Thursday, 2 May 2024

VICTOR Hong Kong Open 2023 Semifinal: A Thrilling Match of Badminton

On the path to the VICTOR Hong Kong Open 2023 semifinals, a playful Instagram story by Anders Skaarup Rasmussen referred to the upcoming match against Hendra Setiawan/Mohammad Ahsan as the ‘Battle of the Daddies’. Rasmussen, who is also a proud father, playfully highlighted the Indonesian pair’s popular nickname. The atmosphere was light-hearted, and the Danes carried their positive energy onto the court.

A Hard-Fought Victory

In an intense 51-minute battle, Rasmussen and his partner Kim Astrup secured a hard-fought victory of 24-22, 19-21, 21-11 against Setiawan/Ahsan. Rasmussen later praised their opponents as “absolute legends of the game”. He also shared how their recent successes, starting with the European Games gold in June in Tarnow, Poland, have reignited their joy for competitive badminton. Since then, the world No.9 pair has also won the Canada Open and finished as silver medalists in the World Championships.

Rediscovering Joy in the Game

“The success in Calgary and Copenhagen relieved some pressure,” said the 34-year-old Rasmussen. “Having a foundation of victories allows us to find enjoyment even in defeat. We can look back and be encouraged. Fortunately, things have been going our way.”

This newfound freedom has allowed the Danish duo to express themselves better on the court. They have been playing exceptionally well in recent months and are building on their successes. Their focus is on getting their offense going, recognizing that it is where they can score vital points.

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The Danes attacked well from the backcourt.

Defying the Odds

While no Danish men’s pair has won the Hong Kong Open since Jesper Helledie/Steen Fladberg in 1985, Astrup/Rasmussen have a chance to change that. They have a 3-2 head-to-head record against their final opponents Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin, another Indonesian pair. Astrup, however, remains unconcerned about the outcome, stating that anything can happen in a final. Sometimes they perform exceptionally well, while other times they struggle. Only time will tell.

FAQs

Q: What were the results of the semifinals?

A: The Danes, Anders Skaarup Rasmussen and Kim Astrup, emerged victorious with a thrilling 24-22, 19-21, 21-11 win against Hendra Setiawan and Mohammad Ahsan.

Q: What is the order of play for the finals?

A: Please refer to the official BWF World Tour website for the order of play in the finals.

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In conclusion, the VICTOR Hong Kong Open 2023 semifinals delivered an exciting battle in the world of badminton. Anders Skaarup Rasmussen and Kim Astrup’s hard-fought victory showcased their resilience and the joy they have rediscovered in the game. As they head into the finals, they remain focused on their performance and are ready to face any challenge that comes their way. Stay tuned for the electrifying finals of the Hong Kong Open.