Anders Antonsen went to three games but managed to do the business, however, Mia Blichfeldt was still not able to get a win over the number six in the world, Ratchanok Intanon.
While a lot of attention has been on the top two men’s singles players in the world, Antonsen has been quietly going about his business and find’s himself back in the semifinal at the All England Open 2021. The world number three faced Japan’s Kanta Tsuneyama.
Despite a 4-0 head-to-head, Antonsen knew that it will be a tough match. He had to do it in three, but after his 21-16 9-21 21-11 win, he was satisfied.
-It felt good, it was a tough match but it was a good match. First of all, credit to Kanta Tsuneyama - he's a hardworking guy and tough to beat but I'm happy with the match. I'm feeling okay. Badminton is tough and men's singles is tough so it's what I expected, but it feels good at the same time.
Now he will be awaiting a potential encounter with his compatriot and world number two, Viktor Axelsen. A repeat of the final at the World Tour Finals in January, where Antonsen broke Axelsen’s unbeaten run and took the big title at the end of season finale.
-I'll have to figure out a way to beat my opponent and go home to recover. Just get some rest, some food and relax, Antonsen ended.
Blichfeldt dominated early
Mia Blichfeldt could not find a way against Ratchanok Intanon on her fourth attempt, losing 18-21 21-17 21-10.
-I think I handled the conditions well in the hall when I was standing on the side of the drift, but I felt like my speed and movement and the dangerous attacks I had in the first game, it was difficult for me to take it on the other side of the court where the drift stops. It was difficult for me to keep up with the speed. Right now, I'm very disappointed with how I ended this match because I really think I was dominating the match in the first game, with good control and I was playing the rallies in a very clever way. I wish I could have played the whole match like that but I'm going to learn from it, Blichfeldt explained in detail.
The last couple of encounters have gone to three, with Intanon finishing strongly. Knowing this was key for the Thai star.
-Today I still trusted myself that I could come back even though I lost the first game but I was trying to understand her [Blichfeldt] rhythm because she's a fast player. I cannot play like her and match her speed. I tried to control things and follow her speed and change things up. I think she has improved a lot from our last meeting. She's not easy but she kept up her motivation, but I kept control of myself and tried not to rush things, Intanon stated.
Through to the quarterfinal, Intanon will now face the number two seed Nozomi Okuhara. This will be their 16th meeting, with Okuhara leading the head-to-head 9-6.
-It will still be tough, though we don't have Marin, Tai Tzu Ying or the Chinese team here, we still have the Japanese. In the women's singles, all the players are very closely matched but it can depend on the day; the one who controls the game can win, Intanon said looking towards the final four.