With one of the most impressive resumes in world badminton, the Denmark Open has still eluded the Olympic champion, Carolina Marin. She made three semifinals in five appearances but was never able to cross this hurdle.
Looking at her record here, it is hardly a secret that the absence of other top players has only helped her cause. Defeating the young prospect Yvonne Li of Germany 21-17, 21-11 in their first match, Marin is finally through to the Denmark Open women’s singles final.
Unlike yesterday’s quarterfinal against Beiwen Zhang, there were no first-game jitters. The Spaniard had complete control over proceedings for the entire 34 minutes.
- Today, I felt much better than yesterday for sure. It is not about the score but about my feeling on the court. I just followed my game plan, so I feel happy about that, Marin said.
- It was a tough and long quarterfinal yesterday and I also had to play earlier today, she continued.
Even though Marin had a great start, Li started to catch up.
- I started to attack more. I was getting used to the speed and was able to answer back aggressively, Li pointed out.
However, it was not for long as Marin managed to quickly wrap up the match.
- It was important to keep the initiative on my side. Everyone knows that I am an attacking player, Marin replied.
All praise for Marin
Talking about her terrific week here at the Denmark Open, the world number 44 was in awe of her opponent’s game.
- I was excited. I realised that I had to improve a lot in the first game itself. Marin is on a whole other level, Li said.
- If I want to keep up, I need to get my speed up and play the best I have ever played. She is fast, has the reach and is always aggressive, she further noted.
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Li is excited about her home tournament, where she reached the semifinals last year.
- There is not much time left. I need to recover and prepare as well as I can. However, it [Denmark Open] was not a normal tournament but I am happy that I used my chance, Li beamed.
- There is more attention at the home tournament. I will want to perform exceptionally well, she concluded.
A message for the title contender
Carolina Marin will face Nozomi Okuhara of Japan for the title. She had lost to her at the semifinals stage last year. The second semifinal is yet to be played.
- I will try to enjoy the final here in Denmark. I will keep my focus on court and give everything tomorrow, she assured.