Denmark’s Jan O.Jorgensen turned it around to reach the men’s singles quarter-finals after defeating Japan’s Riichi Takeshita 16-21, 21-14, 21-14 at the Akita Masters.
After a well fought three-set win over Chinese Taipei’s Hsueh Hsuan Yi yesterday, Jorgensen went into this match with renewed optimism and the perfect opportunity to take his first title of 2018.
A tight start to opening set began the contest. However at 5-5, Takeshita pulled away to an uncatchable lead and comfortably take the first set 21-16.
Set number two almost saw a carbon copy of its predecessor. However, a quick Jorgensen fightback saw the Dane turn the game around, pull further ahead and level the match by taking the second set 21-14.
The decider had Jorgensen carry on his momentum early on. Even with a mini Takeshita fightback, the fifth seed held on to a narrow lead and prevailed with a strong finish to take the decider 21-14.
Jorgensen now moves into the final eight to take on Indonesia’s Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo.
See also: Jorgensen: It has been a tough ride
Bruun falls after brave effort
Despite being in his best form this year, Denmark’s Kim Bruun failed to join his fellow European after losing 21-13, 21-18 to Japan’s rising star Minoru Koga.
A strong start in the opening set saw Koga take the opener 21-13. It was a much closer contest in the second set. But no matter how hard Bruun battled back, his Japanese opponent always managed to maintain a vital lead and eventually complete his straight sets win 21-18.
For a full list of the draws and results, click here.