I'm actually more of a fan of LCW's than LD's, but it's undeniable who's better. I was always rooting for LCW, and the 2011 and 2012 losses were pretty disappointing. 2013 was straight devastating. Your little "WC is just another title" idea would actually mean LCW was better because he won more titles overall - which anyone with even a rudimentary understanding will accurately disregard as utter nonsense. While LCW exceeded LD in terms of longevity, LD will certainly be remembered longer, and be rated higher. His peak was the highest we've ever seen (so far). I think you can't make a clear distinction like that. People are talented to different degrees and in different areas. Both a natural talent for technique and reading of the game AND dedication and work ethic are really important qualities for a player. Markus happens to better in one area, Kevin in the other. I think from what they've said it's just that, the fact that they're different, that makes them respect each other and inspires them to keep working hard and improving...
They have very tough R1 draws in Fuzhou and HK. In fact you can pick the toughest 9-32 seeds. No one can say MD is uncompetitive, i can never say they will 100% win even if they play against lousier players unlike other sectors. Its all about preparation and motivations. But they went through very difficult draw in AG so they will look to it with open hearts.
I like the fact that they still can be dangerous with kevin at the back and marcus at the front now. not only marcus has really improve his front court play, I think kevin has also improved from the back court. and he seems okay if the opponent challenge him to work harder from the backcourt.
Minions post-match interview in DEN Open last week Apparently Kevin speaks English way better than I could have expected.
Exactly the point that i am trying to trigger here - they are a pair, yet I see a lot of messages flying around talking about so and so is lucky to have so and so, and so and so is lucky to be super talented. It is fun and controversial to discuss those 'what-ifs' and discuss the subject of 'luck'. But bottom line is, I think they have done their homework really well: understand each other, cover each other, practice hard, and have a freakin tough mental on court (did you see their latest game against Endo - Watanabe?)
Close to end of year, it’s a good time to talk about consistency. It appears that of ALL highly ranked players, KSS/MFG is the only one that never exited before final 8. This includes the all mighty Momota, TTY and etc. One could argue a case for Zheng/Huang, who actually lasted till at least final 4 in all tournaments played except for the Korea Open which they quit without playing.
Probably one of my favorite shot from kevin beside the reverse slice dropshot Now if gideon could learn to play shot like this it would help a lot, especially when they're playing in slow hall like in japan and french open.
I noticed that a few times since the one he did the reverse slice drop shot against Endo/Watanabe. He did that a lot before he hit his shuttle (so far most visible in the slo mo) from the back court. Maybe he does it all the time, but only captured on slow motion lately? I guess that's how he could hit so many variation shots from the back (or anywhere). Zheng/Huang? I thought it was 5? meh.. close enough lol.
How could he keep that shuttles from going wide, I wonder. Nah.. it would be too difficult especially Marcus who seems to have problems changing his grips. Marcus just needs to be much better at the front in slow halls so Kevin can do his magic from the back. I really enjoy watching Kevin playing in slow hall now, but a bit worried with his stamina and drop of accuracy (when not in form).
You don't actually need to do that to have variation from the back court. You can play all shots with the same grip (if its correct for the situation you're in). Check out LCW or LD, they don't have this exaggerated gripping motion.....its just something he does.
Well I said I guessed it was how HE hit the shots variation Just never noticed that before, and wondering if that was something new or something he has always done. The way he does it, no wonder how he once accidentally threw his racket to the floor after smashing.