The first day of the Super 750 tournament in New Delhi proved challenging for many European players, though a few managed to advance to the next rounds.
Todays action
Toma Junior Popov secured a hard-fought win against Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto in a 74-minute match, evening their head-to-head at 1-1, with a result of 20-22, 21-10, 21-14. However, efforts in the men’s doubles with brother Christo didn’t go as well; despite winning the first game, they lost a close second and eventually the decider.
In mixed doubles, Thom Gicquel/Delphine Delrue smoothly defeated India's Sathish Kumar Karunakaran/Aadya Variyath, 21-12 21-10. They are set to face Singapore’s Hee Yong Kai Terry/Jin Yu Jia for the first time on Thursday in the Round of 16.
The world number one men’s doubles pair, Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen, knew they were up for a difficult first-round matchup against Yong Jin/Min Hyuk Kang. It was pretty even in the first two games, with the Danes winning the first game 22-20, and the Korean duo taking the second one 21-19.
The Danes had a slight lead throughout the first half of the decider but just when the break happened, and despite having an even score at times, it seemed to go in Jin/Kang’s favour from 13-13, winning the third game 21-16.
In what was one of the mostly anticipated matches of the day, a rematch of their Malaysia Open clash last week, Alex Lanier once again faced Kunlavut Vitidsarn. Their first match was exciting and ended in a thrilling three-game win for Vitidsarn. Today's game also had to be decided in three games. But this time the young Frenchmen got out on top. Lanier won the game 21-11 14-21 21-14. In the next round Lanier will face Kiran George from India.
More European players take the stage tomorrow
Tomorrow promises more action as the first round concludes. Christo Popov, despite his doubles loss, will step onto the court for his men’s singles match against China’s Lan Xi Lei.
Viktor Axelsen is expected to have a good match against Yu Jen Chi from Chinese Taipei. In a less fortunate draw, Danes Julie Dawall Jakobsen and Mia Blichfeldt face off in a first-round encounter between the last standing Europeans in the women’s singles.
Ben Lane/Sean Vendy, fresh from their quarterfinal appearance at the Malaysia Open, prepare for a potential tough match if they advance. Similarly, Daniel Lundgaard/Mads Vestergaard are also playing tomorrow.
In mixed doubles, five European pairs will compete, including Robin Tabeling/Alexandra Bøje against Xin Wa Guo/Fang Hui Chen, and Gregory Mairs/Jenny Mairs taking on the second seeds Zhe Bang Jiang/Ya Xin Wei.