DANISA DENMARK OPEN 2018 presented by VICTOR

EXPERIENCE FAIRYTALES COME TRUE

Welcome to Odense, the birth city of Hans Christian Andersen; world famous poet and fairy tale writher

ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY: We go down memory lane zooming in on some of their best performances together through the year and take a stroll through their thoughts during the debut.

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Dragen FORTÆLLINGEN OM AT GÅ FRA TALENT TIL VERDENS BEDSTE. “Jeg vil give læseren et unikt indblik i mit liv og mine inderste tanker som atlet.

Lige fra da jeg begyndte i OBK til i dag.

Jeg lægger hele min vej ærligt og åbent frem til inspiration. Læseren skal med ind i mit sind og ind bag de lukkede døre i sporten.”

– VIKTOR AXELSEN

VIKTOR AXELSEN DEN DANSKE DRAGE

Fortalt til Nikolaj Albrectsen

Gyldendal

Bogen kan købes i Yonex’s salgstelt, samt i alle andre boghandlere.

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Tauron Arena Kraków uses low-energy Grundfos pumps for its water, heating and ventillation systems, ensuring comfort for 22,000 guests and a smaller CO2 footprint in the global climate arena.

See full story at Grundfos.com/cases

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TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE

ARTICLE

One-year anniversary: A successful Danish startup

René Toft, President, Badminton Denmark:

A great welcome to DANISA DENMARK OPEN 2018 presented by VICTOR

The Consummate Badminton Players According to Danish Players and National Coaches 29

Peter Rahbæk Juel, Mayor of Odense:

Welcome to DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR and welcome to Odense

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Erik Bresling, CEO at Danish Speciality Foods AAL DK A/S and Danish Speciality Foods CPH DK ApS Danisa:

Danisa are happy to welcome all of you here in Odense Idrætspark

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Poul-Erik Høyer, BWF President:

President’s Message

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Last year’s DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR was Mathias Christiansen’s and Christinna Pedersen’s first tournament as partners and thus they can celebrate their one-year anniversary at this year’s tournament. Led by the constellation, we go down memory lane zooming in on some of their best performances together through the year and take a stroll through their thoughts during the debut.

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The Consummate Men’s Singles Player

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The Consummate Women’s Singles Player

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The Consummate Men’s Doubles Player

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The Consummate Women’s Doubles Player

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The Consummate Mixed Doubles Player

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Former winners

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Get even more badminton on Badminton Denmark’s social media

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The History of DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR

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Quiz: Get Smarter about DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR

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If you had the chance to design your version of a consummate badminton player, which player’s forehand would you pick?

Whose mentality would you go with and whose power would you choose? Broken down by all five categories, we’ve asked some of the best Danish badminton players and coaches those exact questions.

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Do you know everything about DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR? When it started and how many different cities it has been held in? Take the quiz on Denmark’s biggest badminton tournament and find out!

PUBLISHED BY Badminton Denmark · House of Sports, Brøndby Stadion 20, 2605 Brøndby · phone 7060 5076 · e-mail: info@badminton.dk · badminton.dk · badmintondenmark.com | TEXT Jonas Kildegaard · Stine Greve · Lasse Kjær Hansen | EDITORS Bettina Mortensen · Jonas Kildegaard · Lasse Kjær Hansen PHOTO Badmintonphoto · Badminton Danmark | AD SALES FL sportMarketing, Agerbakken 21 · 8362 Hørning · phone 7022 1870 · e-mail: info@flsportmarketing. dk | LAYOUT AND PRODUCTION FL SportMarketing · Agerbakken 21 · 8362 Hørning · phone 7022 1870 . e-mail: info@flsportmarketing.dk

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PREFACE

A GREAT WELCOME TO DANISA DENMARK OPEN 2018 PRESENTED

BY VICTOR This event is now called a World Tour 750 Tournament but it doesn’t make any difference for Badminton Denmark. We want to run the tournament as usually: With high quality both on courts as well outside and around the courts.

We can only do this because we have: • A very fine support from our two main sponsors Danisa and Victor • A wonderful and fantastic group of volunteers from Odense Badminton Klub and other clubs from around the country • A great professional team in Badminton Denmark • The good support and co-operation with Odense Municipality, Sport Event Funen and Development Funen • Continuously players among the best in the World.

Parallel to this world class tournament, Badminton Denmark – as usually - is running tournaments for both youngsters and seniors in sports centers in and around Odense this week. This year we have extended with a Para Tournament and a tournament for Special Olympics. This gives players at several levels a good possibility of practicing their sport and at the same time experiencing world class badminton in Odense Idrætshal. This also shows that badminton is a sport for life and a very good family sport.

Welcome to all players, coaches, managers, officials and all volunteers.

Last but not least a great and special welcome to the enthusiastic and engaged audience.

René Toft President Badminton Denmark

René Toft President Badminton Denmark

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30.11-02.12 + 7.-9.12 Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market

What’s on in Odense There is always something going on in Odense, especially during the summer with all the big festivals, but we have plenty of major events during the winter as well. Don’t miss our Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market in the historic quarter, the quirky Magical Days Festival or the newly opened Beer & Food Lab - Anarkist.

For details please visit

www.visitodense.com

New in 2018 Anarkist - Beer & Food Lab

Until 21.02 2019 Into the Unknown - sci-fi exhibition

18.10 - 20.10 2018 Magic Days

PREFACE

WELCOME TO DANISA DENMARK OPEN PRESENTED BY VICTOR AND WELCOME TO ODENSE Let me start by saying that it is a great pleasure to welcome you to Odense.

For the 12th time, Odense hosts this Denmark Open tournament, and we are proud when our city and sporting facilities like Odense Idrætspark are chosen to form the framework of international sporting events like this. I would like to thank both Badminton Denmark, the Badminton World Federation and all the volunteers who made this sporting event possible.

The Denmark Open event has been held in Odense since 2007 and we are very proud to announce a renewed collaboration on this fantastic event, which also will be held in our beautiful city for the next 4 years.

Until 2021 Odense will continue to be a natural focal point for local, national and international badminton enthusiasts who want to meet the stars from all over the world. This includes our own local super star and hero, Viktor Axelsen, who was born here and started his badminton career at Odense Badminton Club.

Viktor is a huge inspiration not only to young badminton players, but also to other young athletes, who dream about having a successful career in sports – it can happen if you are determined and work hard.

Another international superstar with deep roots in Odense is Mathias Boe, who also has a strong connection to the city.

With this event, Odense does more than “just” stimulate interest in sport and physical exercise in general; it also gives us the opportunity to experience (local) world-class athletes at first hand.

DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR joins an exclusive list of major, recurring sports events, that have a great influence on Odense’s brand as an exciting and attractive city throughout Denmark and abroad. However, sports are not the only events Odense is facilitating. We also host several other fantastic and recurring events including the Odense International Film Festival, Hans Christian Andersen

Festivals, Odense Flower Festival and the music festival Tinderbox, which attracts more than 30.000 guests to the city.

These events are part of an overall strategy to transform Odense into a major and well-known Danish city, where more than 44 mia. DKK in investments will ensure a rapid development in the years to come.

The results will be a more vibrant, innovative and coherent city with a new tramway system, a new university hospital linked to the University of Southern Denmark, a new science park and further development of robotic technology.

For more information on what to experience in our city, take a look at english.odense.dk.

Now, let us enjoy an eventful week with badminton at the highest level here in Odense Idrætshal.

I hope that you will experience everything our city has to offer.

Welcome to Odense!

Peter Rahbæk Juel Mayor of Odense

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Badmintonoplevelser

Bliv bedre til din sport

I mere end 30 år har Holstebro RejseCenter sendt badmintonspillere ud for at repræsentere Danmark ved mesterskaber over hele verden.

Oplev det nye Club La Santa og få verdens bedste aktive ferie i nye og moderne rammer. Mere end 40 aktiviteter, de bedste faciliteter, masser af udstyr, undervisning fra kompetente instruktører og sjove turneringer er til fri disposition og inkluderet i prisen.

træningslejre og klubture

Tilskuerrejser: • All England, Birmingham, marts 2019 UDSOLGT • VM, Basel, august 2019 - se program og tilmelding på vores hjemmeside holstebrorejsecenter.dk Kontakt Mette Sørensen på telefon 96 10 10 57 eller mail badminton@holrc.dk for spørgsmål til vores tilskuerrejser.

under solen på Lanzarote

Der er muligheder og tilbud til alle generationer og niveauer – helt ned til børn på 3 år med den meget populære børneklub ’Play Time’.

Bestil ferien i dag på 76 500 400 eller på clublasanta.dk

PREFACE

DANISA ARE HAPPY TO WELCOME ALL OF YOU HERE IN ODENSE IDRÆTSPARK For us, it’s an honor to be the official sponsor of Badminton Denmark and the top sponsor of this World Tour tournament and world-class event with the best badminton players from around the world on the greatest platform of all.

Last year we used this platform to reveal a historical sponsorship with Badminton Denmark – the biggest sponsorship in Danish badminton history.

OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF BADMINTON DENMARK SINCE 2015 Like Badminton Denmark is a badminton powerhouse, Danisa is a world-class cookie powerhouse, being the leading butter cookie brand in the world.

We feel a strong commitment to the sport and badminton is part of Danisa and our contribution to a healthy lifestyle.

That is why Danisa has a big commitment to badminton so Badminton Denmark with Danisa’s platform can develop more and stronger players in the future and be an inspiration for any young Danish athlete.

Danisa also wants to show a strong commitment to a healthy life style.

Badminton Denmark, Badminton World Federation and all the volunteers who have been working tirelessly to make this event possible deserve a lot of respect and applause. They have made a tremendous work.

Now I’m looking forward to watching all the best badminton players in the world give their best and give you a unique badminton experience.

I wish all the players the best of luck at this year’s DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR and I hope everybody will enjoy this big event.

Erik Bresling CEO at Danish Speciality Foods AAL DK A/S and Danish Speciality Foods CPH DK ApS Danisa

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Prøv avisen i én måned for kun kr. 49,-

Se vilkår på bestilavis.dk/dmo. *Det koster alm. SMS-takst.

Bestilavis.dk/dmo eller send sms “Bestilavis DMO” til 1239*

PREFACE

BWF PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:

DANISA DENMARK OPEN PRESENTED BY VICTOR 16-21 OCTOBER 2018 We are now in the final quarter of our inaugural HSBC BWF World Tour season. By all accounts, the newlook World Tour, launched earlier this year, has been a great success. There is increasing interest from fans all over the world, while players have been able to enjoy better monetary rewards for their efforts.

The DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR is a vital part of the HSBC BWF World Tour. As a Super 750 event, the Denmark Open offers crucial ranking points and impressive prize money of US $ 775,000. Those who are in the running to qualify for the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals will be keen to gain as many ranking points as possible, giving the proceedings an added edge.

The Denmark Open has much to offer besides ranking points and prize money – as one of the oldest badminton tournaments, it has a rich history. Odense is one of the most charming locales for a badminton tournament, and audiences are extremely appreciative of all players regardless of nationality.

I look forward to another memorable edition of the Denmark Open. My heartfelt regards to all the sponsors for their support, and to Badminton Denmark and its team of officials and volunteers, who have

given their time and energy towards making this a successful event.

Poul-Erik Høyer BWF President

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ARTICLE

ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY: A SUCCESSFUL DANISH STARTUP Even though Mathias Christiansen and Christinna Pedersen went out after the first round when they debuted at DANISA DENMARK OPEN 2017 presented by VICTOR, both had a feeling that the partnership could hold something special. Here we rewind time back to where it all began for the constellation, and present some of the couple’s excellent performances in their first year of working together.

BY L A S S E K JÆ R H A N S E N

Training in the weeks leading up to the tournament was going well and Mathias Christiansen felt relaxed enough on the day he was to play in the role of Christinna Pedersen’s new mixed doubles partner in a tournament match for the first time.

Like the female half of the newly-hatched Danish star duo Christiansen found himself primarily in a state of expectation and eager to get onto the court.

ARTICLE

However, upon entering the Odense Sports Hall, a vibrating began that stretched from south of the hips of the 23-year-old talent and down to the floor of the hall.

Shortly thereafter, his legs felt like chattering teeth – restless and increasingly tender.

- When we started warming up on the court and during the first duels of the match, I could really feel the nerves set in. My legs quivered so much that I actually ended up sore in my thighs for several days, says Mathias Christiansen about the debut match against Chinese Zhang Nan and Li Yinhui.

On the court, the staunch young Dane toughed out the nagging feeling in his shaking legs, and ultimately, despite all, the couple managed to deliver an honourable effort against, at the time, the sixth best duo in the world.

Although the final outcome was in favour of the Chinese, it was nevertheless a not-so-disappointed Christinna Pedersen who left the court defeated with >> the scores 19-21, 14-21.

MATHIAS CHRISTIANSEN AND

CHRISTINNA PEDERSEN - Mathias Christiansen is 24 years old and from Bornholm.

- Christinna Pedersen is 32 years old and from Aalborg.

- The couple debuted together at DANISA DENMARK OPEN 2017 presented by VICTOR, and they celebrate their one year anniversary at the tournament this year.

- Since July 2018, both players have played exclusively in mixed doubles.

- In June, the couple reached the top five in the world rankings.

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY:

THE COUPLE’S ACHIEVEMENTS - French Open 2017: Semi-final - China Open 2017: Final - Hong Kong Open 2017: Final - India Open 2018: Winners - All England Open 2018: Semi-final - European Championships 2018: Silver - World Championships 2018: Quarterfinal - Korea Open 2018: Final

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For hver købt flaske går der 2 kr. til talentarbejdet.

Badminton Danmark er stolt medproducent på denne øl.

ARTICLE

- It was a hard draw we got, and on the whole, we didn’t totally know each other on the court yet. I think we did what we could and we succeeded in pushing them really well in the first set, says Christinna Pedersen, who, despite the outcome, remembers the match as a good start.

- I clearly remember that afterwards I had a feeling that there was something good in this partnership.

There were clearly many good things to build on, she says.

Mathias Christiansen was also optimistic once the mistakes he had made in the match were behind him.

- Already when we started to train together, I felt that we had a very good synergy, and when the disappointment after the first defeat had faded, I was pleased with the first set of the match. We got a lot out of that match, and we took the good vibe from there with us, says Mathias Christiansen.

THREE PODIUM PLACES IN SIX WEEKS Within six weeks of the couple’s debut at DANISA DENMARK OPEN 2017 presented by VICTOR, Christiansen and Pedersen were to land two BWF Super Series finals and one semi-final at the China Open, Hong Kong Open and French Open, respectively.

Not long after, at the beginning of the new year, the first Super Series title came home when the couple won the India Open 2018 – just a week before Badminton Denmark hailed Mathias Christiansen as Rising Talent of the Year.

The nerves, which Christiansen had initially encountered in the couple’s debut match, seemed to have disappeared promptly, and with lightning speed the two stars climbed the world rankings.

- We were very quick to find good and solid teamwork, and it really showed in our results in just the first few months. We went in a very positive direction, and our leap forward on the world ranking list has gone faster than I dared hope for, says Christinna Pedersen, supported by her partner.

- I think we were both surprised at how well it went in the beginning. Our India Open victory was my first title at the highest level and it was a big accomplishment for me personally. Of course, Christinna has tried it countless times before, but I’m sure she doesn’t get tired of it, says Mathias Christiansen.

In June, the couple marched to fifth place in the world ranking of the top mixed doubles pairs, and today the two stars look back on several of their joint achievements in their first year in the field with pride.

- I emphasise, among other things, that by the end of the week after reaching the China Open finals we end up fighting our way into yet another final. Those who have tried it before know the amount of resources it requires and I really tip my hat to Mathias. That was two major achievements in 14 days in November last year, says Christinna Pedersen.

- Of course not everything has been a bed of roses with nothing but victories, but overall it has been an enormously positive year for us with a lot of good results and experiences that we can take with us, says Mathias Christiansen.

A STRONG FAITH IN THINGS The couple’s plan is simply to continue riding the wave of great performances they have given over the last 12 months.

- Of course, we would like to do well again this year and continue to develop ourselves. We know we can play for the titles and it gives us a strong faith in things, says Mathias Christiansen.

The fact that both halves of the duo are now exclusively dedicated to the mixed doubles category also gives the couple an opportunity to give themselves fully to the partnership.

- Together with our primary coach, Thomas Stavngaard, we can plan our weeks according to exactly what we need to focus on. I absolutely enjoy being “on” as much as possible, working with Mathias, says Christinna Pedersen with the addition: - We still have a lot to learn – together and individually. But the first year has given us a huge boost, so now we “just” have to work rock solid together and stay at the top.

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DSC_183x127 annonce.pdf

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ARTIKEL

BORNHOLMEREN OG NORDJYDEN: ET FREMRAGENDE FØRSTE ÅR Selvom Mathias Christiansen og Christinna Pedersen røg ud i første runde, da de debuterede til DANISA DENMARK OPEN 2017 presented by VICTOR, havde begge en fornemmelse af, at makkerskabet kunne rumme noget særligt. Vi spoler tiden tilbage til dér, hvor det hele begyndte for bornholmeren og nordjyden, og fremdrager nogle af parrets første års fremragende præstationer.

A F L A S S E K JÆ R H A N S E N

Træningen i ugerne op til var gået godt, og Mathias Christiansen følte sig egentlig rolig nok på dagen, hvor første turneringskamp i rollen som Christinna Pedersens nye mixeddoublemakker skulle løbe af stablen.

Ligesom den kvindelige halvdel af den nyudklækkede danske stjernekonstellation befandt Christiansen sig hovedsageligt i en tilstand af forventningsfuldhed og iver efter komme på banen.

ARTIKEL

I takt med sin entré i Odense Idrætshal begyndte det imidlertid at rumstere fra syd for hofterne og ned til halgulvet på det dengang 23-årige stortalent fra Bornholm.

Kort tid efter føltes benene som klaprende tænder – rastløse og tiltagende møre.

- Da vi gik i gang med opvarmningen på banen og under de første dueller i kampen, kunne jeg virkelig mærke nerverne sætte ind. Mine ben sitrede så meget, at jeg var faktisk endte med at være øm i lårene i flere dage efter, fortæller Mathias Christiansen om debutkampen mod kinesiske Zhang Nan og Li Yinhui.

På banen bed den standhaftige bornholmer de murrende fornemmelser i sine bævrende ben i sig, og ultimativt lykkedes det trods alt parret at levere en hæderlig indsats mod det dengang sjettebedste par i verden.

Selvom facit endte i kinesisk favør, var det alligevel en ikke udpræget skuffet Christinna Pedersen, som >> forlod banen besejret med cifrene 19-21, 14-21.

MATHIAS CHRISTIANSEN OG

CHRISTINNA PEDERSEN - Mathias Christiansen er 24 år gammel og fra Bornholm.

- Christinna Pedersen er 32 år gammel og fra Aalborg.

- Parret debuterede sammen til DANISA DENMARK OPEN 2017 presented by VICTOR, og de kan altså fejre et års jubilæum til turneringen i år.

- Siden juli 2018 har begge spillere udelukkende gjort sig i mixeddouble.

- I juni nåede parret ind i top fem på verdensranglisten.

ET ÅRS JUBILÆUM:

PARRETS PRÆSTATIONER - French Open 2017: Semifinale - China Open 2017: Finale - Hong Kong Open 2017: Finale - India Open 2018: Vinder - All England Open 2018: Semifinale - EM 2018: Sølv - VM 2018: Kvartfinale - Korea Open 2018: Finale

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ARTIKEL

- Det var en svær lodtrækning, vi havde fået, og vi kendte groft sagt ikke hinanden på banen helt endnu.

Jeg syntes, at vi havde gjort, hvad vi kunne, og det lykkedes os da også at presse dem ret godt i første sæt, siger Christinna Pedersen, som på trods af resultatet mindes kampen som en god begyndelse.

- Jeg husker tydeligt, at jeg efterfølgende sad med en fornemmelse af, at der var noget godt i det her makkerskab. Der var helt klart mange gode ting at bygge videre på, siger hun.

Også Mathias Christiansen var optimistisk, efter han fik lagt de fejl, som han havde lavet i kampen, bag sig.

- Allerede da vi begyndte at træne sammen, følte jeg, at vi havde en rigtig god energi, og da skuffelsen efter det første nederlag havde lagt sig, var jeg alligevel glad for særligt kampens første sæt. Vi fik rigtig meget ud af den kamp, og de gode takter derfra tog vi med videre, siger Mathias Christiansen.

Og som sagt, så gjort.

I juni marcherede parret ind på en verdensranglisteplacering blandt de fem bedste mixeddoublepar, og det er da også med stolthed, at de to stjerner i dag ser tilbage på flere af deres fælles præstationer det første år i felten.

