Circuit

Palyama rolls back the years
Date: 9/15/2012 6:32 PM
Published by : Manuel Røsler
Dicky Palyama proved there is still life in the old dog yet after a two set victory over Lukas Schmidt of Germany to advance to what can only be described as an unexpected final of the Yonex Belgian International. The Dutch veteran has shown sparkling form this week in Leuven as his swashbuckling style left all his opponents trailing in his wake.

In today’s semi final Palyama looked fresh and hungry for success as he thwarted any attack that Lukas Schmidt had to throw at him. Indeed the aging Dutchman looked faster and more alert throughout the match and it is clear that semi retirement is suiting him.

“I have no pressure on me which allows me play relaxed. I have not been training much and with a new baby arriving in November that is a main focus for me so to be in the final here is a bonus”

Palyama has clearly enjoyed his trip to the final and was at ease making comment about his physical shape due to lack of physical training. “I came here worried about my first round against Chetan Anand and look at me my belly is growing with every week. But when I saw Chetan’s belly bigger than mine I knew there was a chance” said Paylama laughing and apologising to Chetan at same time. Palyama’s opponent in tomorrow’s final will be Andre Kurniawan Tedjono after the Indonesian easily defeated Kestutis Kavickas in two games.

The women’s singles final will be contested by two players who have always played well here in Belgium and got to the semi finals last year. Sashina Vignes Waran the very talented French woman, who has always struggled to put five matches together in hot bed of a tournament, will face off against German fighter Karin Schnaase. Sashina came through in a tight two set game against Kristiana Gavnholt while Karin Schnaase ended the run of Sabrina Jaquet in two games.

“After a slow start I soon found a rhythm and by midway in the second game I saw Sabrina’s head drop and I knew the match was mine. It took me a few points to win it in the end as she realised the match was gone and actually started to play better but I am so happy to reach the final here as I have always played well at this tournament.” Said Schnaase to Badminton Europe.

The unsung hero of the day was undoubtedly England’s Marcus Ellis as the smiling Englishman booked his spot in both the men’s doubles and mixed doubles final. Along with Paul Van Rietvelde, Ellis defeated Dutch duo Bosch and Middleburg and in the mixed Ellis and partner Gabby White came back from a set down to beat Danish duo Anders Rasmussen and Lena Grebak.

Ellis and Van Rietvelde will play the duo of Ridder and Cwalina in tomorrow’s final after the Polish/Dutch defeated Langridge and Mills in the last of the semi final matches on court. Adam Cwalina will be looking to defend the title he won last year with injured partner Michal Logosz and looking at their form they will be favourites to lift the title tomorrow.

“There is no pressure on us as we have come together for this tournament only to keep our game in shape as we are both without partners at the moment. We have only practised for three days but you can be sure that tomorrow we will go out to compete and win” said Ridder to Badminton Europe.

For all results click HERE

To review the days play on BEtv log in and by clicking HERE

For photo gallery click HERE

Article and Image by Mark Phelan (Live in Belgium)

Note: Tomorrows finals will be covered in full TV quality courtesy of Sporza TV Belgium. Be sure to tune in for all the action LIVE from 1pm local time.
©badmintoneurope.com. All rights reserved.

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