I REFER to "Down but not out" (Off the Cuff, Aug 20), commenting on the poor state of our badminton and the recent defeat of Datuk Lee Chong Wei.
The comments are fair, constructive and analytical. The reasons for our defeats are often based on lame excuses by officials such as the lack of air – as the major factor. It further implies that Lin Dan had been training without air-conditioning.
Chong Wei’s greatest asset is his powerful smash, especially his cross-court smash. If his opponent does not study his game he will invariably fall prey to it. I believe that Lin Dan had been studying Chong Wei’s game in great detail and has strategised a solution to counter this.
I noticed Lin Dan’s strategy is always to go for the rubber set where he tries to tire his opponent. Next, he lobs his shots high, making it land often at the base line of the court with reasonably accuracy. The court appears smaller to him. The end effect is that he reduces Chong Wei’s ability to smash and likewise tires him out prematurely.
To me, Chong Wei’s leg cramps are due to excessive defensive running around the court, which answers Lin Dan’s play strategy.
In other words Lin Dan is playing with his brains and this accounts for him being the greatest player to date.
This does not mean Chong Wei plays without brains but unfortunately is being dictated by Lin Dan’s play rather than commanding him otherwise.
On badminton overall, other countries are catching up and have overtaken us; complacency and money are our greatest drawbacks.
