Anders Antonsen knocked out the former world champion and the defending Olympic champion, Chen Long.
The last match on the Friday scheduled at the World Championships in Basel was expected to be a blockbuster – and so it was.
Chen Long took the lead at the beginning at the first game, but after a challenge and two good rallies Antonsen won the first game 22-20. In the second game Antonsen was off to a good start leading 11-4 at the interval.
Solid win
Friday night Anders Antonsen won his first ever World Championships medal winning 22-20 21-10 against Chen Long.
- I said that I would win a medal, and I did. It feels really good and satisfying, Antonsen said.
- I was fighting really well. In the beginning I was running too much, playing a too much offensive style. When I started to play more defensive, it worked out well.
Facing Thai in the semifinal
In the semifinal on Saturday Anders Antonsen will face Kantaphon Wangcharoen from Thailand. The Thai is seeded 12th, and Antonsen is on paper the favourite to clinch the spot in the final.
- Now I have new goals, which is to win tomorrow, Antonsen said.