Many European players faced early exits on the second day of the CLASH ROYALE Arctic Open 2024, but the highlight was an exhilarating all-European clash between top seed Anders Antonsen and French sensation Alex Lanier.
Ranked third in the world, Antonsen had previously lost to Lanier, who triumphed over him at the Orléans Masters last year. At just 19 years old, Lanier has been making significant strides not only in Europe but globally, competing against some of the elite players.
“It’s always a joy to play against Anders. He’s someone I’ve looked up to since I was young, and I still watch him closely. He’s incredibly clever on the court and adapts well,” expressed Lanier, reflecting on his admiration for the Dane.
In a thrilling three-game match, Lanier managed to overcome Antonsen with scores of 18-21, 21-18, 21-18. However, he was critical of his performance post-match, stating, “I can’t say I played my best today. Honestly, I felt a bit frustrated. Some of my strokes weren’t up to the quality I aim for.”
Lanier candidly discussed the mental hurdles he encountered during the game. “I’m glad I continued to fight with my coach. We tried a few strategies to help me relax and find my rhythm.”
Addressing his frustration, Lanier emphasized it stemmed more from his own game than from Antonsen’s tactics. “I think my frustration was more about my own performance and style rather than what Anders was doing.”
Looking back on his victory, Lanier felt a sense of affirmation. “I can beat the best player. Even if I’m not at my best, I can compete at that level. I’m proud to have won this match despite not being in top form.”
With the first round complete, Lanier is focused on his next steps: “I’m taking it one match at a time. That’s the most important thing at this level. I’m not fixated on reaching the semifinals or finals. My goal is to play my best and execute my game plan on court. We’ll see how it goes from there.”
Tomorrow, he will face Nhat Nguyen from Ireland, who advanced from the qualifying rounds and delivered a remarkable performance against Japan’s Takuma Obayashi. They have only faced each other once before at the Irish Open last year, where Nguyen emerged victorious in straight games. However, it will be a tougher challenge for the Irishman this time, given Lanier’s recent form.
