The second round match was a wake-up call for many top seeds, as they struggled to make it through to the quarterfinals.
Reminiscent of the German Open last week, the unseeded opponents delivered a solid performance and made it difficult for their more fancied counterparts on the second day. While most of the top seeds are safely through to the next round, they now know that cannot “take it easy” to win the All England crown.
Sen frustrates Antonsen
Anders Antonsen had just fought his demons off by beating the World Champion Loh Kean Yew. Today, he faced another in-form youngster Lakshya Sen. The Indian prodigy had beaten Viktor Axelsen, currently the best in the world, last week. A steady patient game frustrated an error-prone Antonsen. He lost 21-16, 21-18 in a long drawn-out battle.
- I made too many mistakes. Sen’s consistency is one of his strengths. I need to play some tournament matches in a row right now, Antonsen reflected.
Unlike most contenders for the title, Axelsen was clinical in his match. He got the better of Mark Caljouw 21-14, 21-13.
- I am pretty satisfied with all aspects of my game, especially the defence. Since I cannot control the draw, I just try to beat the player on the other side of the net, the Olympic champion said.
- Viktor is always the better player. I hoped to put down some shuttles, but his defence was really strong even in the second game, Caljouw acknowledged.
Heartbreak for the home favourites
Ben Lane/ Sean Vendy were a point away from causing the biggest upset of the tournament. The English duo had a lacklustre start against the world champions, but turned the momentum to steal the second game. With their backs against the wall, Takuro Hoki/ Yugo Kobayashi overturned 15-9 and 18-13 deficits to survive another day. The Japanese won 21-11, 19-21, 24-22.
Gilmour and Azurmendi give good account
While Clara Azurmendi took a game off 16-21, 21-6, 21-9 the German Open champion He Bingjiao, Kirsty Gilmour made it difficult for An Seyoung.
- I played good shots and did not allow He to play her game. However, she stepped it up soon. I am happy with my performance, the Spaniard was satisfied.
The talented Korean came from behind twice to win 21-17, 21-16 against Gilmour.
- Her movement is one of the smoothest, her calmness is disarming, and her game quality is so high, the Scot marvelled at her opponent.
Top two seeds survive scare
Having lost at the German Open at a similar stage, Tai Tzu Ying and Akane Yamaguchi dug deep today to stay on course. Both the World Championships 2021 finalists looked far from their best. They overcame Busanan Ongbamrungphan 21-19, 22-20 and Saina Nehwal 21-14, 17-21, 21-17 respectively.