Denmark Open: ‘Absolutely Crazy’
Rasmus Gemke ignited a spark of excitement in the home crowd by beating world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the VICTOR Denmark Open 2023 first round.
· PREM KUMAR & SARA GONZALEZ MARTINEZ
The Dane got off to a great start at the Jyske Bank Arena on Wednesday, securing the first game 21-15 but the Thai struck back with the same scoreline to push the match to three games. Despite trailing 18-14, the 2020 runner-up stayed close in the decider before stopping Vitidsarn’s point-scoring at 19 and winning the last five rallies to seal the match and his second round place.
“I was on the ropes, not because I was playing bad, but it was difficult to find weak spots in his game,” reflected Gemke on the intense match. “It’s absolutely crazy and I can feel it going around in my head right now; a lot of joy because it’s of course a big surprise.”
The remarkable triumph meant just as much to those watching from the stands, who celebrated joyfully after the exciting encounter. Gemke compared the atmosphere to the one at the World Championships in Copenhagen’s Royal Arena, where the crowd constantly went wild cheering.