“I will mention that placing a Super 1000 tournament in China just a week following the World Championships in Denmark is pretty ridiculous scheduling. Back and forth between Asia and Europe all the time takes a toll on the body and mind. And back to back big events that you don't want to miss out on is not ideal planning.” Anders Antonsen via Instagram
This message comes following the reigning world bronze medallist's withdrawal from the Round of 16 match at the Hong Kong Open 2023 due to illness.
“I had to pull out of the Hong Kong Open due to sickness. I haven't been feeling well for the most part of this China/Hong Kong trip and in the end I decided to stop pushing my body and health but to give it some time to rest and recover. So that's the plan for the next few days.”
Carolina Marin, who expressed similar concerns during the China Open last week, is also out of the Super 500 tournament after losing 9-21 18-21 in the quarterfinals to Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska Tunjung.
Amid these concerns about the demanding schedule, more players appear to be voicing their opinions and advocating for a schedule that prioritises the well-being of athletes.
For most of our European players, they will now have a three-week break to recover before the Arctic Open 2023, scheduled to begin on October 10th.
In the meantime, advancing to the Hong Kong Open semifinals are Denmark’s Kim Astrup/ Anders Skaarup Rasmussen and Maiken Fruergaard/ Sara Thygesen.