Denmark Open: Ellis/Langridge Break 45-Year Spell
Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge became the first English men’s doubles pair in 45 years to win the DANISA Denmark Open, which they accomplished in an exciting final today in Odense against Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan…
· DEV SUKUMAR
Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge became the first English men’s doubles pair in 45 years to win the DANISA Denmark Open, which they accomplished in an exciting final today in Odense against Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov.
The result could well have gone the other way. Langridge and Ellis were in trouble early in the third. Down 2-7, and appearing low on energy, something happened that galvanised Langridge. It was a comment that rang out from the gallery, something that “burned my skin”, as he later said it.
The shift in energy was immediate and effective; Langridge was again an electric presence at the net, and suddenly the momentum shifted. The Russians, who were able to win the point nearly each time the shuttle went up in the air thanks to their fierce attack, struggled to stave off the English duo at the front court. Appropriately enough, the final smash winner came from Langridge, clinching the title 20-22 21-17 21-18.