Andrew Smith

[Lefty]

What does everyone think about promising Andrew Smith's first round exit pattern lately?

He reached world top 20 in 2007 and has had some interesting results... winning the Vietnam GP Open, taking a game off Lin Dan, taking Kenneth Jonassen to 3 and then almost getting the better of Taufik Hiyayat in the Sudimir cup to name but a few.

From what I read, he lives over in the far east and trains with the best of the best which has done wonders for his game...up until now it seems.

Anybody have any idea on the reasons behind the slump in form?

Has he finally burned out from too much competition?

Any predictions on whether he'll recover and start being a serious challenger at future super series events?

It would be such a shame if he's already had his peak. A bit of English elite level singles action is just what we need to inspire the new generation!

[Bigdog]

Hard to inspire a new generation if they never get to see you play! Other than once a year at the All England I don't think he ever actually plays in England. I presume it must be too expensive for him to make it over for the nationals.

Would be good to see if he is capable of beating Raj yet if they ever get to meet in an international. Raj has taken the last few head to heads I believe.

[Badboy]

I reckon Raj would take it.

[AXC]

Raj is good but I do not think he could take Smith yet. Smith's recent slump in form could be down to too many tournaments and not enough training; but he has always played loads of tournaments so not sure what is up. I suspect it is merely a dip in form and he will make progress before long.

It is great that we have at least two mens singles players who we think could become world class. It is a shame we do not have a flock of younger singles players following them up and fighting for their places. There are one or two coming through but I suspect they are a long way behind at the moment.