Akira Koga-Natsu Saito
Thom Gicquel-Delphine Delrue’s post-World Championships dip continued at Denmark Open badminton championships with a second consecutive early exit.
Akira Koga-Natsu Saito proved their conquerors in Odense, winning their first meeting 22-20 21-19. The world No.18s remarkably saved six game points in the opener before finishing strongly again in the second, never relinquishing the lead after moving ahead at 16-15.
The Japanese now advance to the quarterfinals – their second at Super 750 level – against Malaysians Hoo Pang Ron-Lai Peijing, who ousted fifth seeds Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paewsampran 21-7 21-11.
For Gicquel and Delrue, who in August became France’s first world champions, a chance for redemption comes quickly with their home tournament French Open starting in Tremblay-en-France next Tuesday. They had lost their first event (China Masters) after New Delhi in the opening round.
Antonsen Exacts Revenge
Anders Antonsen gained quick revenge on Jason Gunawan to reach the quarterfinals on home soil, needing just 38 minutes to secure a 21-10 21-12 victory.
The Dane, who was beaten by Gunawan in a semifinal thriller at the LI-NING China Masters six weeks ago, never allowed a repeat as he controlled the pace throughout.
“I’m super pleased,” he told Badminton Europe.
“The conditions were way different today compared to yesterday. I felt like there was a lot of air conditioning going on. It was very warm in the hall. There wasn’t a lot of drift back and forth. I am very pleased to get my revenge against Jason. We had a phenomenal match at the China Masters six weeks ago. Really happy to win.”
Antonsen’s reward is a quarterfinal meeting with Alwi Farhan, who produced one of the biggest results of the day by dispatching defending champion Jonatan Christie 21-14 21-9.
Gemke’s Purple Patch Rolls On
Rasmus Gemke continued the rich vein of form that has followed him since the BWF World Championships in August, defeating Ng Ka Long Angus 21-12 21-18 to reach the quarterfinals.
Backed by a vocal home crowd in Odense, the Dane produced another assured display and admitted relishing every moment of his recent resurgence.
“I don’t know what’s going on, but it’s a good feeling,” Gemke said. “It was a really great match for me today. I enjoyed it a lot and felt very comfortable. It’s amazing to step on court in front of the home crowd.”
Earlier in the week, he had ousted top seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn to see his way into the second round. The support of friends and family has only added to his enjoyment.
“I really enjoy every time I step on court in front of my friends, family and my girlfriend. The atmosphere is really good.”
While Gemke fell in the opening round of last week’s Arctic Open, he believes the confidence gained from his World Championships campaign continues to drive his performances.
“It’s difficult to say exactly what’s working right now and what’s clicking. I feel confident after the World Championships,” he said. “Even though I lost in the first round last week, I still think I’m in a good period. Most importantly, I have no injuries and my body feels good.”
Awaiting him in the quarterfinals is Victor Lai, who has yet to drop a game this week. Gemke expects another tight encounter between the pair after their last encounter at the quarterfinal stage of the world championships.
“The last time we played it was a really enjoyable and very close match. Hopefully, with the home crowd behind me, the small margins will go my way.”
Gemke’s victory ensures home interest remains strong heading into the last eight, with Anders Antonsen and Mathias Christiansen/Alexandra Boje also progressing on Day 3 in Odense.