- Jeg hæfter mig blandt andet ved, at vi ugen efter at have nået China Open-finalen ender med at kæmpe os til endnu en finale. De, som har prøvet det før, ved, hvor mange ressourcer det kræver, og jeg tager virkelig hatten af for Mathias. Det var to store præstationer på 14 dage i november sidste år, siger Christinna Pedersen.

- Alt har naturligvis ikke været en dans på roser med lutter sejre, men overordnet set har det været et enormt positivt år for os med rigtig mange gode resultater og erfaringer, som vi kan tage med os videre, siger Mathias Christiansen.

EN STÆRK PÅ TRO PÅ TINGENE Parrets plan er da netop også fortsat at ride på den bølge af bravurnumre, de har vist de seneste 12 måneder.

TRE PODIEPLADSER PÅ SEKS UGER Inden for seks uger efter parrets debut til DANISA DENMARK OPEN 2017 presented by VICTOR havde Christiansen og Pedersen landet sig to BWF Super Series-finaler og én semifinale ved henholdsvis China Open, Hong Kong Open og French Open.

Ikke længe efter, i begyndelsen af det nye år, kom første Super Series-titel i hus, da parret vandt India Open 2018 – knap en uge inden Badminton Danmark kårede Mathias Christiansen som Årets Komet.

- Vi vil selvfølgelig gerne gøre det godt igen i år og blive ved med at udvikle os. Vi ved, at vi kan spille med om titlerne, og det giver os en stærk tro på tingene, siger Mathias Christiansen.

At begge halvdele af konstellationen nu udelukkende er dedikeret til mixeddouble-kategorien byder da også parret på muligheden for at give sig fuldt hen til samarbejdet.

Nerverne, som bornholmeren indledningsvis havde mærket i parrets debutkamp, synes at være aftaget omgående, og med lynhast oksede konstellationen op ad verdensranglisten.

- Sammen med vores hovedtræner, Thomas Stavngaard, kan vi planlægge vores uger efter, hvad vi lige præcis har brug for at fokusere på. Jeg nyder at kunne være så meget på som overhovedet muligt over for Mathias, siger Christinna Pedersen med tilføjelsen:

- Vi var meget hurtige til at finde et godt og solidt samarbejde, og det viste sig også i vores resultater allerede de første måneder. Det gik rigtig stærkt i en positiv retning, og vores spring frem på verdensranglisten er gået hurtigere, end jeg havde turdet håbe, siger Christinna Pedersen og suppleres af sin makker.

- Vi har stadig meget at lære – sammen og hver især.

Men første år har i den grad givet os et kæmpe boost, så nu skal vi ”bare” arbejde stenhårdt videre sammen og holde os i toppen.

- Jeg tror, at vi begge var overraskede over, hvor stærkt det gik til at begynde med. Vores sejr til India Open blev min første titel på højeste niveau, og det var virkelig en stor forløsning for mig personligt.

Christinna har selvfølgelig prøvet det utallige gange før, men jeg er helt sikker på, at hun ikke bliver træt af det, siger Mathias Christiansen.

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MIX AND MATCH:

THE CONSUMMATE BADMINTON PLAYERS ACCORDING TO DANISH PLAYERS AND NATIONAL COACHES In the search for the consummate player in each of the five categories we asked Danish players and coaches to give their views on how to assemble five such players based on a number of parameters, including technique, tactics and fitness.

BY S T I N E G R E V E

Over the years, there have been many great badminton players, all of whom have spellbound us with their almost magical skills on the badminton court.

Many of the players who have that ability are gathered right now in Odense, where we can enjoy their splendour.

While you play a little with the idea of how to put together the consummate players in men’s and women’s singles, mixed doubles and men’s and women’s doubles, here are a number of top Danish coaches and players sharing which players they would pick for each category.

But what if you were to put together the consummate player for each category? What would these players look like?

MIX OG MATCH:

DE KOMPLETTE BADMINTONSPILLERE IFØLGE DANSKE SPILLERE OG LANDSTRÆNERE I jagten på den komplette spiller i hver af de fem kategorier har vi bedt de danske spillere og trænere om at give deres bud på, hvordan de ud fra en række parametre, blandt andet teknik, taktik og kondition, ville sammensætte sådanne fem spillere.

AF STINE GREVE

Gennem tiderne har der været mange store badmintonspillere, som alle har tryllebundet os med deres næsten magiske evner på en badmintonbane.

Mange af de spillere, som i dag har den evne, er lige nu samlet her i Odense, hvor vi kan nyde godt af deres lækkerier.

Men hvad nu, hvis man legede med tanken om at sammensætte den komplette spiller i hver kategori? Hvordan ville de spillere så se ud?

Mens du leger lidt med tanken om, hvordan du selv ville sammensætte den komplette spiller i herre- og damesingle, mixeddouble samt herre- og damedouble, så får du her en række af de danske landstræneres og de danske profilers bud på, hvordan de ville sammensætte spillerne, hvis de havde frit valg på alle hylder.

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THE CONSUMMATE MEN’S SINGLES PLAYER

Hans-Kristian Solberg Vittinghus is one of the world’s best badminton players. Nevertheless, he now and then glares with envy at some of the other top players’ special abilities. Here he and Kenneth Jonassen, national head coach, pick out the best of the best and each submits his bid for the perfect men’s singles.

BY L A S S E K JÆ R H A N S E N

MENTALITY Hans-Kristian: Lin Dan has shown over many years that when it really counts he manages to make the right choices and not be affected by the situation.

Kenneth: For me, mentality is about how to come through when the game is not working and to come back. Both Kento Momota and Viktor Axelsen have proven that you don’t have to play perfectly to win.

ENDURANCE Hans-Kristian: I don’t recall, that I’ve seen Chen Long go cold many times. I’ve lost a relatively high number of matches to him – also some three-setters, he’s steady all the way.

Kenneth: We saw an example of Kento Momota’s physical ability at the Indonesia Open.

Less than a week after losing the final in the Malaysia Open, he was already playing against Srikanth Wednesday. He came far behind after losing first set but still found a way to outrun his opponent.

TECHNIQUE/FEEL Hans-Kristian: Kento Momota just has a really good feel with the ball, especially in the forecourt.

Kenneth: Momota’s touch around the forecourt and his lift are completely unique. There’s not anyone in the world, who really challenges him on that account now.

FOREHAND Hans-Kristian: Although Viktor is most dangerous from the back-boundary line, when he really whacks it with the forehand he can hit with an incredible steepness, unlike most right-handed players.

Kenneth: Lee Chong Wei’s choices on the hitting side are unique. He has deception, fast winding and an arsenal of different shots. Only few players have the same options.

LEGWORK Hans-Kristian: I think Kento Momota has extremely fluid leg work. He moves economically well while at the same time making the play appear easy. I would like to imitate that, but it’s probably easier said than done.

Kenneth: I think that Kidambi Srikanth has exceptionally wonderful leg work. It’s very elegant, very bouncy, and he is hard to catch off balance.

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TACTICAL INGENUITY Hans-Kristian: I’m not very keen to say so, but Anders Antonsen is incredibly game intelligent. He is able to make different game plans, depending on who he meets.

Kenneth: It may well be that he is not in exactly the right place just now, but Lin Dan is, in my view, the smartest player of all time.

In the best version of himself, Lin Dan almost never hits a stroke, he can’t follow up.

POWER Hans-Kristian: Lee Chong Wei may look thin, but there is some serious power behind his stroke. Viktor Axelsen was also a possibility here, but I think Wei hits a smidge harder.

Kenneth: There is no one else in the world who has the same power as Viktor Axelsen. Here, I’m thinking both of his attack strength and his ability to shoot his way out.

BACKHAND Hans-Kristian: First, Prannoy has insanely good power in his backhand smash. In addition, he can stylish hit good aerials, good clears and most shots in general.

Kenneth: Viktor Axelsen has so many possibilities with the backhand. He can hit all sorts both far down back, and with good short crosses up front as well as shoot his way out relatively easily.

SPEED Hans-Kristian: I played against Anthony

Ginting in January, and I have to say I’ve never experienced anyone so fast from the backcourt.

Kenneth: I think Ginting is quite wild in the speed category. I don’t believe there are many others who are faster from A to B than he is. He compensates well for his size and plays with an exceptional speed.

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DEN KOMPLETTE HERRESINGLE

Hans-Kristian Solberg Vittinghus er selv en af verdens bedste badmintonspillere. Alligevel kan han i ny og næ skele med misundelse efter nogle af de øvrige topspilleres særlige evner. Her plukker han og cheflandstræner Kenneth Jonassen det bedste fra de bedste og giver hver deres design af en perfekt herresingle.

A F L A S S E K JÆ R H A N S E N

MENTALITET Hans-Kristian: Lin Dan har vist igennem rigtig mange år, at når det gælder, så formår han at træffe de rigtige valg og ikke lade sig påvirke af situationen.

Kenneth: For mig handler det mentale om, hvordan man kommer igennem, når spillet ikke kører samt evnen til comeback. Både Kento Momota og Viktor Axelsen har bevist, at man ikke behøver at spille perfekt for at vinde.

UDHOLDENHED Hans-Kristian: Jeg husker ikke, at jeg har set Chen Long gå kold mange gange i sin karriere. Jeg har tabt forholdsvist mange kampe til ham, og jeg synes sgu, at han er ret stabil.

Kenneth: Et godt eksempel på Momotas fysiske kunnen så vi til Indonesia Open. Onsdag, ugen efter at have tabt finalen til Malaysia Open, spiller han mod Srikanth, kommer langt bagud efter at have tabt første sæt, men finder alligevel en måde at løbe sin modstander ned.

TEKNIK/FEELING Hans-Kristian: Kento Momota har bare en virkelig god føling med bolden, især på forbanen.

Kenneth: Momotas touch inde omkring forbanen og hans løft er helt unikt. Der er ikke rigtig nogen i verden, der helt udfordrer ham på det punkt i øjeblikket. De ligger der hver gang.

FORHÅND Hans-Kristian: Selvom Viktor er klart farligst i sin baghåndsside fra baglinjen, så kan han i forhånden slå bolden med en utrolig stejlhed og power, som ikke mange kan matche.

Kenneth: Lee Chong Weis valgmuligheder på slagsiden er helt unikke. Han har maskeringer, hurtig afvikling og adskillige slag at tage i brug.

BENARBEJDE Hans-Kristian: Jeg synes, at Kento Momota har et ekstremt flydende benarbejde. Han bevæger sig økonomisk godt, mens det ser legende let ud. Det ville jeg gerne kunne efterligne, men det er nok lettere sagt end gjort.

