Nothing stirs my badminton soul just like the considered a showdown between TAI Tzu Ying and Ratchanok Intanon. When two of probably the most technically good gamers within the trendy period meet, we all know to count on gold-standard excellence. It’s the El Classico of the badminton world.
On court docket they encourage one another to achieve new ranges of genius. I usually really feel that TAI Tzu Ying can step into a distinct dimension away from her opponent, however in opposition to Ratchanok it’s as if they maintain arms and journey collectively. That’s not to underplay their intense want to defeat the opposite. Throughout a match their artistic imaginative and prescient, tempo and accuracy is dazzling.
On the time of writing (April 2023) there have been thirty-five fixtures between them with the present head-to-head standing at 20-15 in Tzu Ying’s favour. The primary was way back to 2010 on the Indonesia Grand Prix Gold quarter last; it was over in 32 minutes; a straight units win for Could.
During the last 13 years there was over 29 hours of play between them so it’s powerful to choose a favorite match, however I usually rewatch the All-England last from 2017. There usually are not sufficient superlatives to do it justice. To the accompaniment of spectators’ delighted gasps and spontaneous applause there have been so many stunning pictures performed with verve and daring. It ended with a victory for the child from Kaohsiung: TAI Tzu Ying’s first All England title.
Quick ahead to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, over a decade has handed since that quarterfinal in Indonesia, and the stage was set for one more extremely anticipated showdown between two badminton superstars. They took to the court docket with a spot within the semifinals at stake.
What ensued was a pulsating match of ability, energy and grit as the 2 athletes battled over three exhausting units. Could unleashed some breathtaking pictures and secured an early benefit successful the primary set 21-14. Tzu Ying – going through intense strain – needed to dig deep. She mounted a fierce comeback, and the tie turned a real check of finesse, athleticism and psychological toughness. Ultimately it was TTY who clinched the match and a spot within the semifinals successful 14-21, 21-18, 21-18. It was world class; a real check of willpower with each gamers leaving all the things on the court docket. Owing to Could’s distraught response on the finish I discover it too heartrending to rewatch. I want it had been the ultimate.
TAI Tzu Ying has noticed that enjoying in opposition to Could may be like wanting in a mirror. They’ve skilled collectively when younger, and now have a heat relationship regardless of their rivalry. Their mutual respect is obvious of their feedback on one another’s social media and reportedly TTY included references to Could’s play in her doctoral thesis.
Tzu Ying has talked about that she plans to retire someday in 2024 and I can’t assist however surprise if Ratchanok and the remainder of that golden technology of girls’s singles gamers will probably be contemplating hanging up their rackets quickly. The MayTAI is a extremely anticipated occasion within the badminton calendar. The matches have develop into the stuff of legend. It’s a testomony to their expertise and dedication that they proceed to captivate followers 12 months after 12 months, cementing their standing as a few of the best gamers of all time.
That is an article from my archives about TAI Tzu Ying https://womensbadminton.co.uk/2021/02/02/tai-tzu-ying-genius/
Because of KH (@WKueihua) on Twitter for sharing this fascinating information article with me concerning the friendship between the 2 gamers https://www.nownews.com/information/5639580
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