Team Denmark is READY

Some of the greatest European players were having their training in Hong Kong to get used to the weather and jet lag in Asia. They all practice very hard on court and one could see how well-prepared they are for the coming challenging game in Beijing.

By Phyllis Amy, Badzine correspondent in Hong Kong. Photos (live), Anita Chan (Badmintonphoto)

Tine Rasmussen, who has won 3 Super Series Championshios this year, is feeling good about her preparation in Hong Kong : “I get used to the conditions and today was the day I felt best. I definitely feel the humidity and I sweat a lot more when practicing, but it’s ok.” The #6 seed thinks that the 3 Chinese and the Hong Kong player Wang Chen will be her greatest threats. As from the draw, she will probably meet Wang in the Quarter Final which will be a tough game. “I will get to the third round and looking forward to meet her.” she said. Not only physically, but mentally Tine has done some good homework. “I’ve prepared taking the pressure. The Olympics is so different, it’s an important tournament for everybody and everyone put pressure on themselves to get far. It’s no difference for me than for everybody else. And of course, I think the Chinese get lots of pressure as well because of home court.” The lanky Dane pointed out that to play the best badminton is her goal in this game. “I cannot say how far I am going to reach. It’s about reaching the best level and then it can take me far.”

In the men’s singles, Denmark can count on Peter Gade and Kenneth Jonassen (pictured), both seeded in the game. From the beginning of 2008, Peter was badly suffered from injuries and setbacks and he was just gone back to the court in Thomas Cup. “I’m still catching up. There are some ways to go before the form I want to be in the Olympics. In the last few weeks, I worked very hard to gain the last 10% and it’s getting closer now. I have no injuries so far. My form and my performance have improved a lot. My fastness and explosiveness are getting better and better. Now I need my game on court to be peak at the right time. I have one more week to go, so I believe I can reach a good level before the Olympics.” the top shuttler said. Looking at the draw, Peter will probably play against Japanese player Sato in the second round, who has beaten him in the Thomas Cup and will most likely meet Lin Dan in the Quarter Final. “Of course, Lin is the favorite but I believe I have a chance.” Though the draw looks very difficult for him, the Dane has a clear target. “I’d dream of getting a medal for my country. But still, this is Olympics. If you look at the past Olympics, a lot of strange things happened. I am going to enjoy the games and it’s a good tournament. In the beginning, my target is to go through the Quarter Final. From then on, I cannot expect anything and I have to take one match by one match. This is Olympics and you have to be very careful. I am now focusing on my first game.”

Another giant Dane, Jonassen (photo), who was missed out in the Thomas Cup because of the back injuries, also felt satisfied with is preparation right now. “It’s coming along and I’m able to practice very hard. I’m pleased with my current form.” In the first round of the match, he will face a Korea’s player Lee Hyun II, which will be a tough game. “Of course it couldn’t be better, but I think it’s also bad for him to meet me. It’s an important game. I would say that’s more pressure on him to make a good tournament.” While talking about his target in this Olympics, the world #5 replies “I’ll see after my first match. If I win that, it would definitely get a medal. My chance is evenly good if I won the first match.” He then added, “I’d played two Olympics before. I don’t have to prove anything anymore. Of course I will go out for the best. If I lost to a better player, it’d be alright. I think winning is not that important for me, so I don’t see much pressure on me but on other players.”

A difficult draw also existed in the men’s doubles that Eriksen Jens and Lundgaard Hansen Martin will play against Fu Haifeng and Cai Yun in the first round. “That will be a tough game for the Chinese too.” said by the tall Danes. Actually they do not have much pressure since this will be the 4th and 3rd time to take part in the Olympics. “I think there is much more pressure on the Chinese.” The experienced Danes added.

The preparation of Denmark Team is really good. “We hoped that we’ve top level right now. We still have one week to go before the games and we expected to peak in about 10-12 days.” said by their Head Coach. Even coming across to those “favorites”, “We’ll try our very best to create some upsets.” He added.

The Denmark Team will leave to Beijing on Monday and they are all ready for their game started from the 9th, August.

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