A Pole Star Pending? Matsushima, Oh Junsung, Lin Shidong, Kedun
Traditional astrology regards the Ziwei Star as the “emperor star.” In sports, it often refers to a genius bursting onto the scene, destined to break new ground.
1
Sora Matsushima: Fan Zhendong ALC custom, D09c, ZYRE-03. At the Macau World Cup men’s singles final, after the first five games Sora Matsushima led 3-2; he still seemed the chosen one. His frenzied backhand, ever-strengthening forehand-side coverage, and balls produced in high-speed movement and rallying were a thrill. If he had pierced Wang Chuqin in that match and won the World Cup before turning 19, his future would be limitless. But he ultimately did not close it out, lacking Wang Chuqin’s craft. I suddenly recall Ma Lin at the 1999 Worlds men’s singles. He was a complete dark horse then, reaching a Worlds final for the first time, finally losing the decider 22-24 to Liu Guoliang. Little did anyone expect that was actually his closest brush with a Worlds title. Some things seem fated. One chance, if seized, makes the height entirely different. Had Sora Matsushima won the Macau World Cup men’s singles, it might have laid a heavy weight on confirming his “Pole Star” status. Back at this London Worlds, Matsushima lost to Qiu Dang and Duda in the group stage and to Glasmenko in the knockout — everything seeming to confirm: not a Pole Star, and do not dream of becoming Ma Lin; for now, at most a Tomokazu Harimoto.
2
Oh Junsung: Tibhar outer green-aramid carbon special, custom K3 Pro on both sides. In the group stage, Oh Junsung beat Liang Jingkun and Lin Shidong both 3-1. Very clear-headed. He also beat Wang Chuqin 3-1 at the 2024 Asian Championships men’s singles. Long-short variation, varied placement, with good ideas. Last night’s Worlds team quarterfinal against Wang Chuqin was also very exciting. Wang Chuqin took the first two games, well seizing Oh Junsung’s forehand short. Especially the second game, Wang Chuqin played overwhelmingly, 11-1. Usually at this point, one easily surrenders. But from the third game, Oh Junsung adjusted his thinking. He actively chopped long, no longer tangling in over-the-table battles, disrupting Wang Chuqin’s set patterns. So he leveled it by winning two straight. If Oh Junsung had taken the decider too, the Korean men’s team’s prospects might have opened up. But in the last game, Wang Chuqin was a notch better — attacking Oh’s middle still with variation, not just fierce, with a rhythm of light and heavy, fast and slow.
3
Lin Shidong: Butterfly outer ALC custom, NEO blue national Hurricane, D09c. In 2013, the violent panda Fan Zhendong burst onto the scene, taking second in the in-team selection for the direct Paris berth. He was only 16. Clouds part, water flows ten years. In 2023, Lin Shidong reprised the aesthetics of violence. That backhand was too fast, too explosive — people gasped at a new-generation Gerell. Lin Shidong once stood at world number one. People once believed he might be the new Pole Star after Fan Zhendong. But last year’s injury and slump — he lost too many matches he should not have. People no longer expect him to reach any height. They just hope he does not lose easily in the upcoming team event. A good sign: after two knockout rounds, Lin Shidong seems to be rediscovering his old rhythm and violent striking. His confidence returned too. Last night he crushed Jang Woojin 3-0, his backhand again the old lightning. Word online is the coaching staff is having him remold his technique to play steadier. But whatever the remold, he should keep his own character. I recall a conversation between Fan Zhendong and Coach Wu Jingping. Xiaopang asked if playing this way was too violent and unreasonable. Coach Wu said keep playing this way — this is your trait.
4
Kedun: Donic Nailiwen (Relevant), Bluestar A1 on both sides. Donic released a new blade named after him, but he has not used it yet. Over the past two months, Kedun had an epiphany. At February’s Singapore Smash, he beat Zhou Qihao and Duda. At late March’s regular challenge in Tunisia, he beat Hiroto Shinozuka 4-1 to take the title. Last night’s Worlds team event, he swept Hugo 3-0 — astonishing. Born in 2008, he just came of age. His over-the-table flick is very concise and sharp. His serve is very good too. At nearly the same rhythm, the short and long serves’ speeds are very close, both fast. And there is side-top and side-under variation. Besides spin in the natural direction, he has a hidden reverse-spin trick. Whether or not Kedun has hope of becoming a new Pole Star, the youth storm he and the Lebrun brothers stirred up is astonishing. Watch tomorrow’s early-morning clash between China’s men and France’s men — who is the chosen one?