Two weeks ago Mark Caljouw got injured at the 2021 European Mixed Team Championships. Today he won his first round at Swiss Open.

With the Olympic qualification back on, every single point for the world ranking is crucial for the players still in the race for a ticket to Tokyo.

Back on track
Two weeks ago, Dutch Mark Caljouw got injured during the 2021 European Mixed Team Championships, but luckily for the men’s singles profile, the injury has not been too serious, although it did not allow him the best possible preparations ahead of the 2021 Swiss Open.

- To be honest I did not train that good in the last two weeks due to pain in my back, but the medical staff and the coach did a great job. I am also quite relaxed at this tournament, so it also helps. There is no pressure because of the injury, but it is feeling better and better, Caljouw said.

In the first game of his first round match up against H. S. Prannoy from India, Mark Caljouw missed out on four game points, before securing the opening game 21-19.

- For me it was important to get that first game. I got four game points and he came back at 20-19, and I am happy that I kept going with the right tactic.

Facing Thai
The Indian controlled the second game winning 21-9 before the Dutch world number 36 took his first win against Prannoy winning the decider 21-17.

- In the second game my coach said that I had to keep the rhythm, and I came back a bit. In the third game I said to myself that we start from 0-0 and to keep fighting.

Mark Caljouw will face Kantaphon Wangcharoen from Thailand in the second round on Thursday.