Scotland’s Imogen Bankier and her doubles partner Petya Nedelcheva capped a magical two weeks by lifting the Belgian International title this afternoon in Leuven.
Bankier & Nedelcheva (pictured) made the long trip to Kharkov in the Ukraine last week and came away with the title and 4000 world ranking points. They showed no ill effects from that journey as they came through the most gruelling three set battle against European junior champions Gabriela and Stefani Stoeva to go back to back on the European circuit.
The Stoeva sisters took the opening game 21-12 and Bankier and Nedelcheva looked lacking a plan B against the resolute defence from the Bulgarians. Time after time they turned defence into attack to frustrate their more experienced opponents.
“I really could not believe how well they defended. Everything we threw at them they got back over the net and then when they got on the attack their power was immense” said Bankier after.
Bankier & Nedelcheva levelled up with a comfortable win in the second and came out the better of a power sapping third game to take the top step of the podium.
“We felt it was best to keep on attacking as much as we could but I can tell you right now my right arm is dead after that match. They are really a pair to watch in the future” said Nedelcheva.
Skaarup Rasmussen on the double
Anders Skaarup Rasmussen put the disappointment of a final loss in the Ukraine behind him today and emerged as the hero of the finals lifting two titles.
The Dane opened up proceedings with a three game win alongside partner Lena Grebak in the mixed doubles finals against Dutch duo Selena Piek and Jacco Arends. Then the final match of the tournament proved to be the icing on the cake as the broad smiling Dane partnered up with Kim Astrup to lift the men’s doubles title.
In a match that had absolutely everything from excitement to intrigue and with a fare share of controversy the Danish duo emerged victorious in two close sets over Chris Langridge and Peter Mills of England.
“This match was just one of those fun games you always want to play. The crowd were amazing and to win alongside Kim is a real highlight for me”
Astrup Sorsensen had the biggest smile and he put a losing streak of six final defeats behind him winning this title in Belgium and no one can really deny him his spot on the top step of the podium.
There was no joy for Eric Pang and the Dutch top seed went down to defending champion Andre Kurniawan Tedjono in the men’s singles final and Indonesia went home with a second title after Febby Angguni lifted the women’s singles honours.
For all results from today’s final click HERE
Article and Image by Mark Phelan (Live in Leuven)