The Nantes International Challenge, the final stop for some before the highly anticipated European Games, is setting the stage for deciding stages as players compete in the first round and Round of 16 today.
Finland’s Kalle Koljonen triumphed over the top-seeded Dane Magnus Johannesen in a gripping three-game encounter. The match concluded with a win for the Finnish player, 16-21, 23-21, 19-21. Having already secured three medals in the European Circuit this year, including two silvers and a bronze, the Finnish player is now poised to compete for another medal in the quarterfinals against Malaysia's formidable Lim Chong King.
Jan Louda showcased his dominance with a straight-game victory against Belgium's Julien Carraggi, 21-17 21-13. Louda now sets his sights on his upcoming match against Austria’s Collins Valentine Filimon who has successfully made his way through the qualification rounds.
Meanwhile, the women's singles category is still underway as players battle fiercely for their spots in the Round of 16. Bulgarian star Kaloyana Nalbantova has already secured her place in the next round. Fellow Bulgarian players Gabriela Stoeva and Stefani Stoeva, who are warming up for the fast-approaching European Games in Nantes, have also successfully advanced to the next round.
The mixed doubles category witnessed a formidable presence from Danish pairs, with Mikkel Mikkelsen and Rikke Søby, Jesper Toft and Clara Graverse, and Mads Vestergaard and Christine Busch all securing their spots in the quarterfinals. The anticipated rematch between Mads Vestergaard and Christine Busch and Callum Hemming and Estelle Van Leeuwen, following their exciting encounter in the Denmark Masters semifinals, could be yet another exciting showdown.
Matches are still ongoing, with the last Round of 32 matches taking place now and some are already fighting for a spot in the quarterfinals in the Round of 16.
Watch all matches live on badmintoneurope.tv.