After winning last year in Orleans Mark Caljouw of the Netherlands performed one of those rare feats in international badminton by lifting back to back titles. What made the feat even more remarkable is the fact that last years tournament was International Challenge level and this years was one step higher at World Tour Super 100 level.
-I think this win today kind of reflects how my game has developed over the last year. It is all down to hard work and belief.
Caljouw overcame Rasmus Gemke in today’s final and was pleased the way he managed to fight back after losing the opening set.
-I knew Rasmus had to be tired after his crazy long match late last night. I just told myself to hang in there and play the rallies and see what happens.
In the end the fire burnt out on the Danish side of the net with Gemke’s tank running completely dry mid-way through the deciding set.
-He was so tired I could see that for sure. But I just had to remain focused as Rasmus is a great player and I knew he could bounce back at any time. I think now after winning two years in a row I can officially call this my favourite tournament.
Disappointment as Blichfeldt comes up short
While Europe was celebrating men’s singles success there was no such joy for Mia Blichfeldt (pictured above) as the Dane had no answers today to the power of Japans Shiori Saito.
Blichfeldt is one of the few European’s who has beaten the Japanese player before but today failed to shine in her effort to lift her first BWF title in the new world tour series.
-I am very disappointed in my performance today. There is nothing more to say about it. To many mistakes and she made it to difficult for me. Maybe tomorrow I will see it differently but today is a bad day.