3 minute read
Mens’s Singles
By Ronni Burkal Elkjær
We have talked to Denmark’s national head coach, Kenneth Jonassen, about how men’s singles have evolved in the last few years, and who the six most interesting players in the category are right now.
- I believe that men’s singles are the ultimate physical excretion in badminton, when two giants from the top of rankings collide. It’s a strategic and physical game, where it’s about making the right choices and execute. With the mental and physical aspects being very close connected. - There are some general factors, which applies in men’s singles. The players are very complete, have a good defense and an incredible physique. Some are strong in terms of power. All have a good stamina. And the last category are players, who are very explosive and set a high pace throughout each rally.
- In my perspective the category has evolved the last five years in terms of finding the recipe to beat the best. When Viktor Axelsen won the World Championship
In 2017, I would imagine Kento Momota adapting his style of play to beat Axelsen’s massive attack. Momota went from a rather offensive player to developing a super defense and rally style of playing.
- A year ago, we would maybe just have talked about Kento Momota, because he was so dominating. And rightfully so. But since then, we have seen a lot of different styles of playing. Different approaches on how to resist Momota’s perfect badminton in terms of his position skills and his quality in every shot. So, it will be interesting to see, what happens next and by that, I mean what the next counteraction is.
- It is worth noting, that we have lost giant players to retirement the last few years. Lin Dan with his unique way of playing, Lee Chong Wei’s insanely nice attack, skill level, defense and speed, and our own Jan Ø. Jørgensen’s power badminton. But there are certainly players, who have stepped up. I will mention six of the most interesting players right now. - Of course, we still must mention Momota. He is still a massive factor in this category. He’s very disciplined. He makes wise choices on court, has exceptional good quality in all shots, forces the opponent making errors and pushing them all around the court. The recipe to beat him has in some ways been found, but very few players can execute it and make it happen.
- The second I will mention is Viktor Axelsen. He has a physical capacity like no one else, intensity in each rally, and a very powerful attack. That’s a nice mixture. As he has shown, very few players can resist his level when Axelsen is at his absolute best.
- Anders Antonsen comes with a concept based on a tactical and technically functioning play, which makes is difficult for the opponent to find solutions and make the right choices and avoiding Antonsen’s traps. Different concept but very effective. - Anthony Ginting plays in an insane high pace. He’ very explosive with a strong attack, but overall, it’s based on his exceptional speed. It sounds very simple, but it’s executed with such high precision and a lot of finesse at the front court. Difficult to beat at his best.
- You can’t underestimate Lee Zii Jia. He has developed an exceptional physique. He hit as hard as a horse kicks. His style makes it very difficult for his opponents to find solutions against him, and he uses his physique very well. His confidence has grown, and that has led to better choices. For me, he is a player worth keeping an eye on.
Finally, I also need to mention Shi Yuqi. Axelsen gave him a lesson in the quarterfinal at the Olympics, but I think, there is much more to him. With his physique growing, and the quality in his attack with the sharp technique from his front court, he is going to be extremely dangerous. Potentially another great player from China. ■
