General

A laudatio to Morten Frost
Date: 4/18/2016 2:08 PM
Published by : Manuel Røsler

He is probably the greatest men's singles player in recent badminton history. And it is a particular pleasure to present to you as the nominee for the Badminton Europe Hall of Fame 2016 a gentleman that I have known well for so many years.

I met him in 1972. Coaching the Sjælland junior squad, an u. 14 boy challenged me to a match in the afternoon break. Still playing in the Danish first league those days I won the first game, but then the skillful boy had figured me out, played all my weak points and easily won in three – already at that young age his ability to analyze the opponent and adapt his game was extraordinary! That boy was indeed special.

He went on to break through the Danish scene in 1978, winning the national men's singles title, beating both the reigning World Champion Flemming Delfs and WC 77 runner-up, legendary Svend Pri.

A technically very skilled player, his strength was this ability to analyze and adapt his game. To work the weak points of his opponent, with patience. Not having a great powerful smash, but with non-equaled will power. Hating to lose, he NEVER gave up. Quite often he won, even if he trailed far behind in the last game.

The All England was HIS scene in the 1980’s. Eight years consecutively he reached the finals. The first victory came in 1982 and was followed by three more, in 84, 86 and 87 – and the other four years he was runner-up. For a decade, he was the world’s best and most winning player, winning numerous international titles, such as the Denmark Open 8 years out of 9 in the 1980’s.

Yes, you are right – we speak about MORTEN FROST, the new name in the BEC Hall of Fame.

And twice Morten was ever so close to win the World Champion title – in Calgary in 1985, where Han Jian caught up with his lead in the 3rdgame, and in Beijing two years later, where he fought back, against the wind and 16.000 enthusiastic Chinese supporters, from down 1-10in the 3rd game to 12-13 against Yang Yang, only to have a close and crucial line call against him.

Morten dominated the European Championships in the 1980’s, too. Runner up in Groningen 1980, where he and Flemming Delfs played a great final – perhaps the best European final so far, and Flemmings’ last great final. Away because of a contract issue in 1982, he came back winning in 1984 in Preston and again in Uppsala 1986, to come second to Darren Hall in Kristiansand 1988.

A true gentleman on and off court, always controlling his strong temper throughout his career, Morten was a true asset to the game when he played. After retiring he has been coaching and mentoring in Denmark and abroad, in Malaysia in particular. We are fortunate still to have Morten Frost around the courts where the most important matches are played. Moreover, Morten nowadays uses his analytical skills as ahighly appreciated tv commentator – to the benefit of telespectators worldwide watching badminton.

Laudatio by Torsten Berg, former Badminton Europe president.

©badmintoneurope.com. All rights reserved.

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