Badminton is one of the most exciting and dynamic sports globally, known for its fast-paced rallies, incredible agility, and intense competition. Throughout its history, there have been numerous matches that have not only captivated fans but have also shaped the future of the sport. From Olympic gold medal matches to iconic World Championship finals, famous badminton matches are often remembered for their electrifying moments, fierce rivalries, and, of course, the rackets that helped the champions deliver their best performances.
Badminton players, especially at the elite level, rely heavily on their rackets to execute the perfect smashes, drops, and clears. The choice of racket can influence everything from power to control and comfort during a match. We will take a look at some of the most famous badminton matches in history and examine the rackets used by champions in these epic showdowns.
1. The 2008 Beijing Olympic Men’s Singles Final: Lin Dan vs. Lee Chong Wei
One of the most iconic badminton matches in Olympic history took place in 2008, during the Beijing Olympic Games. The Men’s Singles final between Lin Dan of China and Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia was a thrilling showdown between two of the best players the world had ever seen. Lin Dan, widely regarded as one of the greatest badminton players of all time, faced off against Lee Chong Wei, whose speed and precision made him a formidable opponent.
The Match:
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for fans across the world. Lin Dan, known for his aggressive play and powerful smashes, was able to dominate the first game, winning 21-12. However, Lee Chong Wei didn’t give up easily and managed to bounce back in the second game, winning 21-17. In the final game, Lin Dan’s experience and ability to stay calm under pressure shone through, and he eventually won 21-18, securing the Olympic gold medal.
The Racket Used:
During this match, Lin Dan used the Yonex Nanospeed 9900, a racket known for its lightweight and aerodynamic frame. This racket gave him the speed and control he needed to execute his quick smashes and precise net play. The Nanospeed series is famous for its combination of power and maneuverability, which is ideal for Lin Dan’s all-around aggressive style of play.
Lee Chong Wei, on the other hand, was using the Yonex Arcsaber 10, a racket favored by players who rely on both control and attacking power. The Arcsaber 10 provides excellent precision and allows for quick and powerful shots. Lee’s fast reactions and accuracy were well-supported by the Arcsaber’s balance and flexibility, making it the perfect racket for his style of play.
This match is often considered one of the greatest Olympic badminton finals, with Lin Dan’s performance earning him a well-deserved gold medal and a place in badminton history.
2. The 2016 Rio Olympic Women’s Singles Final: Carolina Marin vs. P.V. Sindhu
The 2016 Rio Olympics brought about another legendary badminton match, this time in the Women’s Singles final. Spain’s Carolina Marin, known for her aggressive style of play and powerful smashes, faced off against India’s P.V. Sindhu, who was playing in her first Olympic final and had already shown her mettle throughout the tournament.
The Match:
This final was a spectacular display of skill and mental toughness. The first game saw Carolina Marin come out strong, winning it 19-21. However, Sindhu showed resilience in the second game, taking the game 21-19. In the deciding game, Marin’s relentless attacking play and mental strength came through as she secured the gold medal with a 21-19 win.
Read More: How to Choose a Badminton Racket for Kids
The Racket Used:
Carolina Marin used the Yonex Nanospeed 9900, a racket similar to the one used by Lin Dan, which is known for its excellent maneuverability and speed. The racket’s lightweight frame allowed Marin to generate fast attacks and powerful smashes, which were key to her success during the match.
On the other hand, P.V. Sindhu used the Yonex Voltric Z-Force II during the final, a racket designed for players who rely on raw power. The Voltric Z-Force II is known for its head-heavy balance and heavy frame, making it ideal for players who prefer aggressive shots. This racket helped Sindhu generate tremendous power, especially during her smashes and clears, and played a crucial role in her strong performance throughout the match.
Carolina Marin’s victory in this intense match not only secured her Olympic gold but also cemented her position as one of the sport’s best-ever female players.
3. The 2017 World Championship Final: Viktor Axelsen vs. Lin Dan
The 2017 BWF World Championships saw a remarkable final between Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen and China’s Lin Dan. Axelsen, known for his towering height and powerful game, was pitted against Lin Dan, who was chasing his sixth World Championship title. This match was highly anticipated and promised to be a battle between the new and old generations of badminton.
The Match:
The match was a highly competitive affair, with both players exchanging powerful smashes and clever net shots. Axelsen’s youthful energy and aggressive playing style eventually proved to be too much for Lin Dan, who had struggled to maintain his form in the later stages of his career. Axelsen won the match 22-20, 21-16, securing his first World Championship title and firmly establishing himself as a future star in the sport.
