Friday, 22 Nov 2024

BWF News

Last season’s surprise package, Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov, are set to defend their title at the prestigious YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships. The Russian duo, winners of the Men’s Doubles crown, are eager to make history by winning the tournament for the second consecutive year.

A Chance to Create History

“I don’t know if any pair has won two straight All England titles. Not too many players can do this and, if we can, it would be great for us,” declared Ivan Sozonov, reflecting on their victory from last year. The duo is aware of the challenges they face this time around, but they are determined to replicate their success.

Rising Stars of Russian Badminton

Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov surprised the badminton world with their incredible performance in the previous edition of the tournament. They fought their way through tough opponents and eventually emerged victorious against Japan’s Hiroyuki Endo and Kenichi Hayakawa in a thrilling final.

“When we won last year, it was very special. It was a great tournament, and we hope that this year we can do well again,” recalled Sozonov. The duo’s success has not only brought attention to their individual performances but also to Russian badminton as a whole.

The Road to Success

Despite a setback in the European Championships due to an injury to Sozonov, last year proved to be a turning point for Ivanov and Sozonov. They also reached the quarter-finals of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, showcasing their talent on the international stage.

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“The recognition has grown since our victory last year. More media want to talk to us, and a lot more people are following our matches and congratulating us on our success. There is a different view of Russian badminton now, especially in doubles,” explained Sozonov.

Ready to Defend the Title

The defending champions are scheduled to start their title defense against Mads Conrad-Petersen and Mads Pieler Kolding of Denmark. Sozonov expressed confidence in their preparation, stating, “We are 100 percent ready to defend our title. We will need great concentration and fight very hard.”

Qualifying Action and Main Draw

The qualifying rounds have taken place, with many players battling for coveted spots in the main draw. Some of the notable qualifiers include:

  • Men’s Singles: Zhao Junpeng (China), Brice Leverdez (France), Anthony Ginting (Indonesia), and Kazumasa Sakai (Japan).
  • Women’s Singles: Natalia Koch Rohde (Denmark), Fontaine Mica Chapman (England), Delphine Lansac (France), and Fabienne Peprez (Germany).
  • Men’s Doubles: Liu Cheng/Zhang Nan (China), Peter Briggs/Tom Wolfenden (England), Hiroyuki Endo/Yuta Watanabe (Japan), and Jacco Arends/Ruben Jille (Netherlands).
  • Women’s Doubles: Bao Yixin/Yu Xiaohan (China), Lin Xiao Min/Wu Fang Chien (Chinese Taipei), Nadia Fankhauser/Sannatasah Saniru (Switzerland/Malaysia), and Cheryl Seinen/Iris Tabeling (Netherlands).
  • Mixed Doubles: Wang Yilyu/Huang Dongping (China), Wang Chi-Lin/Lee Chia Hsin (Chinese Taipei), Mark Lamsfuss/Isabel Hettrich (Germany), and Nipitphon Phuangphuapet/Jongkolphan Kititharakul (Thailand).

FAQs

Q: Are Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov the favorites to win the Men’s Doubles crown again?
A: While they are the defending champions, the competition is fierce, and many talented pairs will be vying for the title. It will be an exciting tournament to watch.

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Q: How can I watch the YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships?
A: To catch all the action, you can visit the official Carnegiecentre website for more information and streaming options.

Q: What other tournaments have Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov won?
A: Apart from their victory at the YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships, the duo has achieved notable success, including reaching the quarter-finals of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Conclusion

Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov are ready to defend their Men’s Doubles crown at the YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships. Their triumph last year has brought attention to Russian badminton and raised expectations for this year’s tournament. With their determination and talent, they are aiming to make history by winning the title for the second consecutive time. Stay tuned for all the exciting matches and watch out for the surprises that this prestigious tournament has in store.

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