September and October have been busy and successful months for Badminton Europe's “Centre of Excellence”. CoE players have been performing in several tournaments after the summer build-up program, winning some titles and bringing more motivation into the training environment at the centre in Holbaek, Denmark.
The last three Future Series tournaments are won by CoE players in the men’s singles category. First, Jonathan Dolan (IRL) won the Czech Open 2019 at the end of September. One week later, Bulgaria’s Dimitar Yanakiev claimed the men’s singles champion’s title at the Bulgarian International Championship 2019.
-This is my first title in men’s singles and I am happy it was in my home city Sofia, Yanakiev told Badminton Europe.
Yanakiev is practicing at the CoE for two weeks every month. In his words, his game has improved while he has been at the centre and believes that the constant visits can help him achieve his goals.
-I have good quality intensive trainings here thanks to the CoE players. The coaches have been helping me a lot, giving me advice on what to change and where to focus in my game. I am glad I moved to the centre.
Back-to-back for Jonathan Dolan
Jonathan Dolan (IRL) continued the winning streak by winning the Cyprus International 2019 last week. Though winning two tournaments in a row is rare in badminton, the Irish champion was confident enough to believe he could take another title.
-It feels great to win back-to-back tournaments. When I won Czech Open I did say that I wanted to back it up as I feel like my level is good enough to contest for more titles. I knew going into Cyprus that I was in good form so I knew I had a chance if I could perform to my best level.
-I can’t say that I expected to win back-to-back tournaments but my goal was to win a Future Series tournament. I have achieved my goal, so now I will set my sights a bit higher. I will try to win an International Series tournament.
Semifinal for Burestedt
Felix Burestedt (SWE) continued the success of the CoE players with a third place in last week’s Dutch Open 2019.
With a first and second round wins against Jacob Nilsson (SWE) and Vladimir Malkov (RUS), Burestedt beat Germany’s Kai Schaefer in three games in the third round.
A two-game victory against Russia’s Sergey Sirant advanced him to the semifinals, where he lost to India’s Lakshya Sen who went on to win the tournament.
Lino Munoz doing well in America
Lino Munoz (MEX) was practicing at the CoE before his tour in Latin America. The Mexican became a runner-up in three tournaments in a row, starting from Mexican International in mid-September.
One week later he had to retire in the second game in the finals of Guatemala International Series 2019 due to an injury. And the third silver was achieved in last week’s Brazil International Series 2019.
Munoz is now back at the centre and will continue practicing there for the next two months.