ALL ENGLAND 2012 R32 – 8th time lucky for Vittinghus

Hans-Kristian Vittinghus created the first upset of the 2012 Yonex All England in Birmingham by edging Simon Santoso of Indonesia in his first time ever playing in the main draw. The Dane is expecting to take on Lee Chong Wei in the second round.

By Raphael Sachetat, live from Birmingham. Photos: Badmintonphoto (live)

8^th time lucky. For the first time in 8 years, Hans Kristian Vittinghus (photo) has made it through to play another day at the most mythical tournament of all, after 7 vain attempts to qualify and having to go back home after only a day of competition. On Wednesday, in Birmingham, the Dane – who, for the first time ever, did not have to play the qualifying draw thanks to his top 20 ranking – knew he had it in himself to beat Simon Santoso, who has been in the top 10 of the world for quite some time now.

“I have not been in greater form than I am right now. I have played my best badminton ever against Lin Dan last week in Germany and I now believe in my chances against all these big guns. I’ve played well against them and I’ve been working hard on my mental preparation for about a year now,” said Vittinghus, who is training on a daily basis with likes of Peter Gade, Jan O Jorgensen and Viktor Axelsen.

Vittinghus had a great day with good strokes and constant focus in the first and third games which helped him secure a three-game victory 21-14, 8-21, 21-7.

“Playing against Lee Chong Wei will be awesome. My target was to make it to the second round and I really hope that I will be able to play Lee Chong Wei. He’s a legend and I have never played him before. Of course it’s an advantage as I’ve seen him play many times, but I guess that top players also know my game,” added the Dane.

“We’ll see how it goes, but one thing is certain. I will truly enjoy myself on court.”

Jorgensen, Axelsen out

If Vittinghus had brought good news to Denmark, Jan O Jorgensen (photo) was to make a quick exit from the tournament on the same court, right after his compatriot had played. Jorgensen was facing Sho Sasaki from Japan for one of the most appealing matches of the day between two in-form shuttlers and although things were pretty even in both games, each time, the Japanese player was more solid and precise towards the end of the game.

It took only one match point for Sasaki to win the match when Jorgensen’s shuttle landed long for a final 21-18, 21-19 success. Sho will play Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka, who beat China’s Du Pengyu in a thrilling 3-game match.

In another Denmark vs Japan confrontation, Viktor Axelsen was ousted by Kenichi Tago in two very good games of badminton. Tago took the first game easily but had a tougher time in the second.  He had a first match point at 20-19 in the second, but the Dane reacted well and saved it a first time. But Tago came again strong and secured his second match point 24-22.

For complete results from Day 2 of the Yonex All England Superseries Premier, CLICK HERE

Click here for live streamed coverage of the All England from the BWF’s Youtube channel

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