Team Japan Triumphs at ROBOT Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships
Team Japan pulled off a historical win at the inaugural ROBOT Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships in Ho Chih Minh City, Vietnam, defeating top seeds China in the semifinals with a score of 3-1. Women’s singles saw Japanese Akane Yamaguchi (VOLTRIC 70 E-tune, Yonex Shoes) earn a straight 21-15, 21-10 win over Chen Yufei, Akane maintaining the lead right until the end.
Team Japan would go on to meet Korea in the final, and the young Akane continued to brilliantly carry the torch for her country. The final women’s singles matchup put Akane up against World No. 3 Sung Ji Hyun; the 19-year-old coming back from the brink to pull off an astounding 22-20, 23-21 win. Game 2 would see Akane gradually climb up from a 10-point deficit, scoring 7 straight points, attempting to close the gap. Akane’s tenacity was undying, landing five more straight points up from 12-15 to take the lead, and eventually sealing victory.
Denmark Crowned Champions Once Again at European Mixed Team Badminton Championships
Defending champions Denmark maintained their title at the European Mixed Team Badminton Championships in Lubin, Poland, earning a straight 3-0 win over Russia, who were in their first ever final at the tournament.
Denmark would triumph over Germany 3-1 in the semifinal, with men’s doubles veterans Mathias Boe (DUORA 10, POWER CUSHION COMFORT TOUR) and Carsten Mogensen (VOLTRIC 70 E-tune, POWER CUSHION 65) soundly defeating Mark Lamsfuss and Josche Zurwonne, 21-17, 21-13. Vladimir Ivanov (DUORA 10, POWER CUSHION COMFORT TOUR) pulled Russia into the finals, winning both his mixed doubles and men’s doubles matches.
The final of Denmark vs. Russia opened with the mixed doubles pairs of Christinna Pedersen (DUORA 7, POWER CUSHION 02 LTD)/Joachim Fischer Nielsen and Ivan Sozonov (VOLTRIC 80 E-tune, POWER CUSHION 65)/Ekaterina Bolotova going head-to-head. While the two duos struggled for dominance in the opening game, Denmark reigned supreme in game 2, winning 24-22, 21-10 in 45 minutes. This is Denmark’s 16th victory out of 24 editions of the tournament.
The 2017 Sudirman Cup will be held between May 21st and 28th in Gold Coast, Australia.
Tournament Results
2017 ROBOT Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships
Japan def. Korea 3-0
2017 European Mixed Team Badminton Championships
Denmark vs. Russia 3-0