Both Carolina Marin and Beatriz Corrales turned back the clock today in the Energia Arena in Vantaa at the semi-final stages of the 2013 edition of the Finnish Open. The smiling Spaniards repeated their achievements of two years ago, when both reached the final of the 2011 European Junior Championships, in what was then an historic day for Spanish badminton. Tomorrow the pair will go to battle again in the same arena on the same court but this time as two seasoned seniors for the Finnish Open title.

As expected the trip to Finland so far has been a walk in the part for Marin who has not dropped a set and more than 11 points in any of her games en route to the final. The Spanish star spoke honestly about her matches so far and her reason for coming to Finland so soon after her long stay in Asia for the Axiata Cup.

“This tournament is all about collecting 4000 valuable world ranking points as when I go home I have a lot of school work to finish and exams to do. I had discussed my schedule with my coach before I went to Axiata Cup and we agreed that this trip to Finland would fit my schedule as my only ranking tournament this month”

Marin has always enjoyed her time in Finland and both she and Corrales recalled found memories of their time in Finland. “When I walked into the hall again all the memories from that day came back. It will always be a big achievement in my career no matter what else I do and good feelings like that stay with you forever”

“That was a great day for Spanish badminton but both Carolina and I have developed a lot since then. I hope that tomorrow I can turn that silver from two years ago to gold but against Carolina that will be very difficult”

Grebak looking for golden double

Denmark’s Lena Grebak will try and complete a golden double tomorrow in both ladies and mixed doubles after coming through 4 matches in today’s quarter and semi-final schedule alongside partners Maria Helsbol and Anders Skaarup. The softly spoken Dane has been the unlikely Danish hero of the week and is full of confidence, even carry a sore right arm, going into the showpiece finals tomorrow.

“We have played well and steady in all our matches today which is pleasing even though playing two disciplines is a tough thing to do.” Skaarup was equally buoyed by his performance this week in a tournament that has been good to him in the past.

“I got to the final here last year and this year I am feeling very fresh after coming back from holiday last week so I am looking forward to giving a good performance tomorrow.”

Steady Ouseph through to yet another final 

England’s Rajiv Ouseph proved today that great players have the ability to dig out results and Ouseph certainly had to grind it out today in Vantaa. Ouseph came through a tough semi-final against Brice Leverdez and put the difference between the two players down to fatigue. “Brice looked a little bit tired today as he has played mostly three set matches this week. This was the difference in the end as really there was nothing between us other than that.”

Ouseph is looking to defend the title he won last year which proved vital in his qualification for his home Olympics. Tomorrow he will be joined by Dmytro Zavadsky after the Ukrainian overcame an Achilles injury scare to end the home dream of Ville Lang.

For all results from today’s semi-finals in Finland click HERE
To watch all the live finals action from 11am local time tomorrow on BETV’s high definition Youtube channel click HERE
To view full photo gallery follow Badminton Europe on facebook by clicking HERE

Article and Image by Mark Phelan (Live in Finland)