A fading hope.................

There were two disappointments in the Super Series Masters Final which was curtain-dropping event for 2011. First there was no Lee Chong Wei-Lin Dan showdown and second, Chen Long who fought so hard to defeat Lee in the semifinal was not even his usual self with such defensive play that hardly posed a threat to Lin Dan. The badminton fans around the world would have expected for a fiercely fought match between Lee and Lin but the way Chen Long lost to Lin Dan was just in the way showing that he had no interest in the match, not really the cocky and aggressive Chen Long that defeated Lee Chong Wei fair and square in the semifinal.

Could it be team order by the coaches to allow Lin Dan winning his first ever Masters Finals title that resulted in Chen Long playing so half-heartedly? Or was it because he was really exhausted after a tough battle with Lee Chong Wei in the semifinal? In my mind, it was the team order rather than anything else as Chen Long had not showing any great interest in the match. If he were playing as aggressive as when he was playing Lee in the semi, then, it would be a different scenario all together.

Chen Long has never beaten Lin Dan on any tournament before except for walkover conceded by Lin Dan. But from the way Chen Long defeated Lee a couple of time before, he really has the ability and skill to defeat his more illustrious teammate, Lin Dan but whenever Chen Long playing against Lin Dan, it is very clear that he lacks the fire and desire. He was so suppressed and easily went down to Lin Dan. But when playing Lee Chong Wei, the lanky Chen long will be jumping high in making one after another deadly smashes and diving low to save tricky shots by Lee Chong Wei. He was so arrogant on the court and showing a lot of emotions. But when he was playing against Lin Dan, very tame, I must say.

As the 2012 Olympics is coming ever nearer, we know that the first ever gold for Malaysia is nothing but a fading hope. I am not saying that Lee is completely ruled out for gold with his recent below par performances but China now have two capable players standing in his way. The Super Dan is already a tough opponent to beat, and now there is another one standing in the way. Even if he can defeat one of them in the semi, he will be exhausted already and China will ensure that Lee’s opponent in the final will be as fresh and fit as he possibly can be to compete in the final.