Friday, 17 May 2024

BWF News

Two Men’s Singles athletes – both in their World Juniors debut; three Women’s Doubles pairs and a Mixed Doubles duo today put Europe into six quarter-finals at the Blibli.com Yonex-Sunrise BWF World Junior Championships 2017.

Five countries – Denmark, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Turkey – are making the continent proud at the annual showpiece which started on Monday with 64 countries competing for honors in the individual tournament (for Eye Level Cups).

Denmark has two opportunities to reach the podium, thanks to Amalie Magelund and her respective partners in Women’s and Mixed Doubles. In the latter event, she and Daniel Lundgaard shook off the loss of the first game to oust Malaysia’s Man Wei Chong/Tan Sueh Jeou, 19-21 24-22 21-13. Magelund returned later to secure a berth in the last eight of Women’s Doubles with Freja Ravn. The Danes stunned top-seeded Kim Min Ji and Seong Ah Yeong of Korea in another comeback win: 13-21 21-19 21-14.

“We needed to be more in control and just play the rallies instead of trying to win them,” said Ravn of the change in tactics which got them back into the match.

For continental company, they have No.5 seeds, Bengisu Ercetin/Nazlıcan Inci of Turkey and Netherlands duo, Debora Jille and Alyssa Tirtosentono. The Dutch powered past No.7 seeds, Supisara Paewsampran and Kwanchanok Sudjaipraparat, for the second time in two weeks, having beaten them in last week’s team event. On this occasion, Jille and Tirtosentono triumphed 21-15 21-15. The Turks also won in straight games – 21-15 21-19 versus Chinese Taipei’s Cheng Yu-Pei and Liang Chia-Wei.

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“We are surprised. The match was difficult but our attack was good, and our defense was better. It’s our third World Juniors together and our first quarter-final. We hope we can win a medal,” said 17-year-old Inci, admitting she and Ercetin were “a little nervous” on match point.

Meanwhile, in Men’s Singles, Christo Popov of France and Vietnam-born Irishman, Nhat Nguyen, are continuing to have the time of their lives at GOR Among Rogo Arena in Yogyakarta.

Having begun the day with his senior teammates, Arnaud Merkle and Leo Rossi, also in Men’s Singles contention, Popov found himself the last Frenchman standing, not only in the category but in the tournament overall. Again playing in an assured and attacking style, the 15-year-old calmly cut down No.5 seed, Ruttanapak Oupthong of Thailand, 21-16 21-17.

“I can’t believe it. I thought I would not be up to the level of the competition because it’s my first time. It’s just fabulous. It’s crazy. I am really surprised.

“Before, I was just thinking about getting experience, but now, I want to win a medal,” declared Popov, who faces Malaysia’s Leong Jun Hao for a semi-final spot.

In the top half of the draw, Nguyen will have his hands full with China’s Gao Zhengze, having prevailed over India’s Kartikey Gulshan Kumar today, 18-21 21-15 21-13.

“It feels great to be in the quarter-finals. I started nervously, but then I began taking control at the net, which helped. I didn’t play in the team event, so I think I am a bit fresher than some of the other players,” said the No.8 seed.

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“I will try to win a medal for myself, my family, and my country.”

In other doubles action, Indonesia secured five quarter-final places, with Rinov Rivaldy and Yeremia Erich Yoche Yacob both having a chance of two medals. Together, they progressed to the Men’s Doubles quarter-finals while also winning Mixed Doubles with their respective partners, Pitha Haningtyas Mentari and Angelica Wiratama. Indonesia’s third Mixed Doubles pair are Asian Junior champions, Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto, and Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti. The hosts also have the non-related Sugiartos in Women’s Doubles – Jauza Fadhila and Ribka.

“We attacked a lot today, especially focused on the girl,” said Mentari after she and Rivaldy toppled No.1 seeds, Kim Won Ho/Lee Yu Rim of Korea, 21-17 21-17.

“Tomorrow we want to play like today: to stay focused and fight from the start and not be careless.”

Perennial powerhouse, China, also has five doubles pairs still in the hunt – two in Women’s Doubles, two in Mixed Doubles, and one Men’s Doubles – while Japan has two Men’s Doubles pairs. Malaysia and Thailand each have an interest in Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.

It was a bad day for Korea’s Mixed Doubles pairs as three of them fell, along with a Women’s Doubles tandem, leaving just one Men’s Doubles duo and a Women’s Doubles pair to battle on the country’s behalf.

What is the Blibli.com Yonex-Sunrise BWF World Junior Championships?

The Blibli.com Yonex-Sunrise BWF World Junior Championships is an annual badminton tournament where 64 countries compete for honors in the individual tournament. It is a showcase of young talent from around the world.

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Who are the standout players in the tournament?

Some standout players in the tournament include Amalie Magelund and Daniel Lundgaard from Denmark, Christo Popov from France, and Nhat Nguyen from Ireland. These athletes have shown exceptional skills and determination in their respective categories.

How many doubles pairs are still in the competition?

There are several doubles pairs still in the competition. Indonesia leads with five quarter-final places, followed by China with five pairs, Japan with two pairs, and Malaysia and Thailand with one pair each. These players are vying for the top spots and are expected to deliver exciting matches.

What can we expect in the upcoming matches?

With talented players from various countries competing, we can expect intense matches filled with skillful performances and strategic gameplay. The quarter-finals will showcase the best of the best, and the athletes will undoubtedly give their all to advance to the next stage of the tournament.

The Blibli.com Yonex-Sunrise BWF World Junior Championships has been an exhilarating event so far, with young badminton players from around the world showcasing their skills and determination. The quarter-final stage is set, and we can anticipate thrilling matches as the athletes vie for a place on the podium. Keep an eye on the standout players and enjoy the world-class badminton action. For more information about the tournament and updates on the matches, visit Carnegiecentre.