General

Third time unlucky for Juliane Schenk
Date: 3/3/2013 9:25 PM
Published by : Manuel Røsler

The 2013 Yonex German Open drew to a close this afternoon in Mülheim and it was a question of so near but yet so far for Europe’s elite. In a line up packed with Asian superstars the pressure rested on the shoulders of just three European players to try and make the top step of the podium for the home continent.

After victory in the men’s doubles for China which the Asian powerhouse of badminton soon followed up with a win in the men’s singles at the hands of Chen Long it was Germany’s golden girl Juliane Schenk’s opportunity to right the disappointment of two previous final appearances.

Schenk, on the world class form she displayed this week in Mülheim, was the peoples favourite to lift the title. However it was clear from the outset that this day was not to be the day that the world number four finally won the German opening at the third attempt. Wang Yihan was relentless and ruthless in her play and Schenk had no answers. It was clear that Juliane was always in difficulty and even hit two fresh air shots on her way to a two game defeat. It is also clear that Wang Yihan is now a firm contender for the All England title next week after final display today at the Yonex German Open.

“I was beaten today by a world class player playing world class badminton it is as simple as that” said a disappointed Schenk after her loss.

Click HERE to watch the full interview with Juliane Schenk.

Europe’s final chance to make the top step of the podium fell to the Danish mixed doubles duo Anders Kristiansen and Julie Houmann. The Danes had an exhausting week in Mulheim where all their previous four matches had gone the full three set distance. This aside Houmann and Kristiansen battled with all they had and after winning the second game against Jang Ye Na and Shin Baek Choel the dream was still alive for the Danes.

It was clear however that mentally the Danes were exhausted and they were unable to get over the winning line despite being at match point on not one but two occasions. The Koreans took the final game 24-22 and with it the German Open Grand Prix Gold title.

“We were mentally finished today. Coming to the hall we were so exhausted so it was a minor miracle we even did what we did. We need to recover now and head to the All England with confidence after this week in Germany” Said Anders Kristiansen.

For all Results click HERE

Article by Mark Phelan. Photo by Sven Heise (live in Mülheim, Germany)

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