All England), 1 semifinals, 2 QF (Australia Open, Indonesia open)

3. Li Xuerui played 4 tournaments excluding sudirman cup and BAC.
(1 finals , Runner up - Malaysia open ), 1 QF , 2 2nd round .

Oops. I got to go . I update it later when i get time.