Denmark Open
2005

Women's Singles, 1/8 Finals

In Women's Singles Dutch Open winner from last sunday, Xu Huaiwen, Germany, made it through to next round when she beat Wang Lin, China, 11-8, 11-4. It was equally easy for Pi Hongyan, France, who was up against Julia Mann, England. Pi won 11-7, 11-1 without being in any difficulty throughout the match.

Yao Jie, Netherlands, was the runnerup in last weeks 2005 Dutch Open, losing to Xu Huaiwen.

Yao Jie played a little 'la la' most of the first game - she didn't look like he was giving her all in the match, Some easy shots were sent in the net or out. Her opponent Hataya Yoshimi, Japan, was fast and sharp, making Jie run a lot. But all of that changed at the end of the first game. Jie was suddenly the tiger - hunting Yoshimi round on court, being sharp on the shots and - most importantly - she kept her cool and took the game 13-12.

Kanako Yonekura, Japan, also made it to the next round when she took on England's Elizabeth Cann, and won in two games, 11-6, 11-1.

Jie's compatriot, Mia Audina, was up against Juliane Schenk, Germany, and won 11-7, 11-2.

What a difference in Mia's play compared with her match against Xu Huaiwen just last week at the Dutch Open. This Mia - here at Denmark Open - was the Mia even the best players would have trouble beating on court. She was all over the place, chasing Juliane from one corner to the other - to the net, to the back. Mia simply placed the shuttle where ever she pleased.

One of her favourite shots - the masked shot - was performed anyway possible. Even with her back turned she made a winner, completely out of reach for Juliane. Mia doesn't play badminton as described in the text books - she lives it!. And today it really showed.

Badminton at it's best.

Mens Doubles, 2. round

In Men's Doubles round one, two of the clashes were all-Danish.

Top seeds Jens Eriksen/Martin Lundgaard took on Rasmus Mangor Andersen/Soeren Frandsen and won in two games 15-4, 15-4. 2. seeds Lars Paaske/Jonas Rasmussen (who will part after this event) were up against Morten Tolver Kroneborg/Christopher Bruun Jensen and also won in two games, with scores 15-5, 15-5.

Fresh from the reserve lists, Christian Dalsgaard/Peter Moerk, Denmark, were up against Koen Ridder/Eric Pang, Netherlands, and had to forefit in 2 games, 15-13, 15-9. The Dutch duo don't normally play together so it was a fine result for them. The Danes where put on the starting lineup due to ia withdrawal of compatriots Jonas Glyager Jensen and Peter Hasbak.

Another young and talented danish pair Simon Mollyhus/Anders Kristiansen, really got their hands full when they were up against the Malaysian duo, Lin Woon Fui/Muhd Fairuzizian. The Danes really played well and even took a game from their opponents... but in the third game they didn't stand the pace. They made too many mistakes.

It didn't go any better for Rasmus Bonde/Kasper Henriksen, Denmark, being up against the 2005 Dutch Open runnersup Matusa/Ohtsaka, Japan. The young Danes played their chance but - better luck next time.

Mixed Doubles, 1/4 Finals

Mixed Doubles 1/4 finals was blessed with a huge surprise as the new Danish pairing Helle Nielsen/Lars Paaske beat compatriots Mette Schjoldager/Jens Eriksen!

At the press conference afterwards Helle and Lars said: "Playing against them is like - sorry, but like the wind blows. With Jens you never know, as he takes up so much space on court mentally!" Asked what he meant by that, Lars added: "Physically he is big, but he is moving forward and forward the more good shots you make, simply because he is pissed off and try to intimidate you! To make up for that, you have to try and lift the shuttle as high up as possible and keep doing that".

When asked how is was returning to yet again playing Mixed Doubles, Helle Nielsen replied: "I was really fed up with it at some stage and havent't played Mixed for 6 months when I teamed up with Lars. He has given me the joy to play again and with his calm attitude he helps me lift my own game."

Asked if they think they can go to the top and maybe replace Jens Eriksen/Mette Schjoldager as the best Danish Mixed Doubles, they said: "Jens and Mette has been the best pairing for a long time. Besides them we also have a pair like Thomas Laybourn/Kamilla Rytter Juhl... Jens is still World's Best on his good days."

[Continued...]