One more example is Huang Yaqiong. Dongping is a little bit better for WD, but I feel there's not enough. They have a habit to do drop shots when at the back, then try to rush to the net just like XD, so they need a partner who can kill and cover them well. Quite difficult.
On this mask thingy, I think those that are close to the players, umpires, line judges and opponent's coaches have to wear masks to protect the players. The umpires wears the mask during introduction and coin tossing but after that, they removed them because they are sitting higher and further from the players. The line judges continue to wear them. As for the spectators, Denmark has removed mandatory wearing of masks. It's voluntarily, hence you see some wearing them.
Other than KM and VA in the quarters, LZJ stands a good chance against the rest and had the draw been favourable, he could be in the semis and final if his half has KM but not VA.
Luck of the draw lol. I pity Tommy then. He never reach SSP/S1000 in years and reached SF and its called luck.
One step closer for the much anticipated MS final showdown between current two dominant figures in badminton circuit, two-time World Champion Kento Momota play shorter duration than expected as his opponent Jonatan Christie struggling with his waist problem, the Indonesia presents stiff resistance in first half of opening game before the world number one tune in his rhythm, getting better and better in match progressing, a glimpse of his 2019 version appeared when he took the initiative to attack plus steady long rallies that much or less tiring Christie. Later on, reigning Olympic Champion edged out Lee Zii Jia, quite similar pattern of these tall players, tight net shot and followed by sharp smashes, Axelsen is better in defence and counter-attacking aspect and certainly experience in particular critical stages. Out of prediction, the unseeded Lee Cheuk Yiu and Tommy Sugiarto advance into final four. Lee outlasts 4th seed Chou TC, the fascinating part arrived in final game, 17-10 then 18-13, the Taiwanese slowed down the tempo to narrow the gap and leveled the scoreline but it's not enough to stem the explosive Lee for semis ticket. Looks like Sugiarto has favourable circumstances here, beat none seeded player en route to last four including Sameer Verma who retired in second game. Women's singles big match is supposed to be Yamaguchi-He BJ but looking their limping head to head stats, 11-1 favours to second seed this tie seems less promising. Both players coming from same generation, building up their rivalry since junior years but the Chinese left-hander is stuck how she transforming in senior career, under the shadow of the illustrious Chen Yufei. Losing weight significantly perhaps badminton fans could hope the rejuvenated He put tough fight against her nemesis today. Yamaguchi was troubled by Chochuwong with her more proactive and aggressive play from mid-court area in first set then Thai player consistency waned in next two games. The ambitious Korean teen An Se Young outclasses Pusarla Sindhu, raising eyebrow for this clash as the world champion was helpless throughout the match. Scottish Kisty Gilmour fills remaining semifinal berth, she takes the benefit of first quarter patchy draw. Only one seeded pair left in MD discipline, Astrup/Rasmussen continue their good run at home soil, beat the less experienced Indonesians Fikti/Maulana in three games, mental state determined the winner of deciding game and seal the match. Big upset emerged that Malaysians Goh SF/Izzuddin stun the in-form Alfian/Ardianto who failed to show their true quality yesterday rather than becoming error-proned. One more European pair in this round, Lamsfuss/Seidel who will challenge Hoki/Kobayashi. China new combination Huang DP/Zheng Y produce huge surprise to eliminate the Olympic Champions Polii/Rahayu, what a superb stamina by Huang Dongping who playing non-stop badminton since National Games then followed by Sudirman Cup and Uber Cup. They will find Thailand stumbling block next to overcome, Kititharakul/Prajongjai. Mixed doubles top-four seeds march on, the top-seed is overwhelming favourite over Watanabe/Higashino, winning 11 of 12 encounters, more interesting tie to follow Jordan/Oktavianti against Thai stars that tough to predict who will win this time. The Indonesia pair was stretched into full distance by China scratch duo Feng Yanzhe/Du Yue whilst Puavaranukroh/Taerattanachai only spent 21 minutes due to their opponents Lee JH/Hsu YC retired. SEMIFINAL ORDER OF PLAY
Lee Zii Jia is the only player that would Axelsen any troubles atm No one else including Momota will be able to.
Yuta should play with MM und Arisa with Kaneko. That would be fairly even in class within both pairs.
"At the moment" is of course relative, but Antonsen beat Axelsen without problems in the WTF final (let one game go, the other two weren't close).
I mean how many years are we gonna be talking about Higashino's defense (or lack thereof). Jeremy Gan's been there for more than 3 years now & yet...
just don't let higashino gets to the front or net... smash at her and you get points but she is very very sharp at the front... give and take I guess
