Joachim Persson kicked off his 2012 Czech International campaign this morning somewhat in the shadow of the local favourite Petr Koukal but the Dane went about his business in a thoroughly professional manner as he continues his comeback from a knee injury that has hampered him for the past seven years.

The former world number 6 came into the hall in relative anonymity compared to Koukal but the Danes body language displayed all the determination of old that elevated him to the world’s top ten only a few years ago. 

While Koukal was the attention of the majority of the home crowd, Persson collected his first win of the afternoon by beating fellow Dane Kasper Dinesen in two easy sets on one of the outside courts. As quick as he came on court, Persson disappeared again from the hall to cool down and prepare for his second match of the day against dangerous Dutch qualifier Nick Fransman. Persson looked to be clearly struggling with his speed on court against Fransman but all the time in control of the match.

“I know where I can go with my body and how far I can push it. There were some points that I just did not risk moving for the shuttle as I have to be economic with what I do on court”

Persson took the first game 21-13 against Fransman but at 19-19 in the second the Dutch youngster was in with a real shout of pushing the match to a deciding set. The Dane, calling on all his experience, returned a shuttle that he really had no right to which broke the resolve of Fransman and Persson went on to take the match with a 21-19 win in the second.

“For me it is about using all the aspects of my game that I know are strong. I am good tactically, mentally and my experience brought me through the last few points. It may look like I am just getting through some matches but to be honest I am only doing what I have to do to preserve my body. Essentially I am not taking any risks” said Persson to Badminton Europe.

When asked about his condition and his future Persson was openly honest about his prospects “I am finding my level and from there I hope to build back to where I was before. I am also realistic so who knows what I can do but I love badminton so I will do all I can to push my body back to the level where it was in the past”

The draw opened up for Persson very early in the day with the retirement of Przemeslaw Wacha. The pole was leading 11-5 against Luka Wraber but a headache ended the top seed’s involvement in the tournament although he did reappear later to play men’s doubles with Adam Cwalina.

Second seed Ville Lang was stopped in the second round by qualifier Kim Brun which leaves Valeriy Atrashchenkov as the highest remaining seed in the men’s draw after the demise of the top three seeded shuttlers.

In the women’s singles draw top seed Kristina Gavnholt eased through untroubled to the quarter finals where she will meet the surprise player of the tournament so far, Sarah Milne from England. Milne beat fifth seed Sabrina Jaquet in the first round before defeating Danish based compatriot Nicola Cerfontyne in the second round to book her quarter final spot.

Fourth seed and recent Yonex Belgian International Champion, Sashina Vignes Waran looks a good bet to win consecutive tournaments after a demolition of both her opponents in the opening rounds. The French girl is clearly in confident form after her breakthrough in Belgium and looks to have to game to go all the way to Sunday’s final.

Finally it was a good day for the English team in their traditional strong discipline of mixed doubles. Pairs from England will make up half the field in the quarter finals and it would be a fool that would bet against an all English final in the mixed doubles and maybe even a repeat of the final of Belgium just two weeks ago between Olver/Langridge and Ellis/White is on the cards.
 
For all today’s results click HERE
To re visit today’s matches and post match interviews on BETV click HERE
To view the tournament photo gallery on facebook click HERE

BETV schedule for Saturday starting 10.00 CET:

MX Ben Stawski/Lauren Smith (ENG) - Indra Okvana/Gustiani Megawati (INA)
MS Joachim Persson (DEN) - Valeriy Atrashchenkov (UKR)
WS Sashina Vignes Waran (FRA) - Anna Thea Madsen (DEN)
MS Dicky Palyama (NED)- Rune Ulsing (DEN)
WS Kirsty Gilmour (SCO) - Lene Clausen (DEN)

Article and Image by Mark Phelan (Live in Brno)