The second day of the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2023 has come to an end, meaning that tomorrow is the last day of the group stage. Who will advance to the next stage?
Carolina Marin delivered yet another strong performance at the World Tour Finals. She secured a commanding victory against China’s Han Yue 21-11 21-12. Tomorrow, Marin faces a tough opponent — China’s Chen Yu Fei, both at the top in the women’s singles Group B. Despite her recurring knee problems, Marin remains focused and determined. "I accept that I'm not at 100 percent," she acknowledged after her win against Beiwen Zhang yesterday. "But this is how I am right now. I have to be more focused on every rally. I wanted to enjoy on court and keep improving my game."
Viktor Axelsen faced a setback yesterday but made a triumphant return, overcoming Japan’s Kodai Naraoka, 21-17 21-9. Reflecting on the match, Axelsen emphasised the importance of staying focused. "I had to be calm and I had to be determined. Otherwise, it's really hard to come back from a defeat," he remarked. Looking ahead to tomorrow's match against Indonesia’s Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, Axelsen stated, "I just need to think that I have to win."
Yesterday, Kim Astrup/ Anders Skaarup Rasmussen settled the score with a thrilling victory over Korea’s Kang Min Hyuk/ Seo Seung Jae, reversing their fortunes from the World Championships 2023 final. However, today, they faced a defeat against Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian/ Muhammad Rian Ardianto. Tomorrow's match against Indonesia duo Muhammad Shohibul Fikri/ Bagas Maulana is crucial for the Danish duo.
Anders Antonsen faced a difficult challenge from Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie, resulting in a straight-game loss, 21-16 21-18. Antonsen's final group stage match is against the reigning world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand, who has so far lost in all his matches at the event.
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