This week the Dutch Open should have taken place. Due to the Covid-19 situation the tournament has been cancelled, and instead of covering the tournament live, Badminton Europe looks back at previous editions of the tournament. Today we will be taking a look at the 2012 edition featuring the winner Kristina Gavnholt.
It is the year 2012, October, the badminton world is still basking in the glow of the London Olympic Games and the Dutch Open is taking place. Join Badminton Europe as we travel back in time with Kristina Gavnholt who has fond memories of it.
- For sure the Dutch Open 2012 has a very big place in my heart. The Dutch Open has always been one of my favourite tournaments. Friendly people, high level and great conditions.
Gavnholt had won the 2011 Czech International, and in January 2012 she was the runner up at the Swedish International. Although as she explains, her preparation for the tournament was not ideal.
- I had a very hard period up to the tournament, where I had been practising very well but I felt that my results were not coming. I was struggling a little bit. So, my mindset for the tournament was actually to try and have a bit more fun and enjoy badminton. I do not know if that was the X Factor, but I just felt so comfortable on the court at that tournament and after every match, I just felt better and better.
The journey began
Gavnholt was seeded third for the Dutch Open, behind last week’s Bulgarian International champion, Linda Zetchiri and the strong home favourite, reigning champion and 2002 European Champion, Yao Jie.
In her opening two rounds, the Czech number one had two Sarah’s from England to contend with, Sarah Milne and then Sarah Walker. She cleared these first two hurdles in two straight game victories. Following this, she learnt that the number one and two seeds were out. Zetchiri was forced to retire late on in her match against Nicole Schaller of Switzerland, and there was a shock defeat for Yao Jie by her compatriot Patty Stolzenbach, 21-15, 21-18. Perhaps catching Yao cold who had a walkover in round one.
Gavnholt faced Swiss player Sabrina Jaquet in the quarterfinal which was their first encounter. Fighting off some late pressure in the opening game, she was able to get into her rhythm to secure a 21-19, 21-14 win. This set up a semifinal clash with Stolzenbach, who just had a well fought three-game match against number eight seed, Karina Jorgensen of Denmark.
Perhaps the fact that Gavnholt was able to wrap up her matches in two games played to her advantage. In the semifinal, for both games she was slower out of the blocks than Stolzenbach, however, was able to swing the momentum both times to her favour, winning 21-15, 21-18. Remembering this moment, Gavnholt says.
- To reach the final was a big thing and the first final at Grand Prix level for me.
As she mentions, this was a step up in level for her and she reached the final in straight games. As a result, she had to give a doping sample right after the semifinal late Saturday evening. This in itself became a memorable moment for her as she explains.
- I could not pee for hours after. I think I played the last match, and everybody had left the arena. It was just the anti-doping staff, my coach and me, and one guy from the tournament, who were just all waiting for me to pee. It is funny now, but in the situation, I think we all just wanted to go home.
- And because I drank so much water after, I ended up having to go to the bathroom all night!
The final
With this prolonged disruption, the preparation for the final was not great, but she felt that her goal was achieved. In the final, Judith Meulendijks, along with the strong home support was waiting for her. An experienced player who was part of the golden era of the Dutch ladies and also a previous Dutch Open champion. Together with the in-form Gavnholt, the final was a brilliantly entertaining three-game spectacle for the fans. From the players perspective, Gavnholt says.
- The final, I feel, was very hard and I actually don't have much memory of it. I was just inside myself giving it all. To win against such a high-level player and win my first Grand Prix tournament is absolutely something I look back on with joy and pride. I will never forget it.
Dutch Open 2012 winners:
MS – Eric Pang (NED)
WS – Kristina Gavnholt (CZE)
MD – Markus Kido/ Alvent Yulianto (INA)
WD – Selena Piek/ Eefje Muskens (NED)
XD – Mads Pieler Kolding/ Kamilla Rytter Juhl (DEN)
For the full results, click here.