The top Danish men’s doubles stars Mathias Boe, Carsten Mogensen, and Mads Conrad-Petersen called it quits from international badminton during the pandemic. Following their retirement, Badminton Denmark has been developing the next generation of pairs with a possible focus on the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. The new project is off to a good start in form of Niclas Nohr/ Mathias Christiansen.
Playing their first tournament together, they started extremely well against the accomplished pair of Mark Lamsfuss/ Marvin Seidel. However, as the match progressed, the Germans gradually got comfortable with the pace and the power of the Danes.
- We played at a high pace, made few mistakes, and were feeling very confident in the first game. In the middle part of the second game, they found their rhythm and raised their level a lot, Nohr observed.
- It was difficult after that. Of course, it is annoying to lose but we must build on the first and the middle part of the second game in the future, he continued.
- I do not think they changed anything. Rather, they found the backline and used the whole court. We had some long rallies midway through the second set and they played well, Christiansen pointed out.
Overcoming challenges
Given the newly-formed partnership, the duo acknowledged that they have not been able to train much together.
- We have both been injured for a couple of months and have our focus on mixed doubles partnerships [with Sara Thygsen and Alexandra Boje respectively] as well. We have a tactic and know how we want to play, Nohr said.
Learning lessons
They will face another new Danish pair of Andreas Sondergaard/Jesper Toft at the Saarlorlux Open in two weeks. Despite a loss, Nohr and Christiansen have taken lots of positives to the upcoming tournament.
- We got 13 and 14 points in the last two games. However, we were much closer than that, Christiansen said.
- We are quite positive. We have one week after this tournament and can build on our game. Let us see how it goes in Germany, he further added.
Both the players have already been among the Top 20 in doubles with different partners. Overall, it will be very exciting to watch this budding and promising partnership on the BWF World Tour circuit.