I think he wanted to give another chance for Grotle to beat Honchkrow (and to show that Grotle actually stronger than the last time). From then on he had failed almost in everything.Cobalt Latios has it right there.. as we could all see, Paul had the upperhand the entire battle, and if he didn't, he switched to a better counter. So did Ash, but still made awefull decisions (Grotle vs Honchkrow, we know it wants to, but give it a rest), and that made him fail.
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Paul was better in this battle. His personality was not so good, but he was stronger.I'm sad that he lost the fulll battle. But that will be the last time that a sweeetheart like Ash lose to a big arrogant jerk. I mean, the guy who not only mistreat the pokemon, not only rudely insults Ash and pikachu, he also disrespected the Gym Leader such as Maylene. Even Jessie and Harley knows how to develop the relationship with pokemon.