KUALA LUMPUR – International shuttlers, especially those outside of Asia, welcomed the sell-out crowd at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena on Saturday, marking the first day of badminton competitions at the Paris Olympics.
While Asian players dominated the results, the packed arena inspired European players to give their more favoured opponents a run for their money.
Denmark’s world number 25 women’s doubles pair, Maiken Fruergaard and Sara Thygesen, were among those who performed well.
The Danes staged a major upset by defeating world number two Baek Ha Na and Lee So Hee of South Korea 21-18, 9-21, 21-14 in Group D.
Maiken and Sara, who had never beaten the Koreans in their four previous encounters, now believe they have a chance of qualifying for the top eight knockout stage.
“The crowd gave us a lot of good energy. Today it helped me; sometimes it doesn’t.
“We knew our family would try to cheer us up out there, we could hear them, and that gave us a lot of energy on court to get a bit more movement,” Maiken told the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
Elsewhere in Group A of the men’s doubles, England’s Ben Lane and Sean Vendy nearly stunned Malaysia’s medal prospects Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik.
Despite winning the first game 21-19, Aaron and Wooi Yik prevailed over the Brits 21-16, 21-11 in the second and deciding games.
Even the Malaysian world number four pair acknowledged the huge turnout, describing it as something they had never experienced before.
This is due to the fact that stadiums are rarely packed in the early days of competitions, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were largely held behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It was a good start for us as we prepared for upcoming matches. The feel was different from the Tokyo Olympics, a lot more audience here compared to last time,” said Aaron.
Other shuttlers who commented on the fans included France’s mixed doubles player Delphine Delrue, and the Netherlands’ Robin Tabeling and Selena Piek.
“It was amazing to play in front of the French fans, family, and friends.
“It was really loud today and when we were warming up they played the French national anthem; that was a little strange, but the atmosphere was great and we’re looking forward to returning,” said Delphine, who, along with her partner Thom Gicquel, lost 21-14, 23-21 to world number ones Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong in Group A.
“It’s great because we have played in Asia before where crowds like this are normal, but to see it in Europe is absolutely amazing,” said Tabeling.
His partner Selena added, “It’s fantastic because we can actually see the audience. It’s also different from the French Open because this time it’s a global audience.”
It is understood that tickets for badminton, from start to finish, are all sold out for the Games. – July 28, 2024