Kenneth: Jeg synes, at Kidambi Srikanth har et exceptionelt lækkert benarbejde. Det er meget elegant, meget bouncy, og han er svær at fange ude af balance.

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TAKTIK Hans-Kristian: Jeg er ikke meget for at sige det, men Anders Antonsen er utroligt spilintelligent. Han formår at lægge forskellige spilplaner, alt efter hvem han skal møde.

Kenneth: Det kan godt være, at han måske ikke er det helt rigtige sted lige nu, men ellers er Lin Dan i min optik den gennem tiden klogeste spiller. I den bedste udgave af sig selv slår han nærmest aldrig et slag, han ikke kan løbe op.

POWER Hans-Kristian: Det kan godt være, at Lee Chong Wei ser slank ud, men der er seriøst noget power bag hans slag.

Axelsen var også et bud, men jeg tror, at Wei slår et my hårdere.

Kenneth: Der er for mig ingen tvivl her.

Ingen anden på verdensplan har den samme power, som Viktor Axelsen har.

Her jeg tænker jeg både på angrebsstyrke og evnen til at slå sig fri.

BAGHÅND Hans-Kristian: Prannoy har for det første en sindssygt god power i sit baghåndssmash. Derudover kan han stilrent slå gode trukne, gode clearer og generelt de fleste slag.

Kenneth: Viktor Axelsen har så

mange muligheder med baghånden. Han kan slå alle slag både langt nede bag fra og med gode korte krydser oppe foran, og han kan slå sig fri relativt nemt.

SPEED Hans-Kristian: Jeg spillede mod Anthony

Ginting i januar, og jeg må sige, at jeg aldrig har oplevet nogen så hurtig fra bagbanen og frem.

Kenneth: Jeg synes, at Ginting er ret vild på

hurtighedskontoen. Jeg tror ikke på, at der er mange, der er hurtigere fra A til B, end han er. Han kompenserer godt for sin størrelse og spiller exceptionelt hurtigt.

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THE CONSUMMATE

WOMEN’S SINGLES PLAYER In the women’s singles category, Denmark’s highest ranked women’s singles player, Mia Blichfeldt, makes her voice heard. Next comes assistant national coach Kim Nielsen, who is responsible for the women’s singles, also with his bid for the consummate women’s singles player.

BY S T I N E G R E V E

MENTALITY Mia: Here I choose Carolina Marin. She is a little reckless, and is very quick to decide which way she wants to go.

Kim: Here I choose Tai Tzu Ying because she exhibited mental surplus in 2018 to a high degree. Regardless of the task or opponent, there haven’t been many lapses, and those that happened were quickly eliminated.

TECHNIQUE/FEEL Mia: I definitely choose Tai Tzu Ying. Her net game and strokes from the backline bear the mark of how technically proficient she is and how good her feel is.

Kim: It has to be Ratchanok. She has a really nice technique and masters practically all sorts of shots. That, spiced with a super feel, makes her a truly appealing badminton player.

FOREHAND Mia: I played against Ratchanok in the World Cup, and I think she has some amazingly good feints from her low forehand. Her crosscut is especially good, so I choose her.

Kim: This is a hard one, since all the players can hit a sensible forehand.

The vote goes to Carolina Marin, who is rather forehand-oriented.She has a lot of weapons and tricks which she uses to control the game.

LEGWORK Mia: Here I choose Tai Tzu Ying, because she moves with such stability. In fact, I also think Marin does, but it’s a bit faster, whereas Tai Tzu Ying has a good flow and makes it look easy.

Kim: Okuhara from Japan moves tremendously rhythmically and her rapid foot shift as well as the first push off is a true pleasure. Therefore, my vote is for her.

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TACTICAL INGENUITY Mia: I think He Bingjiao is a very clever player.

She looks a little lazy when she plays, but she still manages to control whatever comes from the opponent because she reads the game well.

Kim: Here my vote lands on He Bingjiao. She is a bit on the heavy side, but has a unique ability to pull down the pace of the game and shots so that her opponent has to create the game, and thus she earns some time.

FITNESS Mia: I choose Sindhu because she’s really good at bearing down. Even though she gets tired and stands like an ostrich with her head down, she delivers anyway.

Kim: Here I have also chosen Sindhu.

She uses a lot of strength in the game, but it doesn’t shake her, and she continues undaunted, even though we surpass 70 minutes, battle after battle.

BACKHAND Mia: I’ve actually chosen Akane Yamaguchi because she’s really good at coming in and taking it round-thehead, from where she’s really lethal.

Among other things, she has a really well-held drop, where you break your legs a little bit every time you try to get it.

Kim: Tai Tzu Ying wins the backhand, which she, for all intents and purposes, masters. She can shoot her way out, put the speed on, play the angles, and much more.

SPEED Mia: Here I want to be a little cheeky and insert myself, because I think one of my qualities is that I’m fast.

Kim: Yamaguchi is another small Japa-nese player.

Her legwork technique is not like Okuhara’s, but more frequently involves running legwork, where speed compensates for some of the technique, so I choose Yamaguchi when it comes to speed.

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DEN KOMPLETTE

DAMESINGLESPILLER I damesinglekategorien er det Danmarks højst placerede damesinglespiller, Mia Blichfeldt, der giver sit besyv med, og så kommer assisterende landstræner Kim Nielsen, som har ansvaret for damesinglerne, også med sit bud på den komplette damesinglespiller.

AF STINE GREVE

MENTALITET Mia: Her vælger jeg Carolina Marin. Hun er lidt fandenivoldsk, og hun er meget fast besluttet på, hvilken vej hun vil gå.

Kim: Her vælger jeg Tai Tzu Ying, fordi hun i den grad har vist mentalt overskud i 2018. Uanset opgave eller modstander, så har der ikke været mange udfald, og dem, der har været, er hurtigt blevet elimineret.

TEKNIK/FEELING Mia: Her vælger jeg helt klart Tai Tzu Ying. Hendes netspil og slag fra baglinjen bærer meget præg af, hvor teknisk dygtig hun er, og hvor god feeling hun har.

Kim: Det må blive Ratchanok. Hun har en rigtig lækker teknik og behersker stort set alle slag. Det, krydret med en super føling, gør hende til en rigtig seværdig badmintonspiller.

FORHÅND Mia: Jeg spillede mod Ratchanok til VM, og jeg synes, at hun har nogle helt vildt gode maskeringer nede fra hendes forhånd. Specielt hendes krydscut er virkelig godt, så derfor vælger jeg hende.

Kim: Det er en svær en, da alle spillere jo kan slå en fornuftig forhånd.

Valget falder på Carolina Marin, som er ret forhåndsorienteret. Hun har især mange våben og maskeringer i de dueller, hvor hun er spilstyrende.

BENARBEJDE Mia: Her vælger jeg Tai Tzu Ying, for hun bevæger sig rimelig stabilt. Det synes jeg faktisk også, at Marin gør, men det er lidt mere hurtigt, hvorimod Tai Tzu Ying har et godt flow og får det til at se ret nemt ud.

Kim: Okuhara fra Japan bevæger sig enormt rytmisk og hendes hurtige fodskift samt første tryk afsted er en sand fornøjelse. Derfor falder mit valg på hende.

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TAKTISK SNILDE Mia: Jeg synes, at He Bingjiao er en meget klog spiller. Hun ser lidt doven ud, når hun spiller, men alligevel har hun godt styr på, hvad der kommer fra modstanderen, fordi hun læser spillet godt.

Kim: Her falder mit valg på He Bingjiao. Hun er lidt til den tunge side, men har en unik evne til at trække tempoet ud af spillet og slagene, så modstanderen selv skal skabe spillet, og hun dermed tjener lidt tid.

KONDITION Mia: Jeg vælger Sindhu, fordi hun virkelig er god til at æde sig selv. Selvom hun er træt og står som en struds med hovedet nedad, så bliver hun altså bare ved.

Kim: Her har jeg også valgt Sindhu.

Hun bruger rigtig mange kræfter i spillet, men det ryster hende ikke, og hun fortsætter ufortrødent, selvom vi passerer +70min kamp efter kamp.

BAGHÅND Mia: Her har jeg faktisk valgt Akane Yamaguchi, fordi hun er virkelig god til at komme ind og tage den i roundthe-head, hvorfra hun er rigtig giftig.

Blandt andet har hun et virkelig godt holdt drop, hvor man knækker benene en lille smule, hver gang man skal forsøge at hente det.

Kim: Tai Tzu Ying får baghånden, som hun i den grad mestrer. Hun kan både slå sig fri, tage fart ud, spille vinkler og meget mere.

HURTIGHED Mia: Her vil jeg gerne være lidt fræk og sætte mig selv på, for jeg synes, at en af mine kvaliteter er, at jeg er hurtig.

Kim: Yamaguchi er endnu en lille Japaner.

Hendes benarbejdsteknik er ikke som Okuharas, men oftere løbebenarbejde, hvor hurtighed kompenserer for noget af det tekniske, så derfor vælger jeg Yamaguchi når det kommer til hurtighed.

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THE CONSUMMATE

MEN’S DOUBLES PLAYER With primary focus on men’s doubles, Jakob Høi, Danish national coach, has clear views on what qualities a perfect men’s doubles player must master. And apparently, he is seeming to agree with defending European men’s doubles champion Kim Astrup. Get wiser with each nomination they name for the most sterling men’s doubles player.

BY L A S S E K JÆ R H A N S E N

MENTALITY Jakob: Zhang Nan is, in short, the best mentally. He has the courage to both hold an insistent tactic, and then he trusts that 80 percent and stable play is enough in the end.

Kim: Zhang Nan has won the Olympics twice and has a bronze to his name. He shows time and time again that, when it counts, he’s there.

POWER Jakob: Liu Cheng has movements that are enormously explosive, and in addition, he is in a special class when it comes to generating powerful shots from outer positions.

Kim: A muscle bundle without compare: Liu Cheng. He is crazily strong, and he hits really hard. In addition, he can continue pounding to infinity.

BACKCOURT Jakob: The perfect backcourt player must possess variety, precision and power.

Despite the fact that Liu Cheng tactically and technically is a slightly edgy player, his contribution of power and explosive movement is of great value to his partner. Mads Kolding’s smash must also be mentioned here, because it means a whole lot to hit harder than anyone else.

Kim: Goh V Shem has a crazy strike on his backcourt strike, and he is so crazily elastic.

He has such thin legs, yet he can get a soar on without compare, and he’s just crazily dangerous from the backcourt.

