dThe competition is really hotting up now with a few big names bowing out. And one of the biggest names in Women’s Singles, Ratchanok Intanon, very nearly made it onto that list.
The former World Champion from Thailand had her hands full from the very first rally against the Dane, Mia Blichfeldt. So much so, that the fourth seed, who is one of the favourites to go deep into the tournament, dropped the first game, 21-16.
Ordinarily, one would have predicted Intanon taking control in the second game. But it was in-fact Blichfeldt who dictated the play and reached 19-16. Only 2 more points to victory. But it is these moments that make or break champions, and with a late surge Intanon took the game 22-20. Blichfeldt didn’t recover from this and the final game was one-sided, with the Thai star winning it 21-10.
Following the match, Blichfeldt made a statement that sums up the positivity that can be gained from the manner of this result.
- I never lose. I either win or I learn
A nervy second game
Similarly to Blichfeldt, Chloe Birch gave a great account of herself against the in-form American Zhang Beiwen. There was also a nervy end to the second game, which would have given the Englishwomen victory. But in the end it was 13-21, 21-18, 21-15 to the 12th seed.
Spaniard Pablo Abian, reversed the result of May’s Slovenia International final, by beating Toby Penty 21-18, 21-6.
Germany’s Kai Schaefer put in a very smart performance against Denmark’s Hans-Kristian Vittinghus, particularly when winning the second game. However, he wasn’t able to maintain his rhythm in the deciding game, with the match ending 21-13, 17-21, 21-7.
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