The Racket Used:
Viktor Axelsen used the Yonex Astrox 99, a racket known for its head-heavy balance and power-oriented design. This racket provided Axelsen with the necessary power to generate hard smashes and explosive attacks, particularly from the back of the court. His ability to unleash powerful shots, especially in the latter stages of the match, was enhanced by the racket’s dynamic head-heavy design.
Lin Dan, as always, used the Yonex Voltric Z-Force II, the same racket he had used in many of his previous victories. This racket’s head-heavy balance and solid frame allowed Lin Dan to perform his signature powerful smashes with precision, but ultimately Axelsen’s all-around game and youthful energy were too much for the veteran.
Viktor Axelsen’s victory in this World Championship final marked a turning point in his career, and it signaled the arrival of a new champion in the world of badminton.
4. The 2019 BWF World Championship Final: Kento Momota vs. Chen Long
The 2019 BWF World Championships brought another exciting and intense final in the Men’s Singles category, this time between Japan’s Kento Momota and China’s Chen Long. Both players were at the peak of their form, and fans expected a thrilling battle between Momota’s speed and precision and Chen Long’s powerful and consistent style of play.
The Match:
This final match was a grueling five-game battle that tested both players’ endurance and mental toughness. Kento Momota displayed incredible resilience, rallying from behind in the final game to win 21-19, 21-16, and secure his first World Championship title. The match was filled with long rallies, precise net play, and powerful smashes, all contributing to Momota’s memorable victory.
The Racket Used:
Kento Momota used the Yonex Duora Z-Strike, a racket that features a dual design, with one side of the frame offering power and the other providing control. This racket allowed Momota to switch seamlessly between attacking and defensive play, allowing him to adjust his strategy according to the situation. The racket’s unique design helped him hit with power while maintaining control, which was crucial in winning the long rallies that defined this match.
Chen Long, known for his consistency and strong defense, used the Yonex Astrox 88S, a racket designed to offer a balance between power and control. The Astrox 88S is head-light, which allowed Chen Long to maintain speed and quickness during rallies, but it also provided enough stability to generate powerful smashes when needed.
Kento Momota’s victory in this match marked a new chapter in his career, as he secured his place among the sport’s elite players and continued to rise in the world rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What racket does Lin Dan use?
Lin Dan has been known to use the Yonex Voltric Z-Force II throughout much of his career. This racket is renowned for its head-heavy balance and powerful frame, making it perfect for aggressive players like Lin Dan.
2. Which racket is best for powerful smashes?
Rackets with a head-heavy balance, such as the Yonex Voltric Z-Force II or the Yonex Astrox 99, are ideal for generating powerful smashes due to their increased weight at the top of the frame.
3. What racket does Viktor Axelsen use?
Viktor Axelsen primarily uses the Yonex Astrox 99, a racket designed for power players. It features a head-heavy balance that helps Axelsen generate explosive smashes from the back of the court.
4. Why is the Yonex Nanospeed 9900 so popular?
The Yonex Nanospeed 9900 is popular because it offers a perfect combination of lightweight design, speed, and maneuverability. Its aerodynamic frame allows for quick reactions, making it ideal for fast-paced, aggressive play.
5. How do Olympic players choose their rackets?
Olympic players choose their rackets based on several factors such as racket weight, balance, shaft flexibility, and material. Each player selects a racket that suits their playing style, whether they focus on speed, control, or power.
6. Can I use the same racket as top professionals?
Yes, many top professional players use rackets available in the market, so you can purchase the same models. However, the specifications of the racket
may differ slightly to match the player’s preferences, such as grip size and string tension.
7. What racket is best for beginners?
For beginners, rackets like the Yonex Nanoray 10F or Victor Brave Sword 1700 are ideal. These rackets offer good balance, durability, and ease of use, which help new players develop their skills.
Conclusion
The world of badminton has seen many unforgettable matches, with the rackets used by champions playing a significant role in their success. From Lin Dan’s Nanospeed 9900 to Kento Momota’s Duora Z-Strike, the choice of racket is crucial for these elite athletes to perform at their best.
Whether it’s the lightning-fast speed of a lightweight racket or the power generated by a head-heavy frame, these champions know the importance of selecting the right racket to complement their style of play. The matches listed above are just a few examples of how the perfect racket can help players achieve greatness, and they will be remembered as iconic moments in badminton history.
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