COPENHAGEN MASTERS 2010 – Choong Hann still hungry…

In spite of not playing in international competition for a while, Malaysia’s former ace Wong Choong Hann almost beat Boonsak Ponsana (photo), the world’s seventh best shuttler, in the invitational Copenhagen Masters. Denmark scooped all other wins for the first evening of the 3-day event.

By Raphael Sachetat. Photos (live) : Yves Lacroix for Badmintonphoto

He may have been away from international competition since the August World Championships, yet veteran Wong Choong Hann proved he had what it takes to trouble the very best, still. In a joyful atmosphere in the snowy Danish capital, he and Boonsak Ponsana offered a great performance to the public of the Radisson Arena in the heart of Copenhagen which ended in Ponsana’s favour, but for a very close 21-18, 21-23, 21-19 win from the Thai.

“I’ll still compete next year”

“I think I played quite well tonight but he was always one or two points ahead of me and it took a lot of energy to try to catch back. Maybe too much as it made it difficult for me towards the end when I had one or two chances to win,” Wong Choong Hann told Badminton Denmark, after he failed to convert a 17-15 lead in the third game.

The good news for Choong Hann’s fans is that the veteran will keep competing at a high level and intends to enter Super Series tournaments in the more lucrative season starting in January with the Malaysia Open – in his home country.

“I definitely will compete next year. There are some good Super Series and I hope I can do well there,” said Wong Choong Hann, who has dropped to world’s 27th spot.

Denmark scoops all other wins

Peter Gade, Tine Baun and the mixed pair Fischer Nielsen/Pedersen won all other matches of the evening. Gade beat Darew Liew (photo) and will be playing Dicky Palyama for his second round robin match on Tuesday.

“As always, a really nice atmosphere here and I look forward to playing tomorrow’s match against Dicky Palyama. Last year, I lost to Dicky here and of course I would like to win this time. However, I know that it’s not going to be easy and I’m still in a progress with my game. I’ll do my best and we’ll see,” said the Dane on his Facebook page HERE.

For Tine Baun, it was also a comeback after a series of injuries towards the end of the year. She beat Kristina Ludikova (photo) of Czech Republic in straight games as well.

“I’m glad to be back, I felt good on court, and showed the audience some good badminton. And beating Kristina with such a big score is nice because she has been close, so now I think I made the statement that there is still a long way for her,” said the Dane to Badminton Denmark after her 21-10, 21-13 success.

Official website HERE

Live results HERE