Yesterday's quarter-finals of the 2012 Yonex French Open saw the last good-bye of one of badminton's all-time greats. Danish legend Peter Gade retired from international badminton after his three-game defeat against compatriot Jan Ø. Jørgensen. People in the Stade de Coubertin arena celebrated the five-time European Champion (1998, 2000, 2004, 2006 and 2010) with a big applause and standing ovations.

With the retirement of Peter Gade a long badminton era ends. The Dane collected 22 Superseries and/or Grand Prix titles and took 5 medals at World Championships (Silver 2001, Bronze 1999, 2005, 2010, 2011). In 1999 he won the All-England Championships. Furthermore he became the most succesful European singles player in Asia of all times by taking 13 tournaments titles in the "Far East".

Peter Gade has been a great and professional ambassador for European badminton, with his unique style he inspired hundred thousands of young players all around the world. He will be missed.

"It was the time and place for ending my tournament career in the world of badminton. I could think of no better place to do this and even though I lost my match against my compatriot Jan Ø. Jørgensen, I enjoyed every second on court. I've had many feelings go trough my mind before and after the match but I feel good about ending this way...what mattered to me was to say good-bye in a good way and I did. Thank you all so much for your greetings and comments after the game - I appreciate every single one of them and most af all, to the fans of Paris! I love you and you will be in my mind forever."

Photo by BadmintonPhoto.