The second edition of the Swedish Masters kicked off today in the Fyrishov Sports Complex in Uppsala and as expected the rising stars of Danish women’s singles blasted through qualification to book a first round berth where they will attempt to mix it up against seasoned circuit pro’s such as Gilmour, Corrales and Nedelcheva.
The first of the Danish young guns to show her hand was Irina Amalie Andersen who displayed a maturity beyond her young years as she walked through qualification without dropping a set. The Danes stiffest test came in the very opening round against the improving Rachael Darragh of Ireland where the Irish girl had a real chance leading 15-12 in the opening game. Andersen will now play Indonesian Desi in the first round proper and will fancy her chances after a strong qualification display.
Mia Blichfeldt (pictured) followed Anderson into the main draw but was made work slightly harder en route. The rising star of Danish badminton was taken to three games against Anastasia Chervyakova only coming through 22-20 in the deciding game. In the final qualification match Blichfeldt was taken right to the wire by fellow Dane Julie Dawall Jakobsen who looks every bit the part of a potential top class player. Blichfeldt now advances to the main draw where she will play multiple circuit winner Kristina Gavnholt of Czech Republic.
Natalia Koch Rhode rounded off a good day for the Danes coming through to meet Natalia Perminova in tomorrow’s first round main draw.
Kaisti brings Estonian form to Sweden
Last week’s winner of the Estonian International Anton Kaisti continued his good run of form coming through qualification against tough opponents without dropping a set. A qualification first round win against Marin Baumann of France was rounded off with a two set win against Rhys Walker of England. Kaisti now advances to play Erik Meijs of the Netherlands in tomorrow’s main draw.
European Junior Champion of 2013, Fabian Roth booked his main draw berth after a controlled and energy saving qualification display as he continues to manage the transition from junior to senior badminton with ease. Roth will play fellow qualifier Mateusz Dubowski in tomorrow’s first round proper as the Pole once again impressed and is beginning to look like a future singles threat for Poland.
Denmark’s Kim Bruun was forced to expend a lot of energy after taking three sets to dispose of his opposition in two of his three qualification matches. The young Danes reward for his hard day’s work is a first round meeting with Estonian number one Raul Must.
Jacob Nielsen proved to be the cream of the local crop of players coming through qualification as he continues to show signs of being a real prospect for the future. The young Swede now has the unenviable task of playing the defending champion, Ville Lång of Sweden in tomorrow’s first round proper.
All the action continues tomorrow live and uninterrupted on Badminton Europe’s streaming portal from 9am local time.
For all the action on demand from the first days play in Sweden on Badminton Europe’s YouTube channel click HERE.
Article and images by Mark Phelan (Live in Sweden)