Antonsen recognised the strengths of his opponent, noting, “Koki was playing super well today. He really gave me a difficult match, that’s for sure.” The first game was close, with Watanabe clinching it 23-21. However, Antonsen responded by winning the second game 21-18, taking it to a third game. “It could have gone either way,” Antonsen admitted.

The decider started evenly until Antonsen pulled ahead after 6-6, gradually extending his lead and finally closing the match 21-14 to advance to the quarterfinals. “I’m super proud to lose the first game like that and still be able to stay in it, stay calm, and find a way through,” he said.

Discussing his approach, Antonsen highlighted his mental game as crucial. “Staying calm, trying to keep the focus, even though it was hard. That was the key.” In the quarterfinals of this Super 1000 tournament, he will be facing against Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn, seeded fifth and the reigning World Championships champion.