Following a demanding summer which peaked with the Paris 2024 Olympics, some of our top European badminton players took a brief hiatus, with a well-deserved break after the intense Olympic qualification period.
However, the season resumes and there’s now a series of World Tour tournaments in Asia, paving the way to the European leg of the tour that kicks off in October with the CLASH ROYALE Arctic Open 2024 powered by YONEX, followed by the VICTOR Denmark Open 2024 and the Hylo Open 2024.
Spotlight on Hong Kong
This week, the spotlight turns to the LI-NING Hong Kong Open 2024. All eyes are on Viktor Axelsen, who won his second Olympic gold medal just a month ago. After skipping the Japan Open for some much-needed rest, Axelsen is set to make a powerful comeback.
Despite his formidable list of achievements, the Hong Kong Open title has eluded him so far. His first match will be tomorrow against local favourite Ng Ka Long Angus.
European delegation in action
While Viktor Axelsen aims for his first Hong Kong Open title, fellow Dane Anders Antonsen has opted out of the event, focusing on recovery and preparation for the upcoming Super 1000 tournament in China after his change in coach – he will have his brother Kasper Antonsen sitting in the coaching chair staring in October.
The Danish presence remains strong, with players like Mia Blichfeldt, Line Højmark Kjaersfeldt, and the duo of Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen all set to compete.
But it’s not just the Danes representing Europe in Hong Kong. The Popov brothers from France are also in the mix, participating in both men’s singles and doubles. Ukrainian players are also playing in this Super 500 tournament, with Polina Buhrova competing in the women’s singles and doubles, alongside Yevheniia Kantemyr, who is also teaming up with Oleksii Titov in the mixed doubles.
Today's matches to watch
The qualification rounds have now concluded, and top European contenders like Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen, Rasmus Kjær/Frederik Søgaard, and the Popov brothers are playing their fist round matches already today.
Stay tuned for more updates from the LI-NING Hong Kong Open 2024, which runs from today until Sunday, 15 September.