SPEED/AGILITY Jakob: Kevin Sukamuljo is fast in not only a physical sense. He possesses an exceptional perceptivity, but at the same time he works explosively physically. He is immensely fast, moving intuitively to the net from the defensive and the centre court without losing his perspective.

Kim: I’m going with Keigo Sonoda. He is like a the Duracell bunny – can keep going and going, and then he’s incredibly lithe and fast.

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MIDCOURT/DEFENCE Jakob: Zhang Nan is the most consummate player here. He has perspective, variations, and his power and technique, especially from the backhand, is feared and respected in both men’s and mixed doubles.

Kim: Goh V Shem has an insanely good defence, and he is beautifully relaxed in it.

FORECOURT Jakob: Kevin Sukamuljo has a keen sense when it comes to playing close to the net. With reactive speed and a large arsenal of technical and powerful solutions, Sukamuljo, in my view, is the leading player here.

Kim: Kevin Sukamuljo is really dangerous, has many tricks, is so fast and good at reading the game.

SERVE SITUATION Jakob: Mathias Boe is consistent when it comes to delivering both a good service and a good return. He guarantees initiative immediately after his own shot. Tactically and technically Boe is better than anyone else at serving into an advantageous third ball.

Kim: On his good days, Boe is one of the world’s absolute best in the serving situation. He is extremely good at reading the game and getting the game onto his own terms.

MOVEMENT Jakob: Mohammad Ahsan has the ability, above all, to work extremely explosively with directional shifts several times in a row. In addition, he’s good at keeping the initiative and increase the pressure.

Kim: I think I myself have a fine, adroit movement. I am relatively versatile in my export, can move well all over the court.

It may be that I don’t hit so hard, but I still come through from the backcourt.

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DEN KOMPLETTE

HERREDOUBLESPILLER Den danske landstræner med primær fokus på herredoublerne, Jakob Høi, har klare holdninger til, hvilke egenskaber en komplet herredoublespiller skal mestre, og han er tilsyneladende relativt enig med Kim Astrup. Bliv klogere på hver deres udgave af den helstøbte herredoublespiller her.

A F L A S S E K JÆ R H A N S E N

MENTALITET Jakob: Zhang Nan er kort sagt den bedste mentalt. Han har modet til både at holde insisterende fast i en taktik, og så tror han på, at 80 procent og stabilt spil er nok, når det gælder.

Kim: Zhang Nan har vundet OL to gange og har desuden en bronze på kappen. Han viser gang på gang, at når det gælder, så er han der.

POWER Jakob: Liu Cheng har bevægelser, der er enormt eksplosive, og desuden er han i særklasse, når det kommer til at generere kraftfulde slag fra yderpositioner.

Kim: Et muskelbundt uden lige: Liu Cheng. Han er vanvittigt stærk, slår rigtig hårdt og kan blive ved.

BAGBANE Jakob: Den perfekte bagbanespiller skal besidde variation, præcision og power. Selv om Liu Cheng taktisk og teknisk er en lidt kantet spiller, så er hans power og eksplosive bevægelighed af stor værdi for makkeren. Mads Koldings smash skal også nævnes her, for det betyder en hel del at kunne slå hårdere end alle andre.

Kim: Goh V Shem har et vildt træf på sine bagbaneslag, og så er han vanvittigt spændstig. Han har så tynde stænger, men alligevel kan han få et svæv på uden lige, og så er han bare vanvittigt farlig fra bag fra.

HURTIGHED/AGILITY Jakob: Kevin Sukamuljo er ikke blot fysisk hurtig. Han besidder både en exceptionel opfattelsesevne og arbejder samtidig fysisk eksplosivt. Han er enormt hurtig til intuitivt at rykke frem til nettet fra defensiven og mellembanen uden at miste overblikket.

Kim: Jeg går med Keigo Sonoda. Han er som en Duracell-kanin - kan blive ved og ved med at arbejde, og så er han sygt spændstig og hurtig.

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MELLEMBANE/DEFENSIV Jakob: Zhang Nan er den mest komplette spiller her. Han har overblik, variationer, og så er hans power og teknik fra særligt baghåndssiden frygtet og respekteret i både herre- og mixeddouble. Carsten Mogensen er også teknisk med her, og på baggrund af sin power og hurtighed kunne jeg også have gået med Mads Conrad-Petersen.

Kim: Goh V Shem har en sindssygt god defensiv, og han står dejlig roligt i den. Det ser enormt lækkert ud. På mellembanen synes jeg godt nok, at Zhang Nan er farligere, men jeg vælger Goh her.

FORBANE Jakob: Kevin Sukamuljo har en skarp føling, når det kommer til at spille helt tæt til nettet, og over hovedet er han en hurtig afvikler. Med en reaktiv hurtighed og et stort arsenal af tekniske og powerfulde løsninger er han i min optik den ledende spiller her.

Kim: Kevin Sukamuljo er rigtig farlig, har mange maskeringer, og så er han pissehurtig og god til at læse spillet.

Kort sagt en komplet forbanespiller.

SERVESITUATION Jakob: Mathias Boe er stabil, når det kommer til at levere både en god serv og en god retur. Det betyder, at han garanterer initiativ umiddelbart efter sine egne slag. Taktisk og teknisk formår Boe bedre end nogen anden at serve sig ind i en fordelagtig tredjebold.

Kim: På sine gode dage er Boe en af verdens absolut bedste i servesituationen. Han er enormt god til at læse spillet og få spillet over på sine egne præmisser.

BEVÆGELSE Jakob: Mohammad Ahsan arbejder yderst eksplosivt med flere retningsskift i streg. Desuden er han god til at holde initiativet og øge presset på sine modstandere.

Kim: Jeg synes, at jeg selv har en rigtig fin, adræt bevægelse, og at jeg er relativt alsidig i min udførsel.

Det kan godt være, at jeg ikke slår så hårdt, men jeg kommer stadig igennem nede fra bagbanen.

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THE CONSUMMATE

WOMEN’S DOUBLES PLAYER Thomas Stavngaard, from the coaching staff, has been reflecting on how to put together the consummate player in the women’s doubles category, and is joined by Denmark’s best women’s doubles players, Maiken Fruergaard and Sara Thygesen.

BY S T I N E G R E V E

MENTALITY Sara and Maiken: Here we choose Huang Yaqiong. She is very relaxed, always has the same facial expression and gets cold and cynical only when she is on the court.

She doesn’t seem like someone you can shake.

Thomas: I think that Polii from Indonesia deserves it. She really just trucks on out there, and she just gets down to it. She’s mentally strong and keeps on fighting.

TECHNIQUE/FEEL Sara and Maiken: There is no doubt that it should be Kamilla Rytter Juhl.

She has multiple variations and can do so much, and then she has the ability to put the shuttle where it hurts.

Thomas: I choose Indonesian Apriyani Rahayu, who plays with Polii, because I really think she can do some brilliant things.

FOREHAND Sara and Maiken: We think Chang Ye Na is the obvious choice here. She is a good badminton player with good technique in the forehand. She can do many fantastic things and has good variations.

Thomas: Even though she’s now retired, I choose Kamilla Rytter Juhl, because I think she’s the best women’s doubles player.

LEGWORK Sara and Maiken: Here we go with Takahashi. She has solid legwork that lets her do everything without it necessarily looking good, but it is effective.

Thomas: Again, I would like to nominate the Japanese players. One example would be Hirota. I don’t know if she moves better than the other Japanese, but she moves well in any event.

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TACTICAL INGENUITY Sara and Maiken: We have always admired Christinna Pedersen, who is tactically sharp about the serving situation in particular. She and Kamilla have won many matches just by being good at exactly that.

Thomas: I think Matsutomo from Japan deserves to stand here because she’s really just a sly fox.

FITNESS Sara and Maiken: Fukushima and Hirota can really just make it happen.

Of the two, Hirota works the most, so it’s her we choose.

Thomas: I’m in danger of repeating myself, but Japan, Japan, Japan. I cannot really highlight one player over the others.

BACKHAND Sara and Maiken: It’s not, in any case, a Japanese player who stands here, because that’s really a tennis backhand, and for us it’s not a fantastic backhand. Our choice is Apriyani Rahayu because she has a very good technique with backhand from the middle court and can hit with many feints, and she can also hit just fine without a tennis backhand.

Thomas: Again, Kamilla Rytter Juhl is simply the best women’s doubles player, so in the backhand category, also, I would choose her every single time.

SPEED Sara and Maiken: Here we definitely choose Higashino from Japan. She is completely wild and she really offers something extra and something new. She’s really fast, bounces around, jump smashes and makes it all look easy.

Thomas: Here I’d really like to choose all four of the top Japanese women’s doublers. They are all amazingly fast and it is difficult to single one out.

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DEN KOMPLETTE

DAMEDOUBLESPILLER I damedouble er det Thomas Stavngaard, der fra trænerteamet har gjort sig nogle overvejelser omkring den komplette spiller, mens vi også har haft fat i Danmarks bedste damedouble, Maiken Fruergaard og Sara Thygesen.

AF STINE GREVE

MENTALITET Sara og Maiken: Her vælger vi Huang Yaqiong. Hun er meget rolig, har altid det samme ansigtsudtryk og virker bare kold og kynisk, når hun står på banen. Hun virker ikke som en, man kan ryste.

Thomas: Jeg synes, at Polii fra Indonesien fortjener den. Hun arbejder virkelig bare derudad, og hun bliver bare ved. Hun er stærk mentalt og bliver ved med at kæmpe.

TEKNIK/FEELING Sara og Maiken: Der er ingen tvivl om, at det skal være Kamilla Rytter Juhl.

Hun har mange variationer og kan mange ting, og så har hun bare teknikken til at lægge boldene der, hvor det gør rigtig ondt.

Thomas: Jeg vælger indonesiske Apriyani Rahayu, som spiller sammen med Polii, for jeg synes virkelig, at hun kan nogle fede ting.

FORHÅND Sara og Maiken: Vi synes, at Chang Ye Na er oplagt her. Hun er en god badmintonspiller med god teknik i forhånden. Hun kan mange lækre ting og har gode variationer.

Thomas: Selvom hun jo nu er stoppet, så vælger jeg altså Kamilla Rytter Juhl, for jeg synes, at hun er den bedste damedoublespiller.

BENARBEJDE Sara og Maiken: Her går vi med Takahashi. Hun har et solidt benarbejde, hvor hun når alt, uden det nødvendigvis ser godt ud, men det er effektivt.

Thomas: Igen vil jeg gerne have fat i Japanerne. Et eksempel kunne være Hirota. Jeg ved ikke, om hun bevæger sig bedre end de andre japanere, men hun bevæger sig i hvert fald godt.

