The expectations were high as Taufik Hidayat went on court for today’s semifinal. So far, he has been playing with great confidence at Denmark Open proving why he is one of the all times biggest profiles in the men’s singles category. But today he got a run for his money as Chinese Du Pengyu managed to challenge the Indonesian in the semifinal. In the first set Taufik seemed superior and won 21-15. However, the Chinese player had more to offer, and when Taufik started to make more mistakes, he saw his chance and closed the second set 21-17. In the third set the two players were neck and neck up till the middle of the set where Taufik raised his level and took home the set 21-17 granting himself a spot in tomorrow’s final. Taufik has for a long time been one of the biggest stars in men’s singles, winning both the World Championships in 2005 and the Olympic Games in 2004.
In this years’s World Championships he was a silvermedalist and just recently he took home the title on home court at the Indonesian Super Series tournament.
But even though he is the favourite he has great respect for his Danish opponent. Last time the two played, was in January at the Malaysian Super Series tournament where the young Dane came out on top. -I know him well, and he did beat me once. He is a great player which he showed today as he won easily. But I think it will be a good match and I hope that I can play well and win. The crowd at Denmark Open can expect a final of the highest quality with two players who love putting up a great show for the audience. In today’s match against Du Pengyu all eyes were on the Indonesian and it was evident that crowd wanted a final with the Indonesian star in it. And so far, Taufik has been very satisfied with the home crowd at Denmark Open as well. -I am so happy that so many people supported me today. When I lost a point everybody was cheering me up and up until the end, where I won, everybody was supporting me. Tomorrow they will probably support Jan Ø. Jørgensen, but it is okay. I am just happy that there are many people watching, Taufik says. |