Sunday, 22 Dec 2024

Denmark Upsets Japan in Badminton Doubles at YONEX-SUNRISE Hong Kong Open 2017

Denmark caused a stir at the YONEX-SUNRISE Hong Kong Open 2017, defeating defending champions and No.3 seeds in the Men’s Doubles event. In the Women’s Doubles, Denmark came close to beating the No.4 seeds. Let’s dive into the thrilling matches and the players’ reactions.

A Narrow Escape for Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota

Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota, the World Championship silver medallists, found themselves in a tight spot during their first-round match against Maiken Fruergaard and Sara Thygesen. Trailing 14-19 in the third game, it seemed like Fukushima and Hirota were headed for defeat. However, they managed to turn the tables through steady play and a stroke of luck, winning 15-21 21-14 23-21 in 61 minutes[^1^].

Disappointment for Japan’s Doubles Hopes

Japan’s doubles aspirations took a hit as Takeshi Kamura and Keigo Sonoda, the defending champions, lost their title to Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen of Denmark. Kamura and Sonoda failed to capitalize on four game points in the tight opener, ultimately losing 25-23 21-16[^1^].

Denmark Celebrates Victory

Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen were jubilant after their victory over the defending champions. Astrup expressed relief at not breaking their record of not losing a first-round match in the Superseries this year. They performed well and were pleased to secure another match[^1^].

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A Heartbreaking Loss for Denmark

Maiken Fruergaard and Sara Thygesen of Denmark had a chance to secure a spot in the second round against Fukushima and Hirota. However, their hopes gradually faded as the Japanese pair mounted a stunning comeback. Fukushima and Hirota won nine of the last 11 points, leaving Fruergaard and Thygesen disappointed at missing out on the win[^1^].

Mixed Results for Japan in Women’s Doubles

While two of Japan’s Women’s Doubles pairs advanced to the second round, Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi succumbed to the seasoned duo of Chang Ye Na and Jung Kyung Eun. The Korean pair emerged victorious with a score of 21-16 21-14[^1^].

Unfortunate Turn of Events in Singles

In the singles events, Chou Tien Chen from Chinese Taipei fell to Brice Leverdez of France in a thrilling three-game match. The top seed in Men’s Singles, Viktor Axelsen of Denmark, withdrew due to an infected toe. As a result, Kazumasa Sakai of Japan received a walkover to the next round[^1^].

Indian Hopes Rest on HS Prannoy

With Kidambi Srikanth absent, HS Prannoy of India became his country’s sole hope in the Men’s Singles event. Prannoy showcased impressive skills, defeating Hong Kong’s Hu Yun in a three-game match[^1^].

Strong Showings in Women’s Singles

Pusarla V Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, two top players in Women’s Singles, advanced to the second round with convincing performances[^1^].

Conclusion

The YONEX-SUNRISE Hong Kong Open 2017 has seen some exciting matches and surprising upsets. Denmark made their mark by defeating defending champions in both the Men’s and Women’s Doubles events. Japan faced disappointment with unexpected losses and withdrawals. The tournament continues, promising more exhilarating badminton action.

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FAQs

Q: Who were the defending champions in the Men’s Doubles event at the YONEX-SUNRISE Hong Kong Open 2017?

A: Takeshi Kamura and Keigo Sonoda were the defending champions in the Men’s Doubles event at the YONEX-SUNRISE Hong Kong Open 2017[^1^].

Q: Which Japanese Women’s Doubles pair suffered a loss to Chang Ye Na and Jung Kyung Eun?

A: Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi were defeated by Chang Ye Na and Jung Kyung Eun in the Women’s Doubles event[^1^].

Q: Who emerged as India’s lone hope in the Men’s Singles event?

A: HS Prannoy represented India as the sole player in the Men’s Singles event at the YONEX-SUNRISE Hong Kong Open 2017[^1^].

Q: Did Viktor Axelsen participate in the Men’s Singles event?

A: No, Viktor Axelsen had to withdraw from the Men’s Singles event due to an infected toe[^1^].

Q: Which Indian players advanced to the second round in Women’s Singles?

A: Pusarla V Sindhu and Saina Nehwal progressed to the second round in Women’s Singles[^1^].

References

[^1^]: BWF News. https://carnegiecentre.com/