Denmark Open: Oozing Charm in Odense

Team China will again have the most representatives in the Denmark Open finals.

Odense is quickly becoming a happy hunting ground for the nation, especially since the event returned to the Jyske Bank Arena in 2022 after 15 years away.

Last year, the tournament saw two all-Chinese finals in women’s singles and mixed doubles, while Shi Yu Qi and Chen Qing Chen/Jia Yi Fan took home the men’s singles and women’s doubles crowns. Prior to that, in the HSBC BWF World Tour era (starting 2018), China only had five finalists over four editions.

Today, the attempt to make their country the biggest winners another time will be led by Weng Hong Yang (men’s singles), Chen Yu Fei (women’s singles), Chen/Jia, Zheng Si Wei/Huang Ya Qiong and Feng Yan Zhe/Huang Dong Ping (both mixed doubles).

Although a fatigued Shi is out after his 21-19 21-14 semifinal loss, his place will go to younger compatriot Weng. On Friday, Chen Yu Fei reversed the result of last year’s final against He Bing Jiao in the quarterfinals before seeing off Han Yue to set up an eighth meeting with Carolina Marin.

“This place is special for me, we always make the final (in Odense),” said defending champion Zheng, who alongside Ya Qiong, also won in 2018. “We are super happy we are into another one here. We are confident we can win,” he added after a 21-16 21-16 victory over world champions Seo Seung Jae/Chae Yu Jung.

Huang-Zheng on course to win their third Denmark Open.

Jia, conqueror of Lee So Hee/Baek Ha Na in the final last year with Chen, said: “I like Denmark Open very much. Having played here a few times and picked up good results, it gives me a nice groove, which brings out quality matches from us.”

Odense was also where Feng/Huang debuted as a tandem, finishing runners-up to Zheng/Huang last October. They have since contested nine title matches and are this season’s most successful mixed pair with six titles.

“This place gave us a positive start and we are moving in the right direction, playing better and better together. We hope to keep it going that way here,” said Dong Ping.

If China ace all the finals they are contesting, they will be the first country in nine years to lift at least three titles for two straight years at the competition. China were also the last to do it in 2013-2014.

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