Ilias Xanthou (Greece) recently joined the BEC Centre of Excellence and is currently living and training in Holbaek, Denmark. He is world no. 273 on men’s singles world ranking list this week, 4 spots up compared to last week. As all the COE players, he will also play 10 international tournaments this year.
- I will try to qualify for the European Championships this year. That’s my goal for now. Until the end of this year I want to reach close to 100 in world rankings, Ilias tells Badminton Europe.
His next tournament is Portuguese International 2018 in March. Until then he will continue practicing in the COE, about which he speaks positively.
- What I like here is the variety of trainings, the professional facilities that surround us, we have a lot of sparring players. The coaches have great experience. I know that they can help me achieve my goals.
COE players improving rankings
Iikka Heino (Finland) occupies position no. 115 on men’s singles world ranking list. Just two spots behind is Milan Ludik (Czech Republic) – ranked no. 117.
Felix Burestedt (Sweden) moved three spots up compared to last week and is currently world no. 168. Matej Hlinican (Slovakia) occupies position no. 171.
Winners in Iceland go up
Iceland International 2018 winners in men’s doubles Alexander Dunn/Adam Hall (Scotland) moved five spots up to occupy position no. 48.
Another Scottish pair Julie Macpherson/Eleanor O’Donnell, who won the first place in the same tournament in women’s doubles, are world no. 61 this week.
Men’s singles winner Sam Parsons (England) reached his career-best result – no. 78. Mixed doubles runner-ups Kristoffer Knudsen/Isabella Nielsen can also celebrate career-best results as they moved 8 spots up, currently occupying position no. 72.
See the full BWF rankings here