EURO CHAMPS 2012 SF – Germany stands in Danes’ way

German shuttlers have blocked Danish favourites from one title already and will attempt to deny the Danes two more in the finals of the European Badminton Championships in Karlskrona, Sweden today.

By Don Hearn, Badzine Correspondent.  Photos: Badmintonphoto (live)

Canada Open champion Marc Zwiebler (pictured) may trail Jan Jorgensen in the world rankings but it is he who has tasted victory more recently in a major tournament and he was primed for his semi-final yesterday and for his second straight victory over Denmark’s number two shuttler.  In fact, two of Jorgensen’s three victories over the German were on the European Championship stage but on Friday, it was not to be.

“The beginning was very tight and tense,” explained Jorgensen on his Facebook page.  “We followed each other all the way – in the end of the first set, I slipped and got a tightened food and leg.  In the second set it got worse and I wasnt able to bring my best game!

“Marc was focused and didn’t let me into the game at any time. I’m annoyed that this happened and I couldnt give my best. BUT, thats how it is when you push your body to the limit!

“It has been a tough year and I will decide tomorrow if I’m going to India or not! I think rest is really in need.”

Meanwhile, Denmark was even denied a spot in the final, as Sweden’s own Henri Hurskainen followed up his stunning upset of Peter Gade by dismissing rising star Viktor Axelsen in three tough games 18-21, 21-18, 21-17.

“I’ll give everything I have and I’ve got nothing to lose,” said a jubilant Zwiebler on his Facebook page, on his imminent final against the home favourite.

It may be tougher for Germany’s Michael Fuchs and Oliver Roth (pictured).  They took care of one Danish pair, Rasmus Bonde / Anders Kristiansen, in three games but now face the mighty Mathias Boe / Carsten Mogensen, who are hungry for their first individual victory of the year after finishing 2011 with two huge Super Series victories.

Kamilla Rytter Juhl contributed to Germany’s only loss of the day when she and Christinna Pedersen, top seeds in women’s doubles, beat Marinello/Michels in two quick games.  That, along with the upset of Russia’s 2nd-seeded Valeri Sorokina / Nina Vislova by Line Damkjaer Kruse / Marie Roepke set up Saturday’s only all-Danish final.

Rytter Juhl was, surprisingly however, unable to get back to the mixed doubles final.  She and partner Thomas Laybourn were upset by compatriots Mads Pieler Kolding / Julie Houmann (pictured) in three games and it will be the latter who will attempt to stop the Polish juggernaut of Mateusiak/Zieba.

Women’s singles will feature yet another Denmark-Germany matchup as it remains on seed, with the expected showdown between Tine Baun and Juliane Schenk, who both advanced with some of the shortest matches of the day.

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