Denmark's best men's singles player, Anders Antonsen, ensured that the host nation got off to a perfect start in the quarter-finals against Thailand at the Thomas Cup, the team World Championships, which takes place in Horsens, Denmark.
In a grueling match at a high level, Antonsen, who is ranked third in the world, overcame the world No. two, Kunlavut Vitidsarn 21-16, 11-21, 21-18.
In the third set, both players seemed to have run out of energy, but Antonsen fought to secure four match points, while the atmosphere in Horsens was at boiling point.
The first two match points were squandered as Antonsen's fatigue was very evident, but on the third opportunity, Antonsen ensured that the Danes won the first match against Thailand with a sharply angled forehand as the arena practically exploded to the loud cheers of the passionate crowd.
Anders Antonsen got an excellent start to the match and delivered throughout the first set of badminton at a high level. Vitidsarn was on the ropes, but he managed to turn the tide in the second set.
Suddenly, the Dane seemed frustrated, and the things that had worked in the first set no longer worked.
Therefore, the Dane changed his style in the decisive third set and played much more aggressively. Antonsen was on top for most of the decisive set, and in the end, he also gave the Danes an excellent start.
The Thomas Cup is decided in best-of-five matches. In the match against Thailand, two singles matches and two doubles matches remain.
Should Denmark win over Thailand, the team is guaranteed a medal as there in bornze match. Should Denmark win against Thailand, they will face China in the semi-final.