VICTOR stars Tontowi／Liliyana have performed better this year than any other time since they became a doubles pair. Yesterday they won again in the quarter finals of the Denmark Open, giving them their 36th win this year. The pair have actually only lost three times in seven months since their win at the All-England Open in March, a truly impressive record. The ROK’s new men’s doubles pairing of Lee Yong Dae／Yoo Yeon Seong also made it through to the semifinals.

 

Tontowi Ahmad／Liliyana Natsir

 

At the Denmark Open Indonesia’s Tontowi／Liliyana have reached the semifinals without dropping a game in the three matches they have played so far this week. In last night quarterfinal match they faced locals Anders Kristiansen／Julie Houmann. At one point in the second game the Danes put up fierce resistance and Tontowi／Liliyana almost lost a game point but they rallied, found their rhythm again and were able to win the match 21-10, 24-22.  

 

Their semifinal opponents will be second seeds, China’s Xu Chen／Ma Jin. In the 10 matches the two pairs have played before the Chinese have won six times to their four victories; however the Indonesians have been victorious in both their most recent meetings so it’s hard to say who will win this time. If they can take the title at the Denmark Open Tontowi／Liliyana’s world ranking should rise to second.  

 

Another pair that are the focus of fans’ attention is the new ROK men’s doubles pairing of Lee Yong Dae／Yoo Yeon Seong. The pair have played better each time they have played this week. In the quarterfinals they beat Malaysia’s famous pair Tan／Koo. Their opponents in the semifinal will be Denmark’s top men’s pair Boe／Mogenson.

 

The new partner of Lee Yong Dae - Yoo Yeon Seong

 

In the women’s events, the ROK’s Sung Ji Hyun was able to overcome a tough opponent in the shape of India Saina Nehwal but only after a three games battle. Also, top seed Li Xue Rui pulled out of her quarterfinal match so her teammate Wang Shi Xian went through without playing. Sung Ji Hyun will play Wang in the semifinals. The two players are close in terms of ability so fans can look forward to an exciting match.

 

( Edit by VICTOR Badminton )