What does Ma Long do better than FZD
Discussion
Ardak . Asked 5 years ago
Hi coaches!
It is fact that Ma Long usually beats Fan Zhendong. There are of course many reasons: footwork, athletism, speed, IQ, etc... i don't know...
But in my opinion, one of the main reasons is Ma Long is relaxed during his strokes but Fandendong is not. I remember you said "be relaxed to get more power in your strokes". Ma Long is very flexible compared to FZD. What do you think? If I am wrong, which things do M Long better than FZD?
Alois Rosario Answered 5 years ago
Hi Ardak,
I think one of the biggest part of this is a mental superiority.
When FZD beat Ma Long at the Asian Cup earlier this year it was only the 2nd time he had beaten Ma Long on the World Tour compared to 13 wins by Ma Long. The Head to Head now stands at 14 - 2. There have been 4 matches that have gone to the 7th game and Ma Long has won them all.
I think this success also leads to being more relaxed in a tough situation.
Recently Ma Long has improved his backhand and can now match it with Fan Zhendong in this area by using a lot of variations of speed, spin and placement.
Would be great to hear other readers thoughts.
Thoughts on this question
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Marcin Lonak Posted 5 years ago
Hi Ardak,
Sorry to disagree, but in my opinion neither speed nor footwork or athletics are the issue. And about IQ i don’t want to speculate. I think in terms of speed that Fan is even faster and more powerful than Ma Long.
i think Alois point is at the moment the biggest advantage . But
ma Long was not always so strong mentally.
I would think, Ma Long is the best at openings.
Wich means, he trained them probably more and better than others. Also his serve is superior. Most opponents say this. So this controll over the First 7 Balls gives Ma Long the Bobrow nickname „dictator“. He dictates more than his opponents the pace and the placement of the rally from the serve beginning.
also for a attacker, his passive game is great. FZD and many other attackers are not that great at passive or pacechange.
Marcin Lonak Posted 5 years ago
When Ma Long plays against faster players like Fan Zhendong or Harimoto, the first issue for Ma Long is getting control over the pace.
Harimotos game at China Open is a Perfect example.
First two games Ma Long tries to go the fast pace of Harimoto. He fails. Later Ma Long just sets his pace. Harimoto struggles and loose.
I think the difference between FZD and ML is FZD is a powerful Fast Attacker. ML is an Allrounder wit h hist. strongest side Attack.
Ardak . Posted 5 years ago
Thank you for your opinions!