Among many Asian pairs on court three there was a European fight. The battle was between the new Danish double with Anders Kristiansen and Rasmus Bonde and number 27 in the world, England’s Chris Langridge and Robert Middleton(picture). It was the first match ever for the Danes, who have been practicing for few months.
They were eager to get started and had a great opening game winning 21-12. The following game was closer but in the end Bonde and Kristiansen stepped up and won 21-18. After the match they agreed that they had played a bit too defensive in the second game, but both were happy to be through to the next stage:
- It was good experience for us, we had really difficult preparations for this tournament because I have been injured, Anders Kristiansen says.
Tomorrow they will either meet a young Malaysian couple or the Denmark Open favorites, Carsten Mogensen and Mathias Boe.
- We’re looking very much forward to the match. Of course it is difficult to play other Danes, so it is going to be a tough match but we’re just happy to get all the matches we can, says Anders Kristiansen.
Indonesian stars on cruise control
Also on court three the biggest star so far in this tournament began their Denmark Open – Former World Champions and Olympic Champions Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan. They seemed lazy when they entered the court in Odense Sports Park but like many times before, they did just what they needed to:
The Indonesian top favorites beat Kawamae and Sato from Japan 21-17, 21-19. They can now face English Chris Adcock and Marcus Ellis, who yesterday was positive that they could beat the Indonesians. But Adcock and Ellis still need to proceed from their first round match.
Another Asian pair proved their strength. Unseeded Tazari and Ong from Malaysia should only use 23 minutes beating a couple from the Chinese Taipei. Tazari and Ong have not played together that long and therefore not seeded. They will in the second round meet either Japanese or Irish opponents. Watch live stream, click here
|