Odense: Jan Jorgensen of Denmark has advanced to the third round of the Denmark Open on Thursday when his opponent – two time Olympics gold medalist Lin Dan withdrew from the tournament due to knee injury he suffered in the first round.
Lin Dan decided to pull out just before the match about to kick off, and Jan Jorgensen was disappointed that he did not get a chance to play against the five-time world champion.
“I was warming up when I was told Lin Dan has granted me a walkover, it was really a surprise for me,” said Jorgensen.
“I have seen Lin Dan in the hotel, and I met him here at the hall just now. I have heard nothing about his injury,” added Jorgensen.
“I am definitely disappointed. I had been looking forward to this match like a little boy. Playing against Lin Dan could help me to put some measurements on where I am with my career. Anyway, I’m also happy to be in the quarter-finals without even lifting my racket, “said the excited Jan Jorgensen.
Jorgensen will play Parupalli Kashyap of India on Friday. Kashyap edged out Indonesia’s Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka of Indonesia 21-17 17-21 22-20 in a different second round match on Thursday.
Denmark’s Mathias Boe / Carsten Mogensen will play Chai Biao/Hong Wei of China in men’s doubles quarter-finals; while Christinna Pedersen/ Kamilla Rytter Juhl are also ready to take on Wang Xiaoli and Yu Yang of China in women’s doubles quarter-finals. Denmark’s mixed doubles Mads Pieler Kolding / Kamilla Rytter Juhl and Joachim Fischer Nielsen / Christinna Pedersen also advanced to last 8 at the Denmark Open.
