I salute LHI for reaching the final of the 2011 SCG Thailand GP Open tournament MS final match. This is his 2nd final in a GP tournament, the 1st being the Swiss Open. Despite his loss in the 2 tournaments, it was definitely a splendid come-back from his 2nd retirement. Through it all, he had to play qualifying matches and he is now well-ranked to play in the main draws of any tournament. I think LHI can beat players like TH, PHG, CJ, S Sasaki, KT, PSH and BCL but it it would be difficult against fast players like LD, CL and LCW. But who knows for sure?
I stand corrected. The younger Malaysian players should take a leaf from LHI instead of giving up so easily in matches.
It is good to see the soft-paw, Lee Hyun Il, in the winning way again, with his capture of the MS title at the 2011 Kumpoo Macau Open. In the process, he beat TH who was 3rd seeded and whose form has taken a dive lately. LHI has so far reached 3 finals in GP tournaments in 2011, these being the aforesaid, the Swiss and the SCG Thai Opens. It is hoped that he will do well in the Victor Korea GP tournament from 6th to 11th December. The only worry is that he could be over-stretched and may not as fresh as opponents like Chen Jin. LHI is still Korea's number 1 MS player and one has to salute him for his persevernce to reach that spot despite his age and return from retirement. It is hoped that he will be fit for the next 9 months to ensure his place in the Korean team for the 2012 OG.
LHI has done it again reaching his 4th GP tournament final by beating CJ seeded 1 in the MSSF of the 2011 Victor Korea GP tournament 21-17, 13-21, 21-18 in 1 hour and 20 minutes. It is hoped that he does well in the final where he takes on his compatriot, Wan Ho Shon, and if he wins, his ranking should move up considerably.
Who agrees with me that LHI has the most EFFORTLESS backhand stroke in the MS game? his clear technique is a dream... generally speaking, he is one of the most aesthetically pleasing players to watch - his strokes and light footwork are gorgeous!
I was impressed by the way he played against LCW in the semi-final. His defensive movement and shot making was amazing, especially knowing the speed and quality of LCW's attack. Hope he continues to tightening up his game and put more pressure on LCW and LD in the future.
Anybody else think LHI has a better physique than he had before his retirement? I remember he used to have calves typical of a doubles player, but it seems like he's gotten leaner.
I always enjoyed watching LHI but I didn't get to see much of his powerful smash in the SF... wish he played the way he did while catching up 2nd set
don't forget this guy was the best player on the entire planet, once upon a time! was World no. 1 in early 2004... then LD came along
I always enjoy watching LHI play. His movement is so graceful and appears effortless. He retired 3 times and came back 3 times to single ranking and in the process he has beaten Chen Long and Chen Jin. However, he has yet to beat LD and LCW in the 3rd comeback and hopefully it wouldn't be too long unless he calls it quits after the 2012 OG. Hopefully he performs well in the 2012 Swiss Open MSF on 18/3/2012 and claims yet another title.
I always love lee hyun il's strokes and footwork movement. He has an exceptional attack and defense even lee chong wei and chen long are not able defend his jump smashes. Yes he has really shown a lot improvement since coming back from retirement. I hope the best for him in the swiss open final
LHI lost in 3 games to CJ in the MSF match of the 2012 Swiss Badminton Open Tournament. He did well in the 1st game winning 21-14 but lost concentration in the 2nd game losing 9-21. The rubber game was touch and go until the later stage when LHI made some mistakes to lose 17-21.
I agree with all of you. He's my favourite player because his movement and shots are so natural. You can't tell if he's tired you know?
when i was transiting in Hong Kong Airport on Monday, I bumped into LHI. only manage to take some stalker photos as i was in a hurry to catch my flight also. he must be on his way back from India Open. however, his teammates are not with him. i notice he uses right hand to eat.
