This afternoon in Leuven, Denmark went full circle winning the 2015 European mixed team championships claiming back the title they lost in such dramatic circumstances in Russia two years ago. England were no match for the powerhouse of European badminton with the Danes easing to a comfortable 3-0 win.

England were on the back foot from the outset after losing their talisman Rajiv Ouseph through injury with Toby Penty deputising at men’s singles. With ‘Mr England’ out of the tie England needed Fontaine Chapman to win the opening women’s singles for England to have any realistic chance of troubling the Danes.

Line Kjærsfeldt was in no mood for charity and completely dominated her opponent taking the opening match 21-14 21-11. “There has been a bitter taste in our mouths since losing two years ago so we have come here very focused to put things right” said Kjaersfeldt. “It was key to win the opening singles and of course I am happy I got this point for the team”

Jan Ø. Jørgensen followed Kjaersfeldt’s lead taking the men’s singles against Toby Penty but the world number 2 did not have it all his own way in the opening game having to dig deep to eventually win 21-18. “I had set myself up mentally to play Rajiv so I almost had to do a mental reset when I found out Toby was selected” said Jørgensen. “It was a battle to win that opening game but after taking it and getting an early lead I think both Toby and I knew I was going to win in two games”



The Danes certainly had all the aces up their sleeves in terms of the running order with Kamilla Rytter Juhl and Christinna Pedersen at number 3 with the opportunity to wrap up the title for the favourites.

The world number two pair lost little time seeing off the challenge of Lauren Smith and Heather Olver winning in two games 21-9 21-14.

“We knew there was some unfinished business this week and we wanted to put right what happened in Russia two years ago. We came to this tournament determined never to let that situation happen again” said Rytter Juhl after claiming the winning point for Denmark.

This afternoons victory in Leuven is Denmark’s 15th title with the Danes now hold all four major team events in Europe with this European mixed team championship the final piece of the jigsaw and from a Danish perspective normal business has been resumed.

For all results from Leuven click HERE.

Article by Mark Phelan (Live in Leuven).