Denmark Open: Kasper on Board, Anders Makes Spirited Beginning
A perfect start for Anders Antonsen under brother Kasper.
· DIANNE PIERRE
On Sunday at the Jyske Bank Arena, Antonsen became the first home men’s singles player in 14 years to secure a second Denmark Open (Peter Gade did it in 2000), in only his second tournament with Kasper as his coach. His latest triumph came with a convincing 21-15 21-16 win over Koki Watanabe. Over 54 minutes, the crowd was repeatedly sent into raptures witnessing Antonsen’s relentless pace outmatching his opponent's.
Reflecting on how this differed from his 2020 victory, Antonsen said: “Back then, the draw wasn't as strong because of COVID-19. The crowd and having my brother coaching me make it very special.”
This win marks Antonsen's first success since a disappointing quarterfinal exit at the Paris Olympics. It’s been a journey of ups and downs since for the Dane, who was forced to abruptly end his partnership with his former coach. The 27-year-old is now ready to turn the page.