After a difficult start to this season, Danish badminton player Rasmus Gemke delivered his best result of the year in the Chinese capital.
On Wednesday morning (CET), the Dane defeated the World No. 2, Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn, in the first round of the China Open World Tour tournament.
Gemke triumphed over the former world champion and Olympic silver medalist with a score of 21-13, 8-21, 21-19 when he converted the only match point as he leapt into the air and smashed the shuttlecock down onto the green court floor.
The first set went the Dane's way following a strong late surge in which he won seven consecutive rallies. The second set was decidedly one-sided in the Thai player's favor. By the time the players switched ends, Vitidsarn had already opened up a massive lead at 11-2.
The deciding third set turned into an even battle. Gemke trailed 9-11 but subsequently won five straight rallies to take the lead.
Several long rallies followed, and the Dane appeared to hold a physical advantage during the tight closing stages, where the lead changed hands multiple times.
Gemke led 19-17 and saw the margins go against him in the ensuing rallies, yet he managed to secure a match point, which proved to be enough.
In the second round, Gemke will face the Frenchman Toma Junior Popov.