Especially at home, the top players in all kind of sports want to shine. Mainly to present themselves and to show their abilities on home soil. To play in front of the home crowd is for most of the European top stars the highlight of the year. So it is for Germany’s Marc Zwiebler, who is playing “his” Yonex German Open (Grand Prix Gold, 120.000 US Dollars) this week in Mülheim an der Ruhr. A tournament which which he never won.

In today’s opening match, the 26 year-old, who was born and raised up in Bonn – a city not far from Mülheim – started well in his home campaign by beating his compatriot Lukas Schmidt in two straight games. “The match was okay –but I did not play my highest level”, said Zwiebler to Badminton Europe.

Zwiebler: "I am looking forward to play Viktor Axelsen"

His next opponent will be Viktor Axelsen of Denmark. The former world junior champion had a very comfortable start by beating his Swedish “neighbor” Henri Hurskainen 21-15, 21-7.  So it’ll be Zwiebler vs. Axelsen –two of the best European shuttlers are fighting for a last 16 ticket at the Yonex German Open.

“I haven't played Viktor Axelsen yet. But I am looking forward to this match. Today he was in a good shape. Despite his young age, he already has a high level. In general I think we play on the same level. I am the more experienced player but he has not any pressure tomorrow. I hope the spectators will support me and give me the boost I need to reach the next round. Hopefully it will be a classy match.”

„The tournament is always a very special event for me. When I was a young boy I have visited this tournament”, said Zwiebler.

Strong European start into the tournament

Denmark's Christian Lind showed a strong performance by beating Wang Zhengming (#8)of China in two games. Brice Leverdez of France, Spain's Pablo Abian and Jan Ø. Jørgensen also reached the next round. Austrian International champion Przemyslaw Wacha (Poland) surprisingly lost to Russian Malkov.

The main rounds of the other four categories will start tomorrow.

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Photo by BadmintonPhoto