ALL ENGLAND 2013 QF – Jan Ø Jorgensen through to semis

Jan Ø Jorgensen played phenomenally as he eased passed fifth seed Chen Jin of China in straight games, in what he described as “the perfect game”.

By Michael Burke, Badzine Correspondent, live from Birmingham.  Photos: Yohan Nonotte for Badmintonphoto (live).

Jan Ø Jorgensen (pictured left), who has never got past the second round at the Yonex All England, capitalised on his easy passage after the retirement of Sony Dwi Kuncoro yesterday, to demolish an out of sorts Chen Jin (pictured below).

Chen Jin put up little challenge against Jorgensen in the first game, as the Dane took 11 straight points from a 4-3 lead to put the game well out of the Chinese player’s reach. Chen appeared slow round the court and struggled in particular around the net and with judgement on high clears.

The second game was a lot closer as Chen pulled back every time Jorgensen got ahead. However, finding focus after the interval, the Dane showed no nerves as he completed the match 21-7 21-14.

An ecstatic Jorgensen spoke after the match to say: “I feel amazing, it was a great game for me, almost no mistakes. It was a huge first game, I had good speed and pace in the rallies the whole game. I struggled more in the second, but I controlled it better after the break.”

Asked what was different in the preparation this year, he said: “I have worked really hard going into the mental side finding out where I have to improve. Some of these things are going in the right direction so obviously the hard work is paying off.”

On whether he regretted missing the European Mixed Team Championships, “No, it was a really good decision for me individually as a player to focus on this tournament. It’s a shame that we lost, but it has definitely helped me this year. I have not had good results here for the last 4 or 5 years so I don’t regret it.”

Having dispatched one Chen, Jorgensen has the unenviable task of facing another, Chen Long (seeded number 2) in the semis. “This victory gives me a lot of confidence but it is a tought game for sure. He is another level; he has been playing really well recently and is taking a step closer to Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan. I need to get some food and rest for tomorrow, but I will give it my best shot tomorrow.”

The full results for the day can be found here.

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