The Spanish crowd will get a lot more to cheer about when the matches begin on Wednesday’s Round 2. Not only will the reigning champion Carolina Marin take the court for the first time in this year’s championships, but the local crowd also got their eyes open for men’s singles Luís Enrique Peñalver.
The Spaniard expected a close match against Zvonimir Durkinjak from Croatia, and a close match he got.
- The last time I played against him it was in two very close sets. He is also a very, very good player with a very good smash. I expected it to be just like it turned out to be.
Peñalver was referring to their last showdown some years ago at Swiss International which ended in Durkinjak’s favour. But after tonight’s match, Peñalver equaled their internal score to 1-1, after winning in three games; 21-19, 13-21, 21-13.
Crowd favourite
Peñalver felt the home crowd behind him in this match and was happy with his performance when he stepped off the court.
- It was amazing. All the people were with me on the court, and because of the people and everything I could come back to focusing in my mind and win the match. So, I am really happy!
The Spaniard fell out of the match during the second game, but with the help of the crowd he found his way back to the game plan.
Will try to enjoy R2
Next up for Penalver is the third seed from England; Rajiv Ouseph. But the Spanish men’s singles is just looking forward to going on court once more to enjoy the atmosphere and try his best.
- Well, it will be a really tough match. He is one of the favourites to win the tournament – he is the European champion. So, I will go to that match to enjoy it and to try my best and yeah give everything on court, Peñalver said to Badminton Europe.
He is scheduled to play on court 1 right after Carolina Marin’s firt match. And before the two, the home crowd can look forward to seeing Beatriz Corrales and Pablo Abián on the same court before that.
Find the full schedule for Day 2 at the 2018 European Championships here