All England 2001

Rikke Olsen / Michael Sogaard, Denmark, met Wang Wei / Zhang Jiewan, China, on court 4. The only access from the media center to the stands are a very slow moving elevator. The regular vertical traffic jam meant, that the game was well under way, with the score an even 2-2, when this writer arrived at the stands. The danes had the situation well in hand, an quickly progressed to lead 7-3. The chines got a chance at scoring, but failed, and did not get a new chance until 12-3. No success, and Rikke and Michael got their first game point. Then Rikke showed some weakness, and Wang / Zhang got back into the game for another two points. Rikke and Michael wont the game on the 3. try.

On court no. 2, Liu Yong / Cheng Jiao, China, had gotten the first game from danes Matthias Boe / Britta Andersen. Score 15-9

Back on court 4 the game resumed. Michael and Rikke started out by scoring 3 on a row, before letting Wang and Zhang into the game. The chinese had seemingly problems locating their side and backline. The misjudged the way the shuttle would fall several times. The danes, on the other hand, where relaxed and calm, and only at 6-2 did Rikke make som errors, putting the shuttle to low on the net. At 12-6 to the danes, she smashes hard and hits Zhang Jieven on the head accidently. Rikke appologizes, but seems a bit shaken. Even though they get their first matchpoint at 14-7, both danes looks play defensively. Only af giving away another 3 points, do Rikke Olsen / Michael Søgaard win the match 15-10.

The match took 27 minutes.

Boe and Andersen is trailing 9-2 in the second game, on court no. 2. In the mean time Mette Schjoldager / Jens Eriksen is taking on Ha Tae-Kwon and Lee Kyuong Won of Korea - leading 9-3 in the first game.

Next on court 3 is the 4. danish couple ready to play, Lars Paaske and Jane Bramsen. But the audience is much more interestet in the other party - englishmen Simon Archer and Gail Emms. They are not yet ranked, having only played together af few weeks. Archers long time partner, Joanne Goode, with whom he won bronze at the olympics in Sydney, has gone on maternity leave. That pair still holds the no. 4 position on IBF world Ranking List (as of 1. march). On the other hand, Gail Emms has spot no. 8 together with Ian Sullivan, so the new pair starts with a strong background. But bringing a tall, powerfull guy together with a small, elegant girl can be tricky - not the least in Mixed Doubles. After winning the first round, Simon Archer told the english press (and yours truly), that Gail had few weeknesess - his own problems covering the outside being their weakest point right now.

The englishmen should have no trouble with the danes, ranking nr. 31.

The match startet out more event, though. The danes startet scoring 2 points, Gail and Simon returned for 4-2 - and thus where the pattern for most of that game up until 10-10. At som point Simon yells "OUT!" on a high return, and Gail does a little dance to avoid being hit by the shuttle. At another Gail ducks a low fast return, yelling "That's for You!", but Simon leisurely stroll to the back of the court to pick up the shuttle - this time too outside that line. Later on Lars Paaske tries an encouraging "Saadan!" (Danish meaning "Way to go!") - but a bit premature. It is out behind Simon and Gail.

Simon and Gail wins first game on the second try.

During the break Peter Gade Christensen, Denmark, seeded no. 1., warming up in the corner. He is scheduled to play on the same court no. 3.

Also the 2. game starts out even, though this time Simon and Gail leads from 5-5 on. They reach 8, without the danes scoring, before almost even again: 8-7. Another set of fast points for the englishmen to 11-7. Lars and Jane fight their way back, but Gail and Simon are in full control. They win 15-10 when Jane smashes to short - right in the middle of the net.

The match took 40 minutes.

Write to the author
Leif E. Andersen. 
Executive Editor, DilleSport

Production: 
BLA*nets DilleSport