“For me, he’s still the best technician in the world! “ Brice Leverdez has just come out of Coubertin’s central court and he has just taken in full view. The French n ° 1 (world n ° 35), drafted, was taken out in the first round in two dry innings by the Chinese Lin Dan (21-12, 21-9). However, last week, the nine-time champion of France beat the formidable Indonesian Ginting, world No. 9, ten places better than Lin Dan. But Leverdez brushes aside this comparison: “ At least with Ginting, we can rely on his speed. With Lin Dan impossible. Before each strike, his shots are so precise that we have to make a very violent effort on the legs to get back on the right supports. It’s sort of a squat every time. “
Exhausting indeed. Yet, at 36, Lin Dan can be taken. He was coming off three losses in the first round. Unfortunately, Leverdez paid the price for his awakening. An imperative start for the living legend, if he still wants to cherish some hopes of fighting for a third Olympic title next year. Lin Dan confided at the exit of the court: “ At my age it’s all about getting started. Last week in Denmark, I couldn’t do it. “
Lin and Momota, headliners
We can bet that he will not return to France. It’s time to rush to Coubertin to see this phenomenon. Parisian spectators are spoiled every year with this top-of-the-range tournament which is oversized compared to the “bad” culture in France. French table tennis or squash enthusiasts do not have the chance to see the world elite in action in France.
If Lin Dan does not stay long in the race, the public will still be able to admire Kento Momota, the world number 1. The Japanese will undoubtedly be as famous in his country next year as Lin Dan is in China today. Momota showed off his extraordinary field coverage last week by winning the Danish title. Momota is left-handed like Lin Dan. At 25, he has the means to follow in the nevertheless gigantic footsteps of his predecessor. So, head to Coubertin to see the giants of the steering wheel.
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