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TAKTISK SNILDE Sara og Maiken: Vi har altid beundret Christinna Pedersen, som især er taktisk skarp omkring servesituationen. Hende og Kamilla har vundet mange kampe på at være så gode lige netop der.

Thomas: Jeg synes, at Matsutomo fra Japan fortjener at stå her, for hun er virkelig bare en snu ræv.

KONDITION Sara og Maiken: Fukushima og Hirota kan virkelig bare blive ved. Af de to er det Hirota, der arbejder mest, så det bliver hende, vi vælger.

Thomas: Jeg gentager næsten mig selv, men Japan, Japan, Japan. Jeg kan ikke rigtig fremhæve en frem for de andre.

BAGHÅND Sara og Maiken: Det er i hvert fald ikke en japaner, der skal stå her, for det er virkelig sådan en tennisbaghånd, og for os er det ikke en lækker baghånd. Vores valg er Apriyani Rahayu, fordi hun har en rigtig god teknik med baghånden fra mellembanen og kan slå med mange maskeringer, og så kan hun også godt slå den væk, uden det er en tennisbaghånd.

Thomas: Igen, Kamilla Rytter Juhl er simpelthen bare den bedste damedoublespiller, så i baghånden vil jeg til hver en tid også vælge hende.

HURTIGHED Sara og Maiken: Her vælger vi helt klart Higashino fra Japan. Hun er ret vild, og hun kommer virkelig med noget ekstra og noget nyt. Hun er rigtig hurtig, springer rundt, laver hopsmash og får det hele til at se virkelig let ud.

Thomas: Her vil jeg egentlig bare gerne vælge de fire bedste japanske damedoubler. De er alle sammen helt vildt hurtige, og det er svært at udvælge nogen.

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THE CONSUMMATE

MIXED DOUBLES PLAYER In the mixed doubles category we have consulted with Denmark’s best mixed doubles players Mathias Christiansen and Christinna Pedersen, along with national coach Thomas Stavngaard, who is responsible for the Danish mixed doubles. Here you will get their nominations for the consummate mixed doubles player.

BY S T I N E G R E V E

MENTALITY Mathias and Christinna: Our choice is Lin Dan. He has won many of the big titles and matches, and overall he seems to be just enormously cool-headed.

Thomas: I think it ought to go to Tontowi Ahmad, because of his willingness to work hard and keep up.

TECHNIQUE/FEEL Mathias and Christinna: Without a doubt Natsir. She has a really good touch at the net and on the court in general.

Thomas: Again my choice is Liliyana Natsir. The way she can just play badminton standing goes together with the totally amazing technique she has.

FOREHAND Mathias and Christinna: Here we’ve chosen Tontowi Ahmad, who we think has a good forehand when he comes to centre court in a mixed double.

Thomas: I think it should go to Praveen Jordan. He makes a good smash, a good drop and he has good variation in everything he does.

LEGWORK Mathias and Christinna: This one, at least, we don’t take for ourselves, but choose Kento Momota because he just has killer legwork, and at the same time looks like someone who hardly uses any effort.

Thomas: Just as with speed, I stay put with Zheng Siwei, and he also gets this one more for speed than for elegance. You often think: that one there, he’ll never get it, but then he just comes flying.

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TACTICAL INGENUITY Mathias: No matter what, it’s not a singles player that gets to stand here! I actually think we should choose Christinna. She is a seasoned player with a good tactical sense.

Thomas: Here I go with Liliyana Natsir. She’s impressive in relation to her limited mobility, and you have to take your hat off to her that she was number one in the world when she re-set her career.

FITNESS Mathias and Christinna: There are many who can just go and go. Some of the women’s singles seem like they prefer not to play for less than 70 minutes, but in the end, our choice has to be on Chen Long.

Especially because of how he played at the Olympic Games in Rio. Thomas: Here I’ve chosen Chris Adcock because he is one of those players who just keeps going and because he has the patience to keep building. He knows he can’t hit wildly, because then he’d sacrifice Gabby.

BACKHAND Mathias and Christinna: Here we are in no doubt that it should be Zhang Nan. In addition to power, he also has a very good feint from his backhand.

When we meet him, we are always very alert when we play him in the backhand because he can do so many different things.

Thomas I’ll hedge here, and choose both Zheng Siwei and Zhang Nan. Zheng Siwei, because he’s simply so fast on the backhand, that you’re just blinded by it, and Zhang Nan because on top of having a lot of power, he plays a little more until the right chance is there. He is far from being as aggressive as Zheng Siwei, but is slightly more thoughtful.

SPEED Christinna: Zheng Siwei is insanely quick and explosive, but in fact I immediately think that Mathias should be here. Some of what we survive on in our mixeds is Mathias’ speed and explosion.

Thomas: I think Zheng Siwei gets this, because he’s just so insanely fast on the shuttle and he’s extremely explosive.

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DEN KOMPLETTE

MIXEDDOUBLESPILLER I mixeddoublekategorien har vi rådført os med Danmarks bedste mixeddouble, Mathias Christiansen og Christinna Pedersen, og med landstræner Thomas Stavngaard, som har ansvaret for de danske mixeddoubler. Her får du deres bud på den komplette mixeddoublespiller.

AF STINE GREVE

MENTALITET Mathias og Christinna: Her falder vores valg på Lin Dan. Han har vundet mange af de store titler og kampe, og han virker i det hele taget bare enormt kølig.

Thomas: Jeg synes, at den bør gå til Tontowi Ahmad både grundet hans villighed til at arbejde hårdt, og blive ved med det.

TEKNIK/FEELING Mathias og Christinna: Uden tvivl Natsir. Hun har et virkelig godt touch på nettet og på forbanen helt generelt.

Thomas: Mit valg falder også på Liliyana Natsir. Den måde hun bare kan spille bold stående hænger jo sammen med den helt vanvittige teknik, hun har.

FORHÅND Mathias og Christinna: Her har vi valgt Tontowi Ahmad, som vi synes har en rigtig god forhånd, når han kommer på mellembanen i en mixeddouble.

Thomas: Jeg synes, at den skal gå til Praveen Jordan. Han slår et godt smash, et godt drop og han har god variation i alt, hvad han laver.

BENARBEJDE Mathias og Christinna: Denne her tager vi i hvert fald ikke selv, men vælger derimod Kento Momota, fordi han bare har et rockerfedt benarbejde, og samtidig ligner en, der ikke bruger ret mange kræfter.

Thomas: Ligesom med hurtighed, så holder jeg her på Zheng Siwei, og han får den altså også mere på fart end på elegance. Det er tit, at man tænker, at dén der, den når han ikke, men så kommer han bare flyvende.

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TAKTISK SNILDE Mathias: Det er i hvert fald ikke en singlespiller, der skal stå her! Jeg synes faktisk, at vi skal vælge Christinna. Hun er en garvet spiller med en god taktisk sans.

Thomas: Her går jeg med Liliyana Natsir. Hun er imponerende i forhold til sin begrænsede bevægelighed, og man må tage hatten af for, at hun lå nummer et i verden, da hun indstillede karrieren.

KONDITION Mathias og Christinna: Der er mange, som bare kan blive ved og ved. Nogle af damesinglerne virker jo til, at de helst ikke vil spiller under 70 minutter, men i sidste ende falder vores valg på Chen Long. Især som vi så ham til OL i Rio. Thomas: Her har jeg valgt Chris Adcock, fordi han er en af dem, som bare kan blive ved, og fordi han har tålmodigheden til at blive ved med at bygge op. Han ved godt, at han ikke kan slå for vildt, for så kommer han til at sælge Gabby.

BAGHÅND Mathias og Christinna: Her er vi slet ikke i tvivl om, at det skal være Zhang Nan. Ud over power har han også rigtig gode maskeringer fra sin baghånd. Når vi møder ham, så er vi altid meget opmærksomme, når vi spiller ham i baghånden, fordi han kan så mange forskellige ting.

Thomas: Jeg har lidt fidus til både Zheng Siwei og Zhang Nan. Zheng Siwei, fordi han simpelthen er så hurtigt på den i baghånden, at du bare bliver blitzet af den, og Zhang Nan, fordi han udover at have meget power spiller lidt mere, indtil den rigtige chance er der. Han er langt fra så aggressiv som Zheng Siwei, men er den lidt mere velovervejede type.

HURTIGHED Christinna: Zheng Siwei er sindssygt hurtig og eksplosiv, men umiddelbart tænker jeg faktisk, at det bør være Mathias, der står her. Noget af det, som vi lever på i vores mixer er Mathias’ hurtighed og eksplosion.

Thomas: Jeg synes, at Zheng Siwei skal have den her, for han er simpelthen bare så sindssygt hurtig på bolden, og så er han ekstremt eksplosiv.

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FORMER

WINNERS You can see all the previous winners since 1935 on denmarkopen.dk

2017-2018 Odense US$ 750.000,-

2014-2015 Odense US$ 600.000,-

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

Kidambi Srikanth, India Ratchanok Intanon, Thailand Liu Cheng / Zhang Nan, China Lee So Hee / Shin Seung Chan, Korea Tang Chun Man / Tse Ying Suet, Hong Kong

Chen Long, China Li Xuerui, China Fu Haifeng/Zhang Nan, China Wang Xiaoli/Yu Yang, China Xu Chen/Ma Jin, China

2016-2017 Odense USD 700.000,-

2013-2014 US$ 400.000,-

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk, Thailand Akane Yamaguchi, Japan Shem V Goh / Kiong Wee Tan, Malaysia Misaki Matsutomo / Ayaka Takahashi, Japan Joachim Fischer / Christinna Pedersen, Denmark

Chen Long, China Wang Yihan, China Lee Yong Dae/Yoo Yeon, Seong Korea Bao Yixin/Tang Jinhua, China Zahng Nan/Zhao Yunlei, China

2015-2016 Odense USD 650.000,-

2012-2013 Odense US$ 400.000,-

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

Chen Long, China Li Xuerui, China Lee Yong Dae / Yoo Yeon Seong, Korea Jung Kyung Eun / Shin Seung Chan, Korea Ko Sung Hyun / Kim Ha Na, Korea

Lee Chong Wei, Malaysia Saina Nehwal, India Shin Baek-Choel/Yoo Yeon Seong, Korea Jin Ma/Jinhua Tang, China Chen Xu/Jin Ma, China

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2011-2012 Odense US$ 400.000,-

