The group stage at the Sudirman Cup 2021 got underway today on day one. Could group B throw up an upset? Jones Ralf Jansen says there could be one if Germany are able to reach 100 per cent.
Demonstrating Germany’s strength in depth, Jones Ralfy Jansen, with his men’s doubles partner Peter Kaesbauer, was agonisingly close to the European podium this year as Germany’s number two pair. An unlucky injury stopped them in their tracks.
A recovered Jansen looks to play a key role in the German and comments on group B and Germany’s chances.
-I think the favourites are Korea and Chinese Taipei, but we also have quite a strong team. I think we can beat one of them, but of course, we have to reach our 100 per cent. We hope that we can give our best here.
-We can show everyone that Germany is not only here for participation and that it is a country that can get to the higher level, and I am looking forward to that for sure, he adds.
Germany first swing just misses
In their first match, Germany took on Korea who have lifted the Sudirman Cup four times before. With a great start, Mark Lamsfuss/ Isabel Lohau (née Herttrich) defeated Kim Wonho/ Shin Seungchan in straight games. Both games saw them find their flow at the right time.
-We did not know our opponents, so I think the most important is that we found our game. Being patient in attack was the most important thing in the whole game, Lamsfuss stated.
-We kept calm in each game, even though the beginnings were not so good. We know that when we find are rhythm we can play well, Lohau added.
Lamsfuss then intervened, stating that actually “we are a new pair as well”, pointing to Isabel’s new married name on her back!
Momentum
Riding on this wave, Max Weisskirchen brought out all his weapons against Heo Kwanghee, the man who stunned Kento Momota in Tokyo. The German defeated Heo three years ago in Canada, but today was a tougher task.
In the decider, it looked like he will be making it 2-0 for Germany, but Heo found a way to just steal the victory, 21-12, 13-21, 21-19.
An Seyoung made a big statement win against Yvonne Li to give Korea the lead. In just 28 minutes An won 21-4, 21-11.
Mark Lamsfuss/ Marvin Seidel gave it everything to try and keep Germany in the tie against Seo Seungjae/ Choi Solgyu and there was absolutely nothing to choose between them. The Koreans were able to find a way in each game, 23-21, 21-19.
Olympic bronze medallists, Kim Soyeong/ Kong Heeyong finished off the tie with a straight game win over Isabel Lohau/ Linda Efler, making the final score 4-1.
It wasn’t the upset Germany were hoping for, but they still remain dangerous in the group.
Advice for debutantes: The team is everything!
Germany, like many nations in Finland have a blend of their experienced core and some new blood. Jones Ralfy Jansen, 28, has some great advice for anyone making their appearances for their senior team:
-For sure you have to be comfortable as a team and bring a good atmosphere. This is very important in my opinion. Also, if you know that you will not play in a match, try to keep the focus and feed the positivity to the players who are playing. So don’t think that okay I am not playing right now so I can do training or something else. This is not how a team works. If the players win, then I will win for sure. If they get a medal then I will also get a medal for sure.
-We need to always fight as a team.