Jayce
After a peak summer due to the 2024 Paris Olympics, some of Europe’s top badminton players took a well-deserved break following the intense Olympic qualification period.
However, the season has resumed, and a series of World Tour events in Asia are paving the way for the European leg. It will kick off in October with the YONEX-sponsored CLASH ROYALE Arctic Open 2024, followed by the VICTOR Denmark Open 2024 and the Hylo Open 2024.
Focus on Hong Kong
This week, the spotlight turns to the Li-Ning Hong Kong Open 2024. All eyes are on Viktor Axelsen, who just won his second Olympic gold medal a month ago. After skipping the Japan Open to rest, Axelsen is ready for a strong comeback.
Despite his numerous achievements, he has yet to win the Hong Kong Open title. Tomorrow, he faces local favorite Angus Ng Ka Long in his first match.
Europeans in Action
Viktor Axelsen aims to claim his first Hong Kong Open title, while his Danish teammate Anders Antonsen has opted out of the tournament. After a coaching change, he is focusing on recovery and preparation for the upcoming Super 1000 event in China—where his brother, Kasper Antonsen, will start coaching him in October.
Denmark remains strong, with Mia Blichfeldt, Line Højmark Kjærsfeldt, and Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen all ready to compete.
But Denmark isn’t the only European nation represented in Hong Kong. The Popov brothers from France are also competing in both men’s singles and doubles. Ukrainian players are taking part in the Super 500 tournament as well, with Polina Buhrova competing in women’s singles and doubles, while Yevgeniya Kantemir will team up with Oleksii Titov in mixed doubles.
Matches to Watch Today
With the qualifiers now over, top European players like Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen, Rasmus Kjær/Frederik Søgaard, and the Popov brothers have kicked off their first-round matches today.
The 2024 Li-Ning Hong Kong Open runs from today until Sunday, September 15—stay tuned for all the latest updates.
