Kim Astrup/ Anders Skaarup Rasmussen have overcome the Olympic champions in a thrilling second match of the group stage at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2024.
Kim Astrup/ Anders Skaarup Rasmussen had a tough match with a great outcome at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2024, defeating Olympic champions Lee Yang/ Wang Chi-Lin. After dropping the first game, the Danish duo rallied to take the next two, 13-21, 21-19, 21-19.
The match was tense, with many moments tipping in favour of the Chinese Taipei pair, such as when they led at 18-14 in the decider. However, Astrup/ Rasmussen mounted a remarkable comeback, getting the win with a series of quick points. This marks their second group match win and secures their spot in the semifinals, despite having one more group match remaining against Yang Po-Hsuan/ Jhe-Huei Lee from Chinese Taipei. The Danish duo's two victories in Group A assure them a place in the next round.
Antonsen's fate hangs in balance after tough loss
Meanwhile, compatriot Anders Antonsen experienced a more challenging day. He faced Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia with a result that very much resembled their last encounter, at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Zii Jia won in straight games. History repeated itself as the Malaysian controlled the game, taking the match 21-14 21-19.
Antonsen's prospects now hang in the balance, pending his final group stage match against Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien Chen. Although Chou leads their head-to-head 7-4, Antonsen has won in their last three meetings. This upcoming match, their first clash this year, is crucial for Antonsen’s hopes of advancing to the semifinals at the World Tour Finals.
Astrup/ Rasmussen and Antonsen will be playing the last two matches of the day on Court 2.