2023 has started on a great note for badminton fans across the worldwide.
The first month featured three prestigious tournaments in three different countries. They all had plenty of action, high-quality badminton, and some epic battles.
Focusing on the performance of the Olympic and three-time world champion Carolina Marin, we see something interesting. She was too good for all her opponents, except for the ones to whom she lost - Chen Yufei in Malaysia, Akane Yamaguchi in India, and today An Se Young in Indonesia. Well, it just so happens that these three undoubtedly are the current best in the world.
Marin pushed them all the way, but it was not enough. While she had conceded 21-18, 21-19 to the reigning Olympic champion Yufei, she was disheartened by the current world champion Yamaguchi 21-9 in the decider. Today was no different.
Fighting against a player nine years younger, the Spaniard gave it her all. As Se Young looked tired in the opener, Marin clinched it. Soon, her Korean opponent equalled the scores at 1-1. Going into the decider, the momentum shifted either way until the mid-game interval. After that, Marin looked a little tired as she made few unforced errors and misjudgements. It was all Se Young required to run away the match and lift a second trophy in two weeks.
The marathon match ended with a 18-21, 21-18, 21-13 scoreline after 80 minutes.
In retrospect, Carolina Marin must produce just a little extra to challenge the current generation of world’s best players, who happen to be younger than her.
Surely, she’ll get there once again!