The Scottish International kicked off today at the fantastic Emirates Arena adjacent to Celtic Park in Glasgow. As expected the majority of the hopeful qualifiers came from both Scotland and England but it was the Danes who looked the class act on day 1 in Glasgow.
The Danish Men’s doubles duo of Anders Skaarup and Anders Kristiansen
(pictured) certainly would not be accustomed to taking part in qualification rounds in any tournament but like any new partnership they have to fight their way from the bottom as they attempt to establish themselves in the upper echelons of world men’s doubles.
The Danish duo certainly looked to enjoy their time on court today as they blasted their way through two qualification rounds to advance to tomorrow’s main draw proper. Such was their dominance today that it is entirely feasible that the Danes could go all the way this week in Glasgow as they attempt to bank some core world ranking points.
The other Danish pair on show today was yet another new partnership in the shape of the bearded Mikkel Elbjørn and young gun and all rounder Line Kjærsfeldt. As Kristiansen and Rasmussen before them, Elbjorn and Kjærfeldt controlled their qualification campaign and stated their clear credentials with a two game win over tough Chinese Taipai opposition in the final qualification round. With Elbjørn’s rear court power and Kjærsfeldt’s craft this is another Danish pair that will test any combination in the main draw over the coming days.
In the men’s singles qualification English youngster Alex Lane, the current U17 European Champion, looks to be a real prospect for the future as he advanced with ease to the main draw. The 17 year old, fresh from his experience at the World Junior Championships in Japan, made light of the challenge put before him in today’s qualification with his exciting and technically excellent brand of attacking badminton. Lane sits into the easiest side of the main draw and will fancy his chances to advance as he gains valuable experience at senior level.
Follow all the live action from tomorrow’s first round on Badminton Europe TV by
clicking HERE.
For a list of the mornings BETV streaming schedule check out
Badminton Europe’s facebook page where you can also find a full picture gallery live from Glasgow.
BETV schedule for Thursday, 22 November 2012
Michael Lahnsteiner (AUT) – Kieran Merrilees (SCO) 10.00 *
Matthieu Lo Ying Ping (FRA) – Mathias Borg (SWE) 10.30
Flemming Quach (DEN) – Kestutis Navickas (LIT) 13.40
Kristina Gavnholt (CZE) – Sarah Milne (ENG) 15.00
Line Kjærsfeldt (DEN) – Perrine Le Buhanic (FRA) 15.40
Sandra Maria Jensen (DEN) – Panuga Riou (ENG) 16.20
Carolina Marin (ESP) - Trupti Murgunde (IND) 17.00
Bosch/Zurwonne (NED/GER) – Colberg/Elbjørn (DEN) 19.00
Antonsen/Overgaard (DEN) – Saeki/Taohata (JPN) 20.20
* LOCAL SCOTTISH TIME
For all results
click HERE
Article and Image by Mark Phelan (Live in Glasgow)