The Super 500 tournament Thailand Open has started. Four European mixed doubles had to come in action on the first day. Only one of them made it to the second round: England’s Ben Lane and Jessica Pugh.
In the Nimibutr Stadium Yantoni Edy Saputra and Marsheilla Gischa Islami from Indonesia were their opponents. After 45 minutes Lane and Pugh claimed the victory in three games.
- It was always going to be a tough match at this level. however we managed to find a way to win even when we didn’t show our best level and we were a set and 11-6 down. Lane commented to Badminton Europe.
Eventually Lane and Pugh pulled the match towards them with 18-21 21-19 and 21-11.
Read our preview of the Thailand Open: Players to watch
Improve for World Championships
Now in the second round they will face another Indonesian pair: the eight seeded Hafiz Faizal and Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja who reached the finals of the Indonesia Open last weekend. Today this pair also defeated Peter Kausbauer and Olga Konon (Germany).
Ben Lane does not see this match as a huge obstacle. He rather sees this match as a good preparation for him and Jessica.
- Goals for this tournament will be to take every match as it comes and to try and play our best. Looking to continue to improve ahead of the world championships which is a big opportunity for us!
Follow all the matches and livescore of the Thailand Open 2018 here