The world of badminton witnessed an incredible comeback during Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori’s first-round match against Koki Watanabe at the TotalEnergies BWF World Championships 2021. Opeyori, ranked No.127 in the world, faced a daunting score of 0-20 in the second game. However, instead of giving up, he persevered and fought back. With the threat of a 21-0 defeat looming, Opeyori launched an attack on Watanabe and celebrated as the return fell wide of the sideline, clinching a crucial point and averting the 21-0 score.
The Importance of One Point
Despite the overwhelming odds, Opeyori’s determination to win that crucial point paid off. He shares, “My partner (Godwin Olofua, coach for the match) said, 20-0 is the same thing as 20-20 for both of us. Anybody can win that point, can win the game. I feel like the person that won the game.” Opeyori never considered retiring at 20-0 and instead focused on taking each point. He believes that with persistence, even if it takes 99 attempts, success is achievable.
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A New Challenge
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Opeyori is primarily known for his performance in men’s doubles. He and Olofua, ranked No. 53 in the world, represented Africa at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Since the Olympics, Opeyori has had limited on-court practice. However, he recently participated in a training stint at the Centre of Excellence in Denmark. Adapting to the high level of play and the tempo of the World Championships proved challenging for Opeyori. He explains, “In the first game, I had a lot of energy, so I was confident, but towards the end, I lost all my strength because I’m not used to playing at this tempo.” Despite feeling physically drained, Opeyori strategized to restore his energy and seize that vital point.
Lessons Learned
Reflecting on the importance of the point he won, Opeyori acknowledges its significance. He states, “Yeah, right now it should be. But I’ve never faced an opponent like him before. This is my first time. So it’s one of the most important points I’ve ever taken. It’s also a lesson for me to keep up my strength.” Opeyori’s focus extends beyond scores; he emphasizes the importance of finishing the game and learning from one’s mistakes.
Highlights of Day 1
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The opening day of the World Championships showcased several notable matches:
- Rising star Kunlavut Vitidsarn suffered an unexpected loss to China’s Lu Guang Zu, with a score of 21-16 21-12. Vitidsarn attributed his performance to fatigue and difficulty controlling the shuttle in the wind.
- Scotland’s Kirsty Gilmour impressed with a straight games victory over Aya Ohori, winning 21-19 21-17.
- Kevin Cordon, known for his exceptional performance at Tokyo 2020, faced a tough challenge from Dutchman Joran Kweekel. Cordon emerged victorious after a thrilling three-game match, with a final score of 21-18 10-21 21-16.
For more information on the matches and tournament updates, visit the Carnegiecentre Match Centre.
FAQs
1. How did Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori make a comeback in the match?
Opeyori displayed determination and strategic thinking to win a crucial point, averting a 21-0 defeat.
2. What were the highlights of Day 1 at the World Championships?
Notable highlights include Kunlavut Vitidsarn’s loss, Kirsty Gilmour’s impressive victory, and Kevin Cordon’s hard-fought win.
3. What is the significance of the point Opeyori won?
The point holds immense importance for Opeyori as it taught him valuable lessons and emphasized the need to maintain strength throughout matches.
Conclusion
Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori’s remarkable comeback in the face of overwhelming odds during the BWF World Championships is a testament to his determination and resilience. His ability to seize a crucial point and turn the tide of the match showcases his skill and expertise in the sport. As Opeyori continues his badminton journey, he will undoubtedly draw inspiration from this experience and strive to achieve even greater success.
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