The morning of Day 3 saw Europe’s best SU5 singles players in action in crucial matches to get through to the knockout stages of Tokyo 2020.

Cathrine Rosengren was in action against her second Japanese opponent in as many days. After a shock defeat yesterday to Akiko Sugino, she now faced Kaede Kameyama in a must-win tie to secure a place in the SU5 women’s singles quarterfinals.

You could feel the tension from the start, but there was no denying the quality on show in a very evenly balanced fight. Kameyama edged ahead and maintained the lead to a 22-20 finish in game one. 

Game two was going much the same way and Rosengren attempted to change tactics which created more harm than good. Kameyama, the third Japanese player still in the competition took control and Rosengren suffered a 21-13 defeat to depart Tokyo empty handed.

In the easier Group C, Portugal’s Beatriz Monteiro continued her Paralympic dream with a win over Ritah Asiimwe (UGA) to make it through to the quarterfinals where she will face Sugino who won Group B.

In the men’s singles, Meril Loquette had to make way for Indonesian Suryo Nugroho in Group A this morning, who confidently progressed to the semifinals after a 21-12, 21-8 performance over the Frenchman. Nugroho joins top-seeded teammate Dheva Anrimusthi in the next round, whilst Loquette joins Bartłomiej Mroz (POL) in the spectator gallery.

Read: Preview: Hellas International 2021

Bethell into semifinals

Daniel Bethell got Team GB off to a great start today in his final SL3 Group B match against Indonesian Ukun Rukaendi, the stubborn 51-year-old known for his quality in defence. Anyone playing against the Veteran should be prepared for some of the longest rallies in the sport.

Bethell’s tactics were spot on, playing with patience and choosing his moments to unleash the big attack at the right times. He was superb in game one, taking it 21-8. 

A resurgence from Rukaendi early in the second did no more than keep up with the Englishman until the mid-game interval, but as Bethell gained in confidence, the Indonesian had no answer to his variation in attack. 21-12 it ended, and Bethell limps his way confidently into the semi-finals

Despite a closely fought defeat to Mai Jianpeng (CHN) in Group B earlier today, England’s Martin Rooke is safely through to the quarterfinal stage of the WH2 men’s singles. We await the news of the draw to see who he faces for a place in the semi finals.

German wheels fall off

Germany’s Thomas Wandschneider was agonisingly close to victory today in the WH1 men’s singles Group A match against Korea’s Lee Dong Seop. After taking the first game and at 19-19 all in the second, the German looked like salvaging his earlier defeat to Thailand’s Jakarin Homhual and might do enough to escape this tough group. 

However, Lee, the world number one rallied and took the final game 21-17 knocking Wandschneider out of the tournament. His men’s doubles partner Mi Young Chin suffered the same fate in Group B and together they were outclassed in doubles by top Asian opponents, ending their Paralympic dreams.

The Paralympic badminton schedule can be found here, with livestreams of one wheelchair and one standing court.

We will feature the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic badminton event here and across our usual platforms over the coming days, look out for more