Europe kicked off the Japan Open with a bang yesterday, as France's Alex Lanier earned a career-defining victory against Paris 2024 bronze medallist and world no. 6 Lee Zii Jia. However, today's spotlight was on the Danish players who dominated the second day of the first round with their presence.
Unfortunately, not all European players enjoyed success; German pair Jan Colin Voelker/ Isabel Lohau bowed out in their opening match, as did Danes Daniel Lundgaard/ Mads Vestergaard.
The tournament took a somber turn for Europe with Anders Antonsen's withdrawal from his match due to an injury, leaving him behind at 1-6 against India’s Sathish Karunakaran. This marks a significant setback, as Antonsen, alongside Viktor Axelsen, another injury casualty who withdrew before the tournament’s start, were among Europe’s top contenders in this Super 750 tournament.
Despite these setbacks, the day was not lacking of European triumphs, particularly for the Danes, who celebrated victories across five matches. Line Kjaersfeldt won a gruelling three-game match against China’s Zhang Yi Man, advancing to the next round where she’ll be meeting home favourite Akane Yamaguchi. While challenging, it promises to be an exciting clash.
The Danish pairs also shone brightly, with victories from Mads Vestergaard/ Christine Busch, Jesper Toft/ Amalie Magelund, Andreas Søndergaard/ Jesper Toft, and Julie Finne-Ipsen/ Mai Surrow, highlighting a day mixed with triumph and tribulation.
Catch all the details from today's action here.