men's doubles
Recently watched a clip of Kim/Seo vs Fikri/Alfian from the Korea Open final, having not watch badminton for quite a while now, seeing and reflecting how much the game has evolved blows my mind. It's eventual I know. The standard for defenses and rally tolerance has simply gone higher and higher.
I watched badminton during Gideon/Sukamuljo's heydays, when being fast, quick at the net, and an attacking machine reaped winners (Not saying that aspect of the game has vanished; you just can't simply rely on them anymore). Revisiting All England 2020 MD Final1, you kind of have to laugh. Defenses from Endo/Watanabe was seen almost avant-garde at the time. Today I could've sworn I saw Kim/Seo defending interceptions like it's nothing.
Still stand it is one of the best finals↩