2003-2004 Århus

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

Chen Long, China Xin Wang, China Jae Sung Jung/Yong Dae Lee, Korea Xiaoli Wang/Yang (F) Yu, China Joachim Fischer/Christinna Pedersen, Denmark

Lin Dan, Kina Gong Ruina, Kina Ha Tae Kwon/ Kim Dong Moon, Korea Yang Wei/ Zhang Jiewen, Kina Kim Dong Moon/ Ra Kyung Min, Korea

2010-2011 Odense US$ 200.000,-

2002-2003 Farum

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

Jan Ø. Jørgensen, Denmark Yihan Wang, China Mathias Boe/Carsten Mogensen, Denmark Miyuki Maeda/Satoko Suetsuna, Japan Thomas Laybourn/Kamilla Rytter Juhl, Denmark

Chen Hong, Kina Camilla Martin, Danmark Kim Dong Moon/ Ha Tae Kwon, Korea Wei Yilli/ Zhao Tingting, Kina Kim Dong Moon/ Hwang Yu Mi, Korea

2009-2010 Odense

2001-2002 Farum

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

Simon Santoso, Indonesien Tine Baun, Denmark Kien Keat Koo/Boon Heong, Malaysia Pan Pan/Yawen Zhang, China Joachim Fischer/Christinna Pedersen, Denmark

Bao Chunlai, Kina Camilla Martin, Danmark Martin Lundgaard Hansen/ Lars Paaske, Danmark Helene Kirkegaard/ Rikke Olsen, Danmark Tri Kush Aryanto/ Emma Ermawati, Indonesien

2008-2009 Odense

2000-2001 Farum

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

Peter Gade Denmark Lin Wang China Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan Indonesia Eei Hui Chin/Pei Tty Wong Malaysia Joachim Fischer/Christinna Pedersen Denmark

Peter Gade, Danmark Mi Zhou, Kina Eng Hian/F landy Limpele, Indonesien Lin Chen/ Xuelian Jiang, Kina Michael Søgaard/ Rikke Olsen, Danmark

2007-2008, Odense

1999-2000 Vejle

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

Lin Dan, Kina Lu Lan, Kina Kien Keat Koo/Boon Heong TAN, Malaysia Wei Yang/Jiewen Zhang, Kina Hanbin He/Yang Yu, Kina

Poul-Erik Høyer Larsen, Danmark Camilla Martin, Danmark Martin Lundgaard Hansen/ Lars Paaske, Danmark Qin Yiyuan/ Gao Ling, Kina Liu Yong/ Ge Fei, Kina

2006-2007 Århus

1998-1999 Vejle

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

Chen Hong, Kina Jiang Yanjiao, Kina Lars Paaske/ Jonas Rasmussen, Danmark Kamila Augustyn/ Nadiezda Kostiuczyk, Polen Anthony Clark/ Donna Kellogg, England

Peter Gade Christensen, Danmark Camilla Martin, Danmark Ricky Subagja/Rexy Mainaky, Indonesien Qin Yiyan/Tang Hetian, Kina Jon Holst-Christensen/Ann Jørgensen, Danmark

2005-2006 Århus

1997-1998 Vejle

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

Lee Chong Wei, Malaysia Pi Hong Yan, Frankrig Chong Ming Chan/ Kien Keat Koo, Malaysia Kumiko Ogura/ Reiko Shiota, Japan Thomas Laybourn/ Kamilla R. Juhl, Danmark

Dong Jiong, Kina Camilla Martin, Danmark Jon Holst-Christensen/Michael Søgaard, Danmark Ann Jørgensen/Majken Vange, Danmark Jens Eriksen/Marlene Thomsen, Danmark

2004-2005 Århus

1996-1997 Middelfart

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

MS: WS: MD: WD: XD:

Lin Dan, Kina Xie Xingfang, Kina Lars Paaske/ Jonas Rasmussen, Danmark Wie Yili/ Zhao Tingting, Kina Chen Qiqiu/ Zhao Tingting, Kina

Thomas Stuer-Lauridsen, Danmark Zhichao Gong, Kina Thomas Stavngaard/ Jim Laugesen, Danmark Rikke Olsen/Helene Kirkegaard, Danmark Michael Søgaard/Rikke Olsen, Danmark

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GET EVEN MORE BADMINTON ON BADMINTON DENMARK’S SOCIAL MEDIA In Badminton Denmark we love badminton, and we love to present even more badminton for you on all our social media platforms.

BY J O N A S K I L D E G A A R D

More than 24.000 Facebook users already know that Badminton Denmark has a Facebook page on which we bring you daily posts, news, results, videos and pictures.

On our Instagram profile we invite you to take a look behind the scenes in Badminton Denmark. Be on the sideline from the training hall where the national coaches are doing their best to improve the Danish players.

Of course, we’re on Twitter as well. On our Twitter profile we present the latest news and keep you updated with all about the Danish badminton players.

You also have the opportunity to follow us on Snapchat. We’re snapping from every place at our events: from the courts, in the press room, the arena and etc.

So, have a look at our social media and follow us if you want to get an even bigger badminton experience.

Facebook: facebook.com/badmintondk Instagram: Badmintondenmark Twitter: @Baddk Snapchat: Bad.dk Website: denmarkopen.dk Furthermore, during the DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR there will be different kinds of event-competitions on our social media platforms, so if you want a shot at winning some cool prizes this week pay attention to our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat and keep an eye out for the competitions.

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THE HISTORY OF

DANISA DENMARK OPEN PRESENTED BY VICTOR When the world’s best badminton players get together in Odense Sports Hall to compete against each other and to spoil fans of world-class badminton, it’s not for any tournament. There are several aspects that make DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR quite special.

BY S T I N E G R E V E

Whenever badminton fans think of traditional, old, international badminton tournaments, it’s often All England, which, as the world’s oldest international badminton tournament and former unofficial world championship, that pops up in their consciousness. In fact, it would also be entirely appropriate if what we know today as DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented

by VICTOR was given that honour.

WOODEN RACKETS, PIG GUTS AND WORLD WAR II ARE PART OF THE HISTORY

It is true that the tournament, which has been played here in Odense since 2007, was first held in 1936, making it the second longest-running international badminton tournament in the world – surpassed only by the legendary Birmingham tournament.

One of the factors that testifies to the historical aura that surrounds DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented

by VICTOR is that the annual tournament was postponed for five years due to World War II. Thus, the tournament was not held in the years 1940-1944.

The tournament, known today as DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR, was first established at a time when rackets were made of wood and the strings of pig gut – a scenario that is hard to imagine with all the technological development that surrounds the sport today.

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Aalborg, Middelfart, Farum, Solrød, Højbjerg, Vejle and Aarhus have hosted the tournament before we landed here in Odense in 2007.

DANISH DOMINATION HAS MARKED THE TOURNAMENT For several years, we have been used to the fact that Asian nations like China, Japan and Malaysia have sat heavily on the title throne in the big tournaments, but under the auspices of Denmark Open, things are different. Here, Denmark, viewed over the total lifespan of the tournament from 1936 to the present, is clearly the leading nation, with 140 titles. In second place, we find China with 61 triumphs on Danish soil.

After the war it took a couple of years before the foreign players again began to turn their feet towards Denmark with their badminton bags over their shoulders.

SUCCESSFUL TOURNAMENT – MANY NAMES AND LOCATIONS As has already been noted, DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR has not always been the name of the biggest badminton tournament on Danish soil.

The first version of the tournament in 1936 was called ‘International Championships of Denmark’. It later became known as the Danish Open, which was replaced by the Denmark Open in 2002, which has since been the name of the tournament.

However, it is not only the name of the tournament that has changed; so has the location. To date, the tournament has been held in 11 different cities around the country. From its infancy in 1936 through to 1989 the tournament was played in Copenhagen, but thereafter began to tour the country. Since then,

The reason for the clear Danish dominance is that when the tournament first began to be held, it was not the norm to travel around the world to participate in major badminton tournaments, as players do today. Furthermore, at that time it was normal for doubles pairs to be composed of players from different nations, resulting in several double-nation triumphs. Ten times the pair who stood on the top step of the victory podium did not speak the same language. The first time it happened was in 1936, when Danish Ruth Dalsgaard won with her English women’s doubles partner D. Graham, while the latest double-nation victory came in a mixed doubles in 1993 when Thomas Lund triumphed with Swedish Catrine Bengtsson.

Much has changed in the many years since DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR opened, but the tournament’s unique history has, fortunately, been retained. However, we are glad that the players have begun to travel the globe in search of the big titles, because we can present the biggest stars for our audience here in Odense, keeping the tournament’s famous magic alive year after year.

We hope you will help the Danish players to expand the sovereign Danish victory statistics so that we will see Danes at the top of the podium here again at DANISA DENMARK OPEN 2018 presented by VICTOR.

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DET HISTORISKE VINGESUS

VED DANISA DENMARK OPEN PRESENTED BY VICTOR Når verdens bedste badmintonspillere samles i Odense Idrætshal for at dyste mod hinanden og forkæle tilskuerne med badminton i verdensklasse, er det ikke til en hvilken som helst turnering. Der er nemlig flere ting, der gør DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR ganske speciel.

AF STINE GREVE

Når badmintonfans verden over tænker på traditionsrige, gamle internationale badmintonturneringer, vil det ofte være All England der, som verdens ældste internationale badmintonturnering og de tidligere uofficielle verdensmesterskaber, popper op i deres bevidsthed. Faktisk vil det dog også være helt

på sin plads, hvis det vi i dag kender som DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR også bliver skænket en tanke.

Det forholder sig nemlig sådan, at turneringen, der siden 2007 er blevet spillet her i Odense, første gang

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blev afviklet i 1936, hvilket gør den til den næstældste internationale badmintonturnering i verden – kun overgået af den legendariske turnering i Birmingham.

TRÆKETCHERE, GRISETARME OG ANDEN VERDENSKRIG ER EN DEL AF HISTORIEN Turneringen, der i dag går under navnet DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR, blev første gang afviklet i en tid, hvor ketcherne var lavet af træ og strengene af grisetarme – et scenarie, der med den teknologiske udvikling, som omgiver sporten, i dag er svært at forestille sig.

En af de faktorer, som vidner om det historiske vingesus, der omgiver DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR er, at turneringen i fem år var afbrudt af anden verdenskrig. Således blev turneringen ikke afviklet i årene 1940-1944. Efter krigen tog det et par år, inden de udenlandske spillere igen begyndte at vende snuden mod Danmark med deres badmintontasker over skulderen.

