The French Brice Leverdez is through to the next round. 

Leverdez is first seeded in the Italian International. In the first round he played Sergey Sirant from Russia which ended 21-15 21-17 to Leverdez. Sirant is quite a strong first round opponent, but for Leverdez the draw is not important. 

- I actually did not care about the draw, because I was focused on some tactic that I wanted to play. And no matter who I play in this tournament I will play what I made in my mind and keep going, he said. 

Last time the two players met was at the European Championships in 2017. This match ended 21-18 16-21 21-18 in Leverdez’s favour. The match in Milan today was a more comfortable win and Leverdez explained why: 

- I stayed very focussed in the game and the speed of the shuttle is quite good for me. The shuttles are pretty fast which is quite good for my net game and attacking game. 

Read also: Ivanov and Bolotova reunite in Milan

Can he do it again?

Leverdez won the Italian International back in 2015. An important win as it was during the Olympic qualification period. This is also the case now. A win for Leverdez would be great in connection with the qualification. 

- I have a good feeling in this tournament and I hope to do the same even though it is four years later, he ended. 

Later today Leverdez will be facing Ade Resky Dwicahyo from Azerbaijan.

Click here to see further results.