The big names have begun Yonex Denmark Open presented by Danisa, and as expected they all advanced to the round of 16.
Today is the first day for the big names of Yonex Denmark Open presented by Danisa. And so far they have all managed to live up to the expectations.
One of the closer games this afternoon was between world no. 4 Kento Momota from Japan and former world no. 4 Boonsak Ponsana from Thailand. It was a marathonmatch, that ended up lasting 84 intense minutes, and Kento Momota was a bit surprised by his opponents high level.
- I beat Boonsak Ponsana in our two previous matches, so I thought this match would be much easier, Kento Momota said.
After a first game, where the two badminton players were pretty equal, Ponsana managed to clinch the game with the score 21-17. But Momota pulled himself together and came back for the second game, which ended 21-14. In the final game Momota was obviously frustrated at one point, where he recieved a warning for misconduft from the umpire. The game peaked at the final rally, when Momota challenged the call from the referees and won the game 21-19.
- I have to learn from this game. I can never underestimate my opponents on this level, even though I feel comfident before a match, Kento Momota said.
The usual suspects prevailed
As expected the number one Mens Singles player Chen Long won his first match in Yonex Denmark Open presented by Danisa. He won in straight games against Wong from Hong Kong. The first game he won comfortably with the score 21-12. In the second game he was under a bit more pressure, but managed to pull throug and win 22-20.
The best female badminton player in the world Saina Nehwal also advanced from the first round of the tournament, when she beat Busanan Ongbumrungphan from Thailand. Even though she was the clear favorite, Saina Nehwal couldn't close the match in straight games, but in the end she won with the score 23-21/14-21/21-18.
You can see a short interview with Saina Nehwal, where she talks about what the thought of her start to the tournament
here.
Both Saina Nehwal and Chen Long will be playing their next matches tomorrow, and you can still buy tickets at this
link.
You can also watch the games this evening
here and follow Badminton Denmark on Instagram and Twitter for much more updates.