Anders Antonsen follows in the steps of fellow countryman Viktor Axelsen to reach quarterfinals after beating Toby Penty.
After a showstopping performance in his match against number 14 seed Kantaphon Wangcharoen, Thailand, Team GB player Toby Penty claimed an unexpected win in which the Brit clearly demonstrated that he was in the Olympics to fight for medals just as much as the favourites.
However, Anders Antonsen has had just as good of a run in the Olympics, if not smoother. The world number three had previously faced Vietnam’s Tien Minh Nguyen and Azerbaijan’s Ade Resky Dwicahyo that resulted in slick wins for the Dane.
One match at a time
Penty had a tough opponent with whom to prove his worth. Number three seed Anders Antonsen was no easy challenge to overcome and despite Penty even taking the lead for a moment at the start of the second game, the Danish player took advantage of the Brit’s struggling moments on court to strike back.
- I was making too many errors at the back court. I felt like I was trying to do the right things but I was rushing a bit too much which I haven't done this week, but that is what happens when you play top players. He played a good game today, Penty said.
After a 46-minute-long encounter, the Dane got away with a win with a result of 21-10 21-15. Antonsen notes Penty’s skills, as he did not make it so easy for him to triumph in the encounter.
- I have played Penty three times before and even though I have won those, he's always been a hard one to beat. He has some very good qualities — a tall left-handed guy, that's quite unusual. It was tough, Antonsen stated.
The Danish singles player now goes onto the quarterfinals looking to win his first ever Olympic medal.
- I'm in the bottom half of the draw and there are some amazing players on my side. I'm taking one match at a time, Antonsen said.