Mariya Ulitina (Ukraine) has reached the semi-finals of the Dutch Open in women’s singles. She beat the third seeded Dane Mia Blichfeldt in three exciting sets. An important victory for her since she has struggled to find her mental form since Rio Olympics. ‘I played so good in Rio, being able to reach the last 16. But I haven’t been able to reach that level afterwards’ Ulitina commented to Badminton Europe. Since August she moved again to Pecs in Hungary to play and train for the club Multi-Alarm SE. She has felt more comfortable and calm since. Also the Dutch Open has made her felt more confident about her game. ‘I think this tournament gave me hope that I will get my Rio form back’ Ulitina stated. Tomorrow she has to play first seeded USA-player Beiwen Zhang. ‘I hope I will play my game. Just my game’.
Jansen/Zurwonne have hope in men’s doubles
German couple Jones Ralfy Jansen and Josche Zurwonne (pictured above) have advanced to the semi-finals in men’s doubles. They are the only European pair that are still in the tournament of the men’s doubles event. Today they were too strong for French pair Maio/Kersaudy.
‘We knew how they played, because we played them before at the European Championships’ Jansen commented after their match.
‘They played well, but we played a consistent game’ Jansen added. Next round they will face Chinese Taipei couple Liao/Su, who beat Chris Langridge and Marcus Ellis after a 94 minute match.
‘I feel we all have the same chance, every match is a 50/50 match’ Jansen commented about his next match to come.
Dutch hope remains in men’s singles and mixed doubles
Dutch player Mark Caljouw (pictured above) is also the only European player left in men’s singles. Playing for the home crowd against former world no. 2 Kento Momota will draw the full attention of the spectators on semi-final day. Despite the challenge, Caljouw has set out a clear plan he wants to follow. ‘If I am able to stick to my plan, that will be already a victory for me’ Caljouw stated.
The mixed doubles harbours the only other remaining Dutchies. Selena Piek and Jacco Arends will be facing England’s Ben Lane and Jessica Pugh in the semi-finals. The English pair is looking forward to play against the Dutch. ‘I finally feel that I have a good run in both men’s and mixed doubles’ Lane stated. Other English pair Marcus Ellis and Lauren Smith are also through to the semi-finals.
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Article by Mireille Van Daal (LIVE) Images by Mark Phelan for Badminton Europe