The 2013 edition of the Forza Denmark International kicked off today in Frederikshavn with the majority of the days play being dominated by the huge 64 draw in men’s singles qualification. As expected the draw was top heavy with local Danish talent and the emergence of two of its brightest young stars onto the senior stage was the focal talking point of the afternoon.

16 year olds Anders Antonsen, brother of doubles specialist Kasper Antonsen, and Rasmus Gemke (pictured) proved by their performances today that the future of men’s singles in Denmark is safe a secure as they embark on their journey into senior badminton.

Rasmus Gemke and Anders Antonsen gifted with all talents

Both players have contrasting styles and Antonsen relies heavily on his tactical and technical abilities whereas Gemke has senior power to match his swashbuckling style on court. In an era where Viktor Axelsen has rightfully commanded most of the headlines, both Antonsen and Gemke appear too gifted with all the talents that should propel them in due course to the upper echelons of European and world badminton. 

It was an up and down day for both in today’s qualification where Antonsen could count himself unlucky after coming out the wrong side of a 23-21 defeat in the third set of his second round match. Gemke was more successful after coming through two tough early rounds before seeing off the challenge of Czech Republic’s Milan Ludik to book his spot in the main draw where he will meet Flemming Quach before a possible second round date of destiny with Viktor Axelsen.

Certainly a big day ahead for the young Dane tomorrow and, with his confidence sky high after his qualification performance, Gemke is sure to be up for the challenge.

Elsewhere there were qualification wins for Steffen Rasmussen, Mikkel Mikkelsen and Kasper Dinesen in what was a superb day for the home nation claiming 6 of the 8 qualifier spots in tomorrow’s main draw.

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Article and Image by Mark Phelan (Live in Frederikshavn)