The Quarterfinals and last 16-matches of August 15 in Rio, showed European players that delivered both great performances and a few disappointments; the good definitely overshadowing the bad.
Men’s doubles QF
What started as quite the surprise of the Men’s doubles tournament, has now become more and more simple logic. Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge (GBR) continued their streak beating Hiroyuki Endo and Kenichi Hayakawa of Japan in today’s Quarterfinal, 21/19, 21/17. This remarkable result was not expected, but as the matches are being completed, no one can argue that they do not deserve it. With this win they have become the first Team GB-stars to reach an Olympic semi-final since 2004.
“It’s insane really – if you had told me before the start that we would make the semi-finals I would have bitten your hand off. It is amazing – we are one of these pairs that are quite up and down – but this tournament we have shown our ability throughout the group and knockout stages,” says Langridge.
The duo will play their semi-final against Fu Haifeng/Zhang Nan [4] (CHN) tomorrow at 2:40 PM BST, 3:40 PM CEST, 4:40 MSK.
For the other European Men’s doubles, the fairy tale-story of Russian Vladimir Ivanov/Ivan Sozonov’s comeback after an injury earlier this year, came to an end today. Despite showing great form in their Group play, beating 1st seeds Lee/Yoo (KOR), the Quarterfinal became their last stop as they lost to Chai/Hong (CHN) – 13/21, 21/16, 16/21.
Women’s doubles QF
In Women’s doubles, Europe had two chances to reach the medal-stage; Eefje Muskens/Selena Piek of Netherlands and Christinna Pedersen/Kamilla Rytter Juhl of Denmark. Unfortunately, the Dutch duo did not make it through, losing in three sets - 13/21, 22/20, 14/21 to Jung Kyung Eun/Shin Seung Chan [4] from South Korea. But later when it was the Danes’ turn to face a Korean double it had a different end result. Even though the first set seemed to never have an end, the Danes managed to stay cool and finish the job. But after Chang Ye Na/Lee So Hee’s comeback win in the second set, anything was suddenly possible. The Danish pair kept fighting and made it through to the semi-final tomorrow winning in three remarkable sets; 28/26, 18/21, 21/15. Their WD semi-final is scheduled to start at 1:55 PM BST, 2:55 CEST, 3:55 MSK against second seeds Tang Yuanting/Yu Yang (F) of China.
Singles’ Last 16
Four European Men’s singles where playing today at the first knock-out stage of the tournament, but only two made it through to the Quarterfinals. Denmark’s Jan O Jorgensen [5] seemed to be ready for the challenge, but never really seemed to reach his best. Srikanth KIDAMBI [9] from India was ready and fast, and took advantage of Jan’s shaky start. Two close games (21/19, 21/19), where the Dane never really seemed present, sent a disappointed Jorgensen home.
An all-European match with young Viktor Axelsen [4] of Denmark against an experienced Scott Evans of Ireland. Axelsen has showed great form and was the favourite walking in to this match. But one should never underestimate the energy of Scott Evans, and it was clear that he would not give in without a fight. And in the beginning it seemed as if Evans could create trouble for the Danish favourite by dominating the net. But Axelsen redeemed the Irish resistance and managed to close the match in two sets 21/16, 21/12.
His opponent in the semi-final tomorrow will be another surprise from Team GB; Rajiv Ouseph, as he defeated Indonesia’s Tommy Sugiarto [7] in three sets – 21/13, 14/21, 21/16.
MS Semifinal: Ouseph vs Axelsen is scheduled for Wednesday August, 17.
Ukrainian Maria Ulitina made a huge impression when she beat one of the Indian Badminton stars, Saina Nehwal, 21/18, 21/19 yesterday. Today, it was Thailand’s Porntip Buranaprasertsuk [12] who was on the opposite side of the net, and there was not much to be done. Ulitina put up a great fight, but was defeated - 14/21, 16/21. 7th seed Sung Ji Hyun of Korea was the opponent for Linda Zetchiri from Bulgaria this evening, but two games, 15/21, 12/21, was all it took for the Korean to eliminate Zetchiri.
Sung will face Spain’s Carolina Marin [1] in tomorrow’s WS Semi-final, scheduled to start at 9:30 PM BST, 10:30 CEST, 11:30 MSK.
Find the schedule for Aug 16 here
European matches are highlighted with yellow.