Being able to win doesn't mean you are on the same technical level as the opponent. Being able to keep the rally going (and the shuttle in court) can sometimes be enough, and especially on lower levels there's quite a few 'runners' who themselves have fairly limited technique and no dangerous shots but keep the opponent on court until they run out of steam or just make mistakes due to inconsistency. While THW is not a passive player, he has bad technique for someone in the World's Top 20. Way too much panhandle. Similar to Lee Dong Keun and some Korean MD players - in fact Yoo Yeon Seong is one of them, but in MD it's not as much of a factor with much less lateral movement and no need to cover the net after your smash. In MS, however, it's an important factor as it severely limits your options in the deep forehand corner and round-the-head position when you have little time. One of the reasons LD is so hard to read is his overhead technique - he almost always has his racket turned in such a way that he can play the shuttle to any position on the court.
What magical pan-european broadcast network do you have in mind there ? It is certainly not on tv (nor streaming online elsewhere) in Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands and it's still blocked. Seems it has started since the German Open ... (but it was always blocked in Germany iirc so I'm not counting that one). Last tournament I watched was the Syed Modi Int'l so not sure if the Thailand Masters was already blocked as well ...
Youtube streaming is blocked entirely in Germany. Or at least it was. Maybe they're gonna change that at some point, seeing how they want to start a streaming service to compete with Twitch....
argh not all the results i have hoped for to have exciting finals... MD: YYS definitly has a shoulder injury (also read a bad google translation of his fb) since the final of the GO. Amazing that they still made it to the SF and almost to the final Normally LYD moves to the front, but in this tournament he stayed at the back or moved backwards when they stood side by side, which is not their natural positioning. Very positive is that he has more of an impact from the backcourt than say 2 years ago. Russians got into the game just in time after the intervall of game 2. I don't like their style that much and that's why the final won't have the quality of the GO. Damn. One time in Birmingham and no real exciting MD in SF and F (for my taste). A little dissappointed about the MAS performance, not near as intensive as on QFs day. MS: As expected no easy way for LD, but you could see how Xue Song got tired more and more. I think he had kind of cramps later in the third set. No wonder, such a tiny guy retriving every shuttle thrown at him. THW once more not impressive, but HKV couldn't find the power to through three sets. LD should win tomorrow, but I predict a close (eg three sets) match.
Yeah I remember it had to do with the rules in Germany. Anyway I just found out why (the blockade) has started since the German Open: http://bwfbadminton.com/2016/03/03/top-bwf-events-on-eurosport-digital-platform/ Sony doesn't even have a Eurosport Player app on their tv's (but have Chromecast) and the quality is crap on the Eurosport player iirc. But at least it means it should be possible to stream in Germany now? At least a step in the right direction, perhaps some selected events will even make it to the tv channel. Supposedly it is broadcast on British Eurosport 2 this week already but they have a different programming than the rest of Europe. edit: so I've just signed up for the Eurosport Player and so far so good. Quality of the stream seems pretty decent, will try it on the Chromecast in a minute. Watching MLS football now and highest quality I can pick is 720p but seems upscaled standard definition. Some games on tv also appear to only be upscaled whereas other (MLS) seem to be true HD. Let's find a badminton one from the archive ... and there are none -.- (only live streaming on schedule for tomorrow)
Rexy is a very very funny guy. I met him back in 2007. Wait till he gets into the mood and start telling dirty jokes...
Praveen/Debby desperately need the pt to qualify for the Olympics. I hope their 3 consecutive wins last year over the Dens Fischer/Pedersen (Dubai, French Open, World Champion) give them the boost and it carries over to tomorrow final.
Good scheduling : http://tournamentsoftware.com/sport/matches.aspx?id=EA417436-F4B0-4DA1-9FF4-7CB910F51658 I can come in late and leave early. Match 3 & 4 are the ones that interest me.
Also, Okuhara seems to be reciting the Japanese rosary before she takes a bows and enters the court. Wonder if it is a religious or cultural thing because it is a good way to defect some of the pressure and maintain focus on the game.
It's maths next, have to work a lil harder (not very good at it, as I can't sit for hours)! I had to miss CM vs NO yesterday and also LD vs XS! Anyways both the results are favorable
Hmm yeah! She is extremely disciplined, needless to say well behaved lady! Everything she does is 'almost' scripted, the ceremonial bows, traditional/cultural hymns/prayers and infact the way of thanking the applauding cloud! I bet she is among everyone's fav list her approach towards game and commitment towards hardworking is worth appreciation
Xue Song's style was quite similar to LD's yesterday. I would have preferred to watch HKV against LD in the final. We all know the result unless a miracle happens. Who is Rexy? Didnt get that. Someone was talking about LCW vs LD. I believe CL vs LD is the one to watch. The three setter which LD won against CL couple of years back (was that world championship?) is one of the epicest matches ever! Had all the ingredients of a thriller.
