I'm sorry, but don't you all think Schlager is now a bit too old?
He is now 35, isn't he?
There are so many young,motivated and talented players, not only from China (me, too
) , that I think he will never become strong enough to beat 3 or 4 class-players in a row, as he needed and made it in Paris 2003.
He is definitly still a great player and one of the best Europe ever had, he is sure to be able to beat Wang,Ma or whoever, but nevermore in a row I think.
Another point is that the Chinese players' tactics against Schlager are much more clever.3 years ago only insiders thought Schlager would be able to beat Kong,Wang an Joo. After his World Championship title in 2003 they really recognized (problably and actually too late) that he is a real danger for them. So they startet to train with regard to Werner. We can see that if we have a look on the service and retourn play. The Chinese players have never had such great problems with Schlagers service before and after 2003...