NORWAY INT’L – Vittinghus King of Norway yet again!

Denmark’s Hans Kristian Vittinghus defended his Norwegian International crown in Oslo this afternoon while Olga Konon took her first title under the German flag in the women’s singles event.

By Mark Phelan  Photos: Badmintonphoto.com (archive)

A Dane at home in Norway: Hans Kristian Vittinghus (pictured)took the Norwegian International for an unprecedented third time in Oslo as he defeated Sweden’s number 1 Henri Hurskainen in 3 sets. The Dane, who openly admits at being so comfortable playing this tournament, came through a reasonably tough draw in Oslo defeating three fellow Danes and a Japanese before seeing off Hurskainen in today’s final in three.

“I have always enjoyed this tournament and I have always come here and played well. It’s a great feeling to win this tournament for the third time but even better to defend my title from last year. I felt I dealt with the pressure of expectation this week and this has given me great confidence in my own ability moving forward,” said a delighted Vittinghus exclusively to Badzine.

Konon announces her arrival: Meanwhile in the women’s singles Olga Konon (pictured) won her first international tournament under the German flag as she beat her friend and former BWF coaching academy class mate Larisa Griga from Ukraine in 2 straight sets. Konon, who only just recently declared for Germany after living there for past five years, instantly repaid the fate shown in her by Germany as she literally cruised to the Norwegian title without even dropping a set throughout the entire tournament.

“I felt really good this week and I think the benefit of starting to play regular tournaments is starting to pay off for me now. I so delighted to win this tournament and yeah my first for Germany, I hope there are many more to come,” said Konon after her victory.

Germany’s Day: Germany head home from Oslo with three titles in total as Michael Fuchs and Birgit Overzier took the mixed title while recent French Open finalists Ingo Kindervater and Johannes Schottler continued their excellent form with a two set win over Ellis and Mills from England. Dutch women’s doubles pair of Lotte Jonathans and Pauline Van Dooremalen prevented a 100% finals sweep for Germany as they defeat Sandra Marinello and Birgit Overzier in a battle of the top two seeds to take their first title of 2010 after four final appearances.

“The feeling of winning a tournament is always an amazing feeling. We played well this week and we were both in confident mood. We also had a defined tactic in our minds to play the germans and it worked. This win is great for our confidence heading into an important olympic qualifying period,” said a delighted Van Dooremalen to Badzine.

For all results, click HERE