The CLASH ROYALE Arctic Open 2024 kicked off today with qualification rounds in the morning followed by the first matches of the main draw.
While there were several victories for our Europeans, losses also played a part —but these setbacks are also valuable lessons. Among those seeing the positives despite losing are the newly formed duo of Robin Tabeling from the Netherlands and Alexandra Bøje from Denmark. This partnership came about as Bøje’s usual partner, Mathias Christiansen, is currently serving a suspension until July next year.
Tabeling and Bøje have been preparing for their debut tournament together, training at the Danish National Centre in Brøndby. “The intensity there is just different,” Tabeling said on the training sessions.
Reflecting on their first match on the big stage, Tabeling shared, “We were both pretty excited to get going but when we saw the draw, we knew it could have been better.” They faced the second seeds from China, Jian Zhen Bang/ Wei Ya Xin, right out of the gate. “They're in top form, they've won a lot of the last few tournaments. It won't surprise me if they go all the way in the next few.”
Despite the tough opposition, Tabeling and Bøje held their own, playing a difficult match but ultimately losing 17-21 16-21. Tabeling noted, “We started out really well, with great energy, good commitment to what we've agreed to.”
Bøje also felt positive about their synergy and performance. “We had quite good speed, both of us, so that's a thing we need to use a bit more. We’re quite satisfied with our performance today. We didn't know what to expect, going in with someone new. We are hungry for next week,” she concluded, optimistic about the potential new challenges awaiting them in the Denmark Open.
Click here to see all of today's results at the CLASH ROYALE Arctic Open 2024 powered by YONEX.