Arnaud Merkle has travelled to Sweden this week with his eye very much on the big prize. The French youngster, who does not turn 18 until April, is here to win while keeping his eye on the bigger prize of becoming World junior champion.
“The big goal for me is to be champion of the world in junior and that is what I am working towards this year.” Merkle said to Badminton Europe
Merkle has come through qualification to make it to the quarter finals in the men’s singles and he is predictably delighted with his performance so far.
“Yesterday was a long day for me with qualification. I was in the hall until late so to win two good matches today is a great feeling.”
Speaking of tomorrow’s quarter final opponent Luis Enrique Penalver of Spain the French young gun was quick to point out their head to head results.
“He is a very good player and also improving a lot but he has beaten me before so he will be the favourite for that match tomorrow.”
Van Der Aar and Jille moving through the gears
Dutch pair Imke Van Der Aar and Debora Jille (pictured above) have quietly gone about their business today in Sweden. The Dutch have enjoyed a few days training in Denmark after Estonia and they feel this has certainly benefited them in preparation for this tournament.
“It was nice to go to Denmark after Estonia and get a chance to train in some different clubs with different players. It is always nice to freshen things up in that way.”
After letting 4 match points slip in the quarter final last week in Tallinn the Dutch pair will be very anxious to put that behind them this week.
“We learned a lot from that match last week. Of course it was disappointing but we have put that behind us now and look forward to tomorrow’s quarter final.”
The Dutch now line up against Parades and Nielsen of Denmark which will be a tricky tie but based on today’s performance Van Der Aar and Jille will go in as slight favourites.