Not even close. You say a lot of things like this and miss the point about matchups and what the coach is trying to do. The truth is that SYS and Wang Manyu are so strong that Japan doesn't really have options. And they know how to play choppers. Kuai Man would beat any topspin player from Japan. But a chopper? Then it gets interesting.
I don't think it is entirely about her forehand, I find that players outside rhe CNT have massive problems returning her serves as well. The CNT teammates seem to know what to do to get into rallies without being on the backfoot.
Honoka at 3 is better than 1 or 2.
If KM is at 3 I would rather have Honoka at 3 if that means Japan win is 100% certain. Too risky to play Honoka at 2 if she cannot win any of her games against SYS and WMY.
Such risks are interesting but do not change the result. And they can destroy team morale.
This is the correct lineup. Kuai Man is evolving as she plays. Honoka will have to get lucky to win this even though she has never lost to Kuai Man because of when they last played. Japan needs better players. China is China. People should stop making players like Hayata culprits for thr strength of the Chinese team.
Hayata can't get a win against both
Hashimoto has never beaten SYS or WMY. Neither has Hayata.
That's my reasoning as well.
Honoka has never beaten Wang Manyu.
As NL said, Honoka and Hina have never beaten WMY (or SYS). But KM lost 3-0 to Japanese chopper Hitomi Sato. KM has a 3-1 record vs. Hina. Hina did win their last match, but it was a close 3-2, 13-11. Choosing Honoka for match 3 was the right choice.
