Before we look forward to Paris 2024, let us throw our thoughts back in Paris 2022 and the final of the Yonex French Open. Pearly & Thinaah had negotiated a hard run in their QF and Baek/Lee in the SF to beat Matsuyama/Shida and now they faced the Japanese couple Matsumoto and Nagahara. Over three large sentences, their will to win, their strategy and their fitness set the title and set fire to the anticipation of fans for the coming years.
(Credit picture: © Ben Lau/SOPA images via Zuma Press Wire) from Alamy
It is interesting to remember the challenges with which Thinaah was faced with before the tournament. Training solo while Pearly recovered from a thigh injury. Injuries and the risk of injury have a significant obstacle to the progress of this couple. Since the winning of gold at the Commonwealth Games in August 2022 and their later victory in Paris later, this year has consistently maintained top fitness. In addition to the effects on the participation of tournaments, it disturbs training and general progress.
WD at the Olympic Games in Tokyo was probably the last hurray for the style “War of abrasion”. Greysia Polii was excellent in the endurance and went to court with experience of the Olympic Games. The style of T&T could be seen as a natural antidote against long rallies. In the most effective, they bring a bubbling counterpoint to the Court. Thinaah gives the couple a good foundation with their defensive perspective. Pearly is liberated to use her creativity and look for points.
However, their most recent game at BATC against the Indonesian couple Mayasari/Sugiardo was characterized by mistakes and hesitation, which indicates that they have not yet taken their move on the trip to the Olympic qualification. Perhaps the fear of injuries alleviated her style and enjoyed the competition.
It is important that you avoid stagnation. According to reports, Rexy Mainaky made sure that you recognize a gap in the standards with the other WD with men in training. Lately they seemed to be a bit susceptible to persistent attacks – without the strategic resistance to break the rhythm of their opponent. Intensified training can offer a solution and strengthen your competitive advantage.
The Olympic expectations were high when they were classified at the beginning of 2023 at the age of 5. They slipped a little, but they didn’t suddenly became bad players. You have lost your impetus through injuries. If you can both stay fit, it is still time to get another optimism in Paris. So far, their path to the Olympic Games has been full of difficulties. But with resilience and determination, the support of coaches and fans you can take you to trace your dreams.
If you are a fan of Malaysian Badminton, see https://shutthard.com/ and also https://badmintoniacs.wordpress.com/.
Many thanks to Rene Biaoli and the huge community of Malaysian badminton fans for observations and common ideas.
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Amanda bloom all rights reserved
