In a thrilling quarter-final Anders Antonsen beat Chinese Huang Yuxiang and claimed a spot in the semi-finals at DANISA Denmark Open.

On paper the Danish Anders Antonsen was the favourite against Chinese Huang Yuxiang, who is ranked 34 in the World. The two players met in French Open 2017, where Antonsen won in straight games.

Friday night Anders Antonsen won the first game 21-16 but lost 13-21 in the second. In the third game Antonsen took the lead 8-3, and home crowd were definitely there to support the former silver medallist from the European Championships.

Thrilling final
Yuxiang closed the gap but at 16-15 Antonsen was back in the lead. The 21-years-old Dane had the chance, but down 20-17 the pressure was on the young Dane.

- When I was down 20-17 I was thinking “it could be it. Maybe it ends now”, but I still had a little hope. I played some good rallies and got a bit of luck. It was a rollercoaster ride, Antonsen says. 

After surviving three match point and winning five point in a row Antonsen is now ready for the semi-finals at the DANISA Denmark Open.

The biggest achievement
Antonsen won the decider 22-20 and there is no doubt that the spot in the semi-final is special for the young Dane.

- It is my biggest achievement. So far, I have had a few semi-finals on this level, but to do it on home soil is something else, Anders Antonsen says.

Antonsen will face Tien Chen Chou (Chinese Taipei) in the semi-final on Saturday. Japanese Kento Momota will Saturday play Srikanth Kidambi, India for a spot in the men’s singles final.