No fewer than eighteen players from Denmark have made their way to the China Open in Changzhou this week, headed by the number one seed in men’s singles, Viktor Axelsen.
Other European nations that have sent out somewhat smaller teams include Russia, Spain, England, Scotland, The Netherlands, France, Germany and Ireland.
Axelsen Favourite for the Men's Singles
World number one Axelsen .reached the semi-final in Japan last week, losing to home favourite Kento Momota, he will hope to go one better this week. If he wins his first round match against Thai player Khosit Phetpradab, he sets up a possible second-round matchup against Chinese legend Lin Dan.
Jan O Jorgensen has been promoted to the main draw and will start with a match against Korean Lee Dong Keun.
Marin 6th Seed in Women’s Singles
Following her successful visit to Japan last week, Carolina Marin is seeded 6th in China. Marin will be feeling very confident after her victory against (among others) former world number one Ratchanok Intanon. Marin plays fellow European Mia Blichfeldt in the first round, and the winner of that match could meet Scotland’s in-form Kirsty Gilmour in round 2.
Danish seeds in Men's Doubles
Looking ahead to the Men's Doubles, a real chance to progress through the tournament goes to the Danish teams. There are two seeded men’s pairs with the highest seeds Mads Conrad-Petersen and Mads Kolding.
Following the withdrawal of Mathias Bøe and Carsten Mogensen, Dutch pair Jelle Maas and Robin Tabeling has been promoted to the main draw.
Germany Strong in Women's Doubles
German pair Linder Efler and Isabel Herttrich play a Chinese pair in round 1, and if they get through that match, will probably meet the number 1 seeds from Japan, Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota. The second German pair is a new combination. Johanna Goliszewski and Lara Kaepplein will play Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu.
Adcocks hope for Victory in Mixed Doubles
The top European seeds in the Mixed Doubles are world number 7s Chris and Gabby Adcock. They have a draw in round one against the Irish brother/sister pair of Sam and Chloe Magee. The Magee’s are ranked 214 in the world but could cause a real upset.