The 2024 King Cup International Badminton Open witnessed exhilarating matches in today’s quarter-finals, setting the stage for a highly anticipated semi-final lineup. Fans were treated to a display of exceptional skills and intense rivalries as players fought for a spot in the final four.
In the first quarter-final, Anders Antonsen from Denmark showcased his composure and precision against Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn the Olympic silver medalist. Antonsen triumphed with a tight 23-21, 21-15 victory, securing his place in the semi-finals.
The Danish star demonstrated his ability to handle pressure in the first game, edging past Vitidsarn in a nail-biting finish before dominating the second game. Antonsen will now face France’s Alex Lanier, who earned his semi-final berth with a hard-fought victory over Wang Zijun of China. Lanier came back from a game down to win 15-21, 21-8, 21-14, proving his resilience and adaptability.
Another captivating encounter saw India’s Lakshya Sen overcome a slow start to defeat Hong Kong’s Angus Ng Ka Long. Sen rallied from a one-game deficit to claim a 10-21, 21-13, 21-13 win, marking his first-ever victory over Ng in four career meetings.
The victory was a significant breakthrough for Sen, who has been in pursuit of consistent performances at the highest level. Sen’s next challenge will be China’s Hu Zhe’an, who pulled off a stunning upset against Singapore’s former world champion, Loh Kean Yew. Hu dominated the match with a commanding 21-15, 21-15 win, sending shockwaves through the tournament and solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor.
The semi-finals promise thrilling matchups as Anders Antonsen and Alex Lanier clash in one bracket, while Lakshya Sen takes on Hu Zhe’an in the other. With each player bringing their unique strengths and strategies, the race for the King Cup title intensifies. Fans can expect high-energy games and unforgettable moments as the tournament reaches its climax.
