Denmark Open: ‘I’m Hunting Everyone’

Alex Lanier is through to his first Denmark Open final after defeating Victor Lai 21-19, 21-10 on his third attempt to get his hands on the trophy in Odense.

After three consecutive semifinal appearances, the reigning world champion finally took the next step. “At the moment, I feel very tired,” Lanier told BWF. “To be honest, it’s a little bit hard to take in what has happened. I will need a bit of time.”

This year, he shared to media that he wanted more. “I have lost two times before in the semifinals. That’s already a good reason,” Lanier joked. His aim was to reach the final and “also to win the title at some point”.

Since becoming world champion, Lanier has embraced the pressure of being the player others are chasing. “When you win the world title, everyone wants to beat you,” he said. “I also tried a few months ago to put myself in that situation, that I’m hunting everyone, and I’m also trying to impose my game, but impose also mentally that I’m strong.”

Rather than shy away from the attention, he said he appreciated opponents bringing their best. “It’s even tougher for me,” he said, “and definitely I also enjoy the quality of the matches.”

Lanier called being the man to beat “a good spot to be”. It forces him to adapt, he said: “You have to find solutions. You have to also put yourself in different situations. You need to find some new keys, new tools.”

Lanier will face home hero Anders Antonsen in the final. The Dane defeated Christo Popov 9-21 21-16 21-13 to reach his third Denmark Open final.

An Se Young is one win away from surpassing Indonesian legend Susi Susanti as the women’s singles player with the most international titles.

An defeated Nozomi Okuhara 21-16 21-8 in the semifinals to move within one victory of her 47th title, which would take her past Susanti’s tally of 46 (excluding Regional Games).

“I’m pleased with the result,” An said. In the first game, I really couldn’t control the shuttle. I need more practice after this interview,” she giggled.

“I don’t want to think about records just yet, obviously I just keep my focus on the next match. I want to keep improving for my next match.”

Standing between An and a place in the history books is Akane Yamaguchi, who beat Wang Zhi Yi 21-10 21-19 in the other semifinal. An leads their head-to-head 23-15.