ALL ENGLAND 2013 SF – Chen Long into the final

Chen Long broke Danish hearts after a hard-fought match against Jan Ø Jorgensen, and will join men’s doubles compatriots Liu Xiaolong / Qiu Zihan, who will face Japanese pair Hiroyuki Endo / Kenichi Hayakawa, competing on the final day.

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

Jan Ø Jorgensen (pictured below) lacked only the experience to finish off games against the top seeds as he was unlucky to lose out to Chen Long (pictured left) of China. Jorgensen, who has been playing some of the badminton of his life this tournament, announced himself as one of the world’s best players this week.

Jorgensen imposed his style well on the match to take an early lead, but the match was very even. Chen, going through a clear pattern to get out of trouble brought it back and had the first opportunity at the game, sealing with a big smash to take it 21-19.

Again an even contest saw Jorgensen squander an early lead, but safe control play from Chen saw him again have the first chance at match point. A stunning drop shot from Jan only delayed the result however, as an error with a net kill saw the Dane left disconsolate, with an embrace at the end of the match clearly very heartfelt.

Chen Long spoke of his victory: “It feels great, I had very good luck today because Jorgensen is a very good player and he was unlucky to lose today. I just really need to rest to be my best for tomorrow.”

Jorgensen was not entirely downbeat after the game as he said: “Of course I am disappointed right now, I was ahead in both sets. The only lead that he had was at 20-19 in both sets. It’s hard luck. But I can take good things from here, I am happy with the way that I played this week but I am disappointed at the moment.

He continued, “I think I am going in the right direction right now and working on the right things so that is good. We played some good rallies and you are always under pressure when you are playing a guy like him. I tried to win the rallies a bit to easy and took some chances and that’s where he took it, he took control every time I made bad decisions but that’s how it is to play a top player.”

He has little rest before the next tournament: “I am going to the Swiss open next week and I just hope I can bring the same level and spirit that I showed here at the All England.”

About his future, “I made the game the whole way through, I made the game and I dropped it in the end but I can take a lot from here.”

Joining Chen Long on Sunday, the men’s doubles final tomorrow will be contested between fourth seeded Endo / Hayakawa (Japan, pictured right) and Liu/Qiu (China).

The Japanese pair fought a close first game with the Thais, but capitalised on a downbeat Jongjit/Puangpuapech in the second, coming through 22-20 21-15.

The Chinese pair had more of a challenge in overcoming eighth seeds Ahsan/Setiawan as they each exchanged decisive ends to force the rubber game. From 16-all in the third, the Chinese pair held both their nerve and the attack better to come through, the final score 21-12 13-21 21-17.

The full results for the day can be found here.

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