CNG Throwback: Sensational Seven-Game Thriller!

Over the week, we have revisited some women's doubles competitions from the past Chinese National Games. Now it's time to look at the men's doubles, starting with men's doubles finals at 2005 Chinese National Games.

Award Ceremony of the Men's Doubles at the 10th Chinese National Games in 2005
Photo: tiexue.net

In the finals, the Guangdong pairs, Ma Lin and Zhang Chao were against Wang Liqin and Liu Shan representing Shanghai. Among the 4 players, only Liu Shan was not a national team member so many predicted the stronger pairs from Guangdong would win the title. Moreover, team Guangdong comprised of Ma Lin, Liu Guozheng and Zhang Chao, the favorite of the men's team competition, lost to Team PLA led by Wang Hao in the semifinals. Therefore Team Guangdong was eager to win the champion in the men's doubles. Ma Lin and Zhang Chao made a good effort (Ma Lin even bumped into the fences to save a point) whereas Wang Liqin and Liu Shan were even better. The Shanghai doubles were slightly more consistent in the counter-loop and walked away with the title after a roller-coaster match.

Matches nowadays, especially with the 40+ balls in use, are more about counter-loops while the short court forehand flicks are rare. The men's doubles final at 2005 Chinese National Games was a feast of those 'endangered' forehand flicks, notably in the first game, where Ma Lin and Zhang Chao earned many points with good control of the soft drop and forehand flicks. There were also exciting rallies, spectacular footwork, anything magnificent and everything beyond description. This finals worth-rewatching, what I mean is watching every point, every second, every facial expression as you will find many amazing technique and interesting moments.

As CNG Throwback is half-way through, I would like to do a small survey to know your views on rewatching competitions from the past. Do you like watching old competitions? Why? Do the players or the intensity of the completion matter? Are you reminiscing the old-school techniques or revisiting moments that you got excited? Comment below, I would love to know your thoughts on that!
Although I make frequent updates so that I can include more CNG throwbacks before the Games starts, there are always more amazing matches than that I can include. No worries, I have created a playlist to include most of matches from the past Chinese National Games. If I have missed any matches, please remind me in the comment box, I will add them back to the playlist!