This year Denmark Open has been upgraded to a premier tournament and as a result the best of the best were gathered at the opening press conference where the players shared their expectations and hopes for the matches.

One of the players who got the most attention from the press was World Champion Lin Dan:

- I hope to do well in all matches and I want to win more points for the Olympics. I cannot say who will be the biggest challenge since many of the best are gathered here.

Lin Dan was also asked about Danish top profile Peter Gade and rising star Viktor Axelsen.

- I think Viktor is could be the next big hope for Denmark. Maybe even bigger than Peter who I have a lot of respect for.

The Danish stars are very aware that Denmark Open has been upgraded to a premier tournament and last year’s champion Jan Ø. Jørgensen will have to fight his best if he wants to claim the gold once more and says that he plans on taking it one match at a time. Tine Baun and Peter Gade also shared their thoughts on this year’s Denmark Open.

- It’s a very strong field this year and it is going to be hard tomorrow, but it is home court and I look forward to have the audience with me, said Tine Baun.

Peter Gade followed up by saying:

- Denmark Open is always special and this year it will be harder than ever but I hope to go all the way and get a shot against Lee Cong Wei.

Jan Ø. Jørgensen is not the only defending champion who will meet a hard fight at the tournament. Last year’s winners in men’s double Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen also recognize the competition but say:

- We would like to defend our title and if we play our best we have a shot. A big challenge because we will need our BEST.

Claus Poulsen, assisting coach for Denmark talks about how a tournament is important not only for Badminton Denmark but also for the sport in general:

- This is a big step for Danish badminton. That we can present something like this is very important for Badminton Denmark and Danish badminton, he explains while he  also compliments the entire setup.
When asked about Denmark’s chances of bringing home medals from the tournament he replies:

- Chances are good. We are strong in all 5 categories this year and instead of just a handful of profiles we have a broad spectrum of players.

Today the qualification is played and the first rounds start Wednesday.

For information about Yonex Denmark Open follow this link here