Yeah people here complaining that they don't get an LD v KM or complaining repeatedly on how LD is MS3 but in fact it's just because he refuses to prepare/play well in the international circuit to improve his WR. He needs to work for it too you know.
@Loh You think China's morale will suffer if they lose MS1? I think they'll be still pretty confident because they know that even if they lose 2 match, Lin Dan will do the housekeeping.
This has been one of the complaints of the international community that LD is indirectly match-fixing himself!
By which time, when China has lost both MDs, LD can do whatever he likes. BTW, don't take this too seriously. We're just having "some calculated fun"!
Why CHN lose both MDs? When coming to morale the JPN MDs didn't seem to be doing well either. Though I am not entirely confident that Liu Cheng or Li/Liu could hold themselves together under pressure, but the JPN's hadn't been doing well in Finals either.
Nothing new. Indonesia in the 80's would sometimes hold players back from tournaments to get a tactical advantage in the world rankings for Thomas Cup preparation. Some Indonesian players did not enter the All England. Although not proven, it certainly was too "convenient" !
If China needs a LinDan to win the tie for them, then Hmm.. is it worth it though? isnt China too weak if thats the case? Its like no one have faith in Liu/Zhang and Li/Liu.. but they only need to face scratch pairing and nervy pair. One have to say no way LiuZhang will lose twice in a row?
Indirectly I'm giving SYQ the credit, but he may also falter as his recent performances were not inspiring!
So the real question is : Do we get to see LD today? 1. CHN won 3-0 or 3-1 at least 2. CHN 2 - 2 JPN 3. JPN won 3-0 or 3-1
I can't see Momota losing. He's fresh, hungry and highly motivated to win. Chen Long, an Olympic Champion, but surprisingly wobbles under team events. You just have to favour Momota. Shi not quite proven but improving. One thing in the history of China men's singles players. With exception of Lin Dan, Sun Jun and Yang Yang, they really are shaky in the Thomas Cup.
It would not be his fault though. However, if it goes to 2-2, he will be the hero by winning. China will go wild with that.
My take on that final is as follows: MS1 - Momota will somehow manage to beat Chen MD1 - China win in 2 games MS2 - Incredible pressure on Nishimoto to win. And if Nishimoto does not make it. Then we say goodbye to Japan in MD2. MD2 - on the other hand, if Nishimoto manage to win MS2. There is a slight chance here with Japan getting a feeling of being saved and get back in the game. So a huge amount of pressure will be on the match between Shi Yuqi and Nishimoto. And it might be the most important match.