As we approach the end of the Women’s Singles in the first round at the SaarLorLux Open in Germany, there have been some impressive results for European players.
Kristin Kuuba from Estonia has claimed a scalp, beating the Spanish number six seed, Beatriz Corrales, in a three-game thriller which had everyone on the edge of their seats.
The first game ended 25-27 to Corrales, but the unseeded player from Estonia managed to come back from one game down to claim the match with two good games to end (25-27, 21-15, 21-17).
An unexpected victory
Kristin Kuuba, speaking to Badminton Europe after her match, revealed that she has never won anyone higher ranked than Corrales, who is ranked 33 in the world rankings.
Kuuba is currently 86th in the world rankings in Women’s Singles and revealed how delighted she was with her victory.
- I am just very happy right now, it was an amazing feeling. She has a much higher ranking than me, so it is really good to beat that kind of player. So, it shows that I am heading in the right direction.
- I just tried to be calm and attack all the time because the shuttle is really fast here.
An afternoon of Men’s Doubles
The Men’s Doubles event is the next on court with a number of Europeans looking to make it to the next round.
Joshua Magee/Paul Reynolds are through to the next round after beating German pair Christopher Ames/Tim Specht in a comfortable straight-game victory.
Other wins so far this afternoon, have come from Mark Lamsfuss/Marvin Emil Seidel, Nikita Khakimov/Audrey Parakhodin and Raphael Beck/Andreas Heinz with more to play later today.