Initially, semi final days was not on my itinerary. But heck, might as well attend it since I got a free ticket. The stadium was almost full during the semi finals day and for a few times during Natsir/tontowi's match, I thought I was in Indonesia as the strong chanting, cheering and support from the Indonesian fans in the stadium for their favourite pairs echoes around the arena and keep the crowd going. I was quite near to the court and action of play but not really the nicest of view for the TV court. But I have a good view of the court beside the TV court. As you can see from the pic, my view was partially blocked by the 2 big monitors displaying player's scores. But again, I have nothing to complain as I got a free ticket and was relatively VERY near to all the actions on court. Jan O Jorgensen discussing with coach on how to beat the energetic Japanese Samurai. Few minutes later He did it and secure his finals ticket. And yes, he is indeed a happy guy after the victory.
Back to the action of another court. Chen Long trying his very best to outclass Lin dan to show who is the boss in this new era. I've got to admit that there's a few controversial linecalls in the match in favour of Chen Long. Lin dan was quite annoyed by that and requested for a 'challenge' from the umpire a few times. Unfortunately, that match was not on TV court therefore the umpire had to constantly remind Lin Dan that there's no 'hawakeye' technology for that court. Seating behind the Denmark's coach watching the 2 MADS against the fast attacking Chinese pair. The 2 MADS must be tired especially the giant tall Mads pieler Kolding who plays in the XD as well. The chinese pair was dominant throughout the match and was much quicker than their danish opponent.
Tks for the pics and commentary George! I've always loved watching AE even if only on videos, because not too many stadiums are setup so that the audience is so close to the action.
[MENTION=27106]george@chongwei[/MENTION] I felt like i was there . Nice pictures . It would have been even nicer if you have taken a pic of Saina. Thanks once again sir.
Nicephotos! Thanks for sharing. Nice seat. I'd have just brought my sleeping bag and camp out there for the whole week.
OK, a question for all those watched the finals from inside- did anyone spot Gopichand in the stadium?
[MENTION=27106]george@chongwei[/MENTION] If you were lucky, your SF day seat could have landed you a JOJ racquet.
I would probably put up the camp besides stringing station . where will you pit up your camps if you go to some SS events ?
Lin Dan wouldn't react in that manner protesting to the umpire at least twice if the linecalls weren't that bad, maybe outrageous. I find it suspicious, whatever the linejudge was up to, but it's academic talking about it now.
Unfortunately I didn't snap any pictures of Saina Nehwal. Her matches always clashes with my timing to explore the town or I'm busy with other stuffs. Sorry about that. I didn't watch the final in the stadium. But from the early rounds of the tournament till semi-finals, there's no sights of him in the stadium. I felt like the probability is quite low to get the racket from him. Moreover, it was on live broadcast television. I don't want to get embarrassed. However, during the 2nd round I saw a daring chap from the crowd approached one of the Mads after their match to get their racket. Was not surprise when I saw Mads Conrad humbly obliged his request, afterall its a broken racket.
Oh please, it doesn't mean that there's no need to try winning just because your opponent is from the same country.
All england is still top amongst all the super series ranked only behind world championship and Olympics .
I agree with the Chinese strategy in badminton; country first, individual second, spectators third. There is no use in Lin Dan battling out with Chen Long and wasting all their energies at the expense of losing the finals to someone else. That may seem unsportsmanlike to some but it’s common sense to me.
So on Sunday at our weekly game i got a chance to take a few pics of Carolina Marins racquet that i mentioned a friend was lucky enough to grab as she threw it into the crowd after winning the All England. Sorry for the crap quality as it was taken on my phone. I'll post in another thread as well as others may be interested to see....
2016 ALL ENGLAND OPEN Trailer(History in the Making) [video=youtube;2rrGE79-9Tk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rrGE79-9Tk[/video] Also their official twitter account says,it could be the last time Lin Dan and LCW will play in the tournament asking people not to miss the chance.....