KÆR TURNERING - MANGE NAVNE OG LOKATIONER Som flere nok allerede har bemærket, så har DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR ikke altid været navnet på den største badmintonturnering på

dansk grund. Den første udgave af turneringen i 1936 hed ”International Championships of Denmark”. Det blev senere til Danish Open, der i 2002 blev erstattet af Denmark Open, som lige siden har været en del af navnet på turneringen.

Det er imidlertid ikke kun navnet på turneringen, der har skiftet, det har lokationen også. Således har turneringen været afviklet i 11 forskellige byer rundt om i landet. Fra den spæde start i 1936 til og med 1989 blev turneringen spillet i København, men derefter begyndte den at turnere rundt i landet. Siden har blandt andet Aalborg, Middelfart, Farum, Solrød, Højbjerg, Vejle og Aarhus været værter for turneringen, inden vi i 2007 landede her i Odense.

DANSK DOMINANS HAR PRÆGET TURNERINGEN Vi har gennem flere år været vant til, at asiatiske nationer som Kina, Japan og Malaysia har siddet tungt på titeltronen i de store turneringer, men i Denmark Open-regi forholder det sig anderledes. Her er Danmark, set over turneringens samlede levetid fra 1936 frem til nu, den klart mest vindende nation med hele 140 titler. På andenpladsen finder vi Kina med 61 triumfer på dansk grund. Årsagen til den klare danske dominans skal findes i, at det ved turneringens start ikke var normen at rejse hele verden rundt for at deltage i store badmintonturneringer, som spillerne gør det i dag. Ydermere var det heller ikke unormalt, at man dengang så doublepar sammensat på tværs af nationer, hvilket resulterede i flere dobbeltnations-triumfer. 10 gange er det sket, at parret øverst på sejrsskamlen ikke har talt samme sprog. Første gang det skete var i 1936, hvor danske Ruth Dalsgaard vandt sammen med sin engelske damedoublemakker D. Graham, mens den seneste dobbeltnations-sejr kom i mixeddouble i 1993, da Thomas Lund triumferede med svenske Catrine Bengtsson.

Meget har altså ændret sig i de mange år, som DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR har kørt, men det historiske vingesus er heldigvis bibeholdt. Vi er dog glade for, at spillerne er begyndt at rejse kloden rundt i jagten på de store titler, for det betyder, at vi kan præsentere de allerstørste stjerner for vores publikum her i Odense, og det er sådan, den historiske magi opstår år efter år.

Vi håber, at I vil hjælpe de danske spillere på vej mod at udbygge den suveræne danske sejrsstatistik, så vi igen får danskere øverst på podiet her ved DANISA DENMARK OPEN 2018 presented by VICTOR.

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ARTIKEL ARTICLE

QUIZ: GET SMARTER ABOUT

DANISA DENMARK OPEN PRESENTED BY VICTOR

BY S T I N E G R E V E

Have you read the articles here in the magazine? Or are you already an expert on the DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR? Test yourself, your parents, your companions or someone entirely different in this quiz.

You’ll find the right answers listed below.

1)

WHAT WERE THE STRINGS IN THE BADMINTON RACKET MADE OF WHEN WHAT WE NOW KNOW AS THE DANISA DENMARK OPEN PRESENTED BY VICTOR WAS HELD FOR THE FIRST TIME? 1. Pig gut 2. Cat gut 3. Plastic

2)

WHEN WAS THE TOURNAMENT HELD FOR THE FIRST TIME?

1. 1936 2. 1937 3. 1949

ARTICLE

3)

FOR HOW MANY YEARS WAS THE TOURNAMENT ON HOLD DUE TO WORLD WAR II? 1.

It wasn’t affected because it started in 1949, after the war was over 2. Five years 3. Eight years

4)

IN HOW MANY DIFFERENT DANISH TOWNS HAS THE TOURNAMENT BEEN HELD? 1. 7 2. 11 3. 21

5)

IN WHICH DANISH TOWN WAS THE TOURNAMENT HELD FOR THE FIRST TIME? 1.

Skovshoved, where badminton first began in Denmark 2. Copenhagen 3. Odense

6)

HOW MANY TIMES HAS THE TOURNAMENT BEEN HELD IN COPENHAGEN? 1. 13 2. 27 3. 48

9)

IF YOU ARE A WOMEN’S PLAYER WITH A FANTASTIC BACKHAND, ACCORDING TO SARA THYGESEN AND MAIKEN FRUERGAARD, WHERE DO YOU NOT COME FROM? 1. Korea 2. Japan 3. China

10)

HOW FAR DID MATHIAS CHRISTIANSEN AND CHRISTINNA PEDERSEN GO WHEN THEY DEBUTED TOGETHER LAST YEAR AT DANISA DENMARK OPEN 2017 PRESENTED BY VICTOR? 1. The first round 2. The quarter finals 3. The finals

11)

WHOSE ”TOUCH IN THE FORECOURT” IS ENTIRELY UNIQUE, ACCORDING TO NATIONAL HEAD COACH KENNETH JONASSEN? 1. Viktor Axelsen’s 2. Kento Momota’s 3. Lin Dan’s

12)

7)

WHICH PLAYER DOES NATIONAL TRAINER THOMAS STAVNGAARD THINK IS THE BEST WOMEN’S DOUBLES PLAYER? 1. Misaki Matsutomo 2. Kamilla Rytter Juhl 3. Chang Ye Na

8)

WHO WOULD MATHIAS CHRISTIANSEN AND CHRISTINNA PEDERSEN DEFINITELY NOT CHOOSE AS THEIR CONSUMMATE PLAYER WHEN IT COMES TO TACTICAL INGENUITY?

AT WHICH TOURNAMENT DID MATHIAS CHRISTIANSEN WIN HIS FIRST SUPER SERIES TITLE TOGETHER WITH HIS PARTNER CHRISTINNA PEDERSEN? 1. Malaysia Open 2018 2. China Open 2017 3. India Open 2018

13)

WHAT KIND OF BONNY DOES KIM ASTRUP DESCRIBE MEN’S DOUBLES PLAYER KEIGO SONODA AS? 1. The Duracell bunny 2. Bugs Bunny 3. A plush bunny

1. Zheng Siwei 2. Chris Adcock 3. All singles players

RIGHT ANSWERS:

71

1: Pig gut, 2: 1936, 3: Five years, 4: 11, 5: Copenhagen, 6: 48, 7: Kamilla Rytter Juhl, 8: All singles players, 9: Japan, 10: First round, 11: Kento Momota’s, 12: India Open 2018, 13: The Duracell bunny

72

ARTIKEL

QUIZ: BLIV KLOGERE PÅ

DANISA DENMARK OPEN PRESENTED BY VICTOR AF STINE GREVE

Har du læst artiklerne her i magasinet? Eller er du i forvejen ekspert på DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR? Test dig selv, dine forældre, kammerater eller nogen helt andre i quizzen her.

Svarene findes i bunden.

1)

HVAD VAR STRENGENE I BADMINTONKETCHERNE LAVET AF, DA DET VI I DAG KENDER SOM DANISA DENMARK OPEN PRESENTED BY VICTOR BLEV AFVIKLET FOR FØRSTE GANG? 1. Grisetarm 2. Kattetarm 3. Plastik

2)

HVORNÅR BLEV TURNERINGEN HER AFHOLDT FOR FØRSTE GANG? 1. 1936 2. 1937 3. 1949

ARTIKEL

3)

I HVOR MANGE ÅR VAR TURNERINGEN SAT PÅ PAUSE GRUNDET ANDEN VERDENSKRIG? 1.

Den har ikke været sat på pause, fordi den først startede i 1949, da krigen var slut 2. Fem år 3. Otte år

4)

I HVOR MANGE FORSKELLIGE DANSKE BYER HAR TURNERINGEN VÆRET SPILLET? 1. 7 2. 11 3. 21

5)

I HVILKEN DANSK BY BLEV TURNERINGEN AFVIKLET FOR FØRSTE GANG? 1.

Skovshoved, hvor badminton i Danmark i sin tid fik sin spæde begyndelse 2. København 3. Odense

6)

HVOR MANGE GANGE HAR TURNERINGEN VÆRET AFVIKLET I KØBENHAVN?

9)

HVIS MAN SOM DAMESPILLER SLÅR EN LÆKKER BAGHÅND, ER MAN IFØLGE SARA THYGESEN OG MAIKEN FRUERGAARD IKKE FRA 1. Korea 2. Japan 3. Kina

10)

HVOR LANGT NÅEDE MATHIAS CHRISTIANSEN OG CHRISTINNA PEDERSEN, DA DE SIDSTE ÅR DEBUTEREDE SAMMEN TIL DANISA DENMARK OPEN 2017 PRESENTED BY VICTOR? 1. Første runde 2. Kvartfinalen 3. Finalen

11)

HVIS ”TOUCH INDE OMKRING FORBANEN” ER IFØLGE CHEFLANDSTRÆNER KENNETH JONASSEN HELT UNIKT? 1. Viktor Axelsens 2. Kento Momotas 3. Lin Dans

12)

1. 13 2. 27 3. 48

VED HVILKEN TURNERING VANDT MATHIAS CHRISTIANSEN SIN FØRSTE SUPERSERIES-TITEL SAMMEN MED MAKKEREN CHRISTINNA PEDERSEN?

7)

HVILKEN SPILLER SYNES LANDSTRÆNER THOMAS STAVNGAARD ER DEN BEDSTE DAMEDOUBLESPILLER?

1. Malaysia Open 2018 2. China Open 2017 3. India Open 2018

1. Misaki Matsutomo 2. Kamilla Rytter Juhl 3. Chang Ye Na

13)

8)

HVEM VIL MATHIAS CHRISTIANSEN OG CHRISTINNA PEDERSEN BESTEMT IKKE VÆLGE TIL DERES KOMPLETTE SPILLER MED HENBLIK PÅ TAKTISK SNILDE?

HVILKEN SLAGS KANIN BESKRIVER KIM ASTRUP HERREDOUBLESPILLEREN KEIGO SONODA SOM? 1. En Duracell-kanin 2. En Snurre Snup-kanin 3. En plyskanin

1. Zheng Siwei 2. Chris Adcock 3. Samtlige singlespillere

RIGTIGE SVAR:

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1: Grisetarm, 2: 1936, 3: Fem år, 4: 11, 5: København, 6: 48, 7: Kamilla Rytter Juhl, 8: Samtlige singlespillere, 9: Japan, 10: Første runde, 11: Kento Momotas, 12: India Open 2018, 13: En Duracell-kanin

BK Revision Birthe Kristensen Sakskøbing

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