It should be much better final of major tournament than easy predictable Uber Cup! China players looked really emotional and stressful how they express celebration against Indonesia last night. A sigh of relief for Chen Long who created big blunder as first MS in Thomas Cup 2014 & 2016 to pave the way for his team into final and it almost happened once more last night when Anthony Ginting made a great comback from 5-14 down to catch up and even leveled the scoreline 18-18. Luckily, Chen Long could hold his nerve and took the opening game, 22-20. Gideon/Sukamuljo delivered point as expected to beat Liu/Zhang. Another key factor of China victory is determined by Shi Yuqi, at the beginning of first game Jonatan Christie applied right strategy to attack the nervous Shi YQ, clearly to witness this Chinese youngster was so passive, blank and under pressure. Fortunately, the All England Champion regained his focus while his opponent started to be error-proned and physical fitness was declining drastically at deciding game. The towering duo did their job to smash two-time World Champion Ahsan/Setiawan in rubber games. Japan-Denmark semifinal encounter was stretched into last match, Denmark clinched Thomas Cup champion through their singles categories two years ago and ironically they fail to pick up point in three singles players this time. Viktor Axelsen collapsed to Kento Momota, Hans Kristian Vittinghus couldn't endure Kenta Nishimoto resilience and Jorgensen played below par performance against less experienced Kanta Tsuneyama. Japan doubles disciplines are inconsistent and become weak link. Chen Long will face tougher test in finale, Kento Momota - the man who beat him in BAC last month - It's about mental game for Chen Long to overcome himself than his opponent as we saw his performance in knock-out stage, against Chou Tien Chen and Anthony Ginting. Liu/Zhang are favoured to win Kamura/Sonoda then Shi Yuqi, just wondering whether China would field Lin Dan as second MS, it's quite risky to put mentally weak Shi YQ in important tie against highly-spirited and well-improved Kenta Nishimoto.
Yeah never see ChenLong that serious yesterday, not even in OlympicFinal. That was tense for him knowing he has losing H2H record against ginting which is weird after 4 meetings. He should be more relaxed tomorrow... since he leads H2H against muomuota
If I was China, I would have lined up the following singles players Lin Dan to face Momota Qiao Bin Huang Yuxiang
KM will frustrate CL by playing super net shot, bringing the shuttle far to the back of court and many x-court drop and smash aiming at far left and right side. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The poll asked about prediction but somehow I believe some people voted according to their wishes - not who will win but whom you wish.
Based on recent events, it will be 3-1 for CHN. CHN is going strong to prove themselves after recent failures.
It wasnt failures imo, not in 2014 anyway. 2016 was failure because it was at home. but ThomasCup is real competitive these days when you meet the big countries. Its not that easy in this edition anyway.
My prediction of winners: 1. Momota 2. Zhang/Liu 3. SYQ 4. [I never seen Takuto Inoue/Yuki Kaneko play; so no prediction from me] 5. if Lin Dan plays, he will win
I don't think they want Lin Dan playing Momota right now. Lin Dan is *the* legend, but in his current state I think Momota would wreck him. LD is still their ace. Momota has beaten Chen Long and Shi Yu Qi. Qiao Bin isn't a threat in my opinion. Huang Yuxiang might be ok, but I'm doubtful; same with Tian Houwei. A lot of strong players, but Momota has beaten 2 out of 3 of their big cards.
Momota against Chen Long is very even matchup, but for all other matches I can see China as clear favourite. According to bookkeepers China is massive favourite. Can't see Japan winning this.
@Cunning Linguist I just want a Momota vs Lin Dan - i'm a simple man. @Charlie-SWUK you think so? Lin Dan is so unpredictable sometimes. And in terms of style he is the only one who can really challenge Momota right now. Also Son Wan Ho, believe it or not.
I think it'd be a fantastic match, but can you confidently say "Lin Dan would win, no hesitation"? Because that's what China's coaching team are facing. If LD loses to Momota, then all of their major players have lost to him. I'm more on the side of Momota winning that encounter. Lin Dan plays a very controlled game these days, always running less than his opponent.. Momota does the same thing with controlling the rally. It's not all killer smashers and fast net kills. The difference is, Lin Dan doesn't have the stamina to do that against someone with at least comparable talents in that department. We would rapidly see a repeat of Rio.
I don't think Japan would win but should Japan win, it would have to be 3-0 or 3-1. If it last 5 matches, I see China taking the championship. I don't think Lin Dan would let any 3rd players beat him.
