Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen won their first match at the Worlds, but the expectations for the rest of the week are not too high.
Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen are back in action after not playing Japan Open and Indonesia Open in July. At the World Championships the defending European Champions won in straight games against Vladimir Nikulov/Artem Serpionov from Russia 21-6 21-15.
- Our performance was fine. The first match can be difficult, but it is a heavy hall and slow shuttles. I think we had some good rallies, and we got our systems up and running, Anders Skaarup Rasmussen said.
Not limited
Lately Kim Astrup has been struggling with injuries, but there is nothing to be concerned about.
- My physical conditions are as good as they can be. This is a step in the right direction, and I am just happy to be back on court. I enjoyed being on court today, and I have to take care of my body, Astrup stated.
Do you feel limited at this point?
- No.
Expecting a fast match
If everything goes as expected the European Games runners-up will be playing Chung/Heng from Chinese Taipei in the third round on Thursday.
- Instead of being the favourites, I think it is a 50-50. On paper we do not need to win. Our expectation is to go on court and give as much as possible – whatever that means, Skaarup Rasmussen said.
- I think it will be a fast match. They will try to push the tempo, and we are going to try to keep up with that, Kim Astrup added.
The pair from Chinese Taipei lead the head-to-head statistic 2-1 against the Danes ahead of their possible third round matchup.