Danish men’s singles have been a prominent feature at the highest level in recent years. However, this year at the All England, Denmark can be particularly proud of their players performance.
Rasmus Gemke, currently ranked 20 in the world, once again caused a huge upset in the first round. Last year it was Olympic champion Chen Long, and this year it was fourth seed Anthony Ginting. Gemke then went on to defeat Rhustavito to enter the quarterfinal. Following a straight game defeat to compatriot Antonsen yesterday, he stated.
-I played some really good matches here the last couple of days. It is my first quarterfinal here at the All England, so of course there are some things I can take with me.
Antonsen, who is friends with Gemke from childhood, spoke about his delight to advance to the final four.
-I am very excited to be playing the semifinal at one of the most prestigious tournaments in badminton. So, I am pumped, but I need to relax and prepare for tomorrow.
Antonsen plays Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei, the number one seed and a player he knows very well. Their current head to head is six to one in favour of Chou.
Axelsen in another final
Viktor Axelsen was last year’s runner up when succumbing to Kento Momota in three games, who himself made history for Japan by lifting the trophy for the first time. Axelsen is having another attempt this year after narrowly defeating the promising young Malaysian talent of Lee Zii Jia. Following the match, the Dane said.
-I think I started to find the right lengths on my lifts. Lee played really well today, so I am just happy I could win against a tough opponent.
If he is to win the trophy, it would be the first time since Peter Gade in 1999. Commenting on whether he feels this is his year, he said.
-Every year is your year if you believe it. I just try to be better every day.