Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen are through to their sixth final of the year after triumphing over formidable duo Liu Yu Chen/Ou Xuan Yi 21-17 21-19 in the YONEX French Open 2023 semifinals.

“For the first time in our career, we are on a wave,” exclaimed Rasmussen. “We are not going top, then down, then staying there. We haven’t tried this before, but that’s where we are best. We just hadn’t cracked the code previously. Now, we somehow have, almost to perfection.

“I’m immensely proud. Winning is an addictive feeling.”

In finally defeating the Chinese duo, the Danes ended their four-match losing streak to the world No.8s. The pair had also been trying to get past Liu for years when he was with Olympic silver-winning partner Li Jun Hui. Liu/Li possessed an 8-1 head-to-head record.

“We’ve been waiting a long time for a win against these guys, especially Liu. We struggled a lot with him. Feels like a huge win to beat him,” beamed Astrup. “You can tell we have confidence now. We know it takes a very good match to beat us. We are just riding the wave at the moment. Every spectator in there could see we enjoyed every second of it. Feels amazing right now.”

Astrup/Rasmussen, the most in-form men’s pair in the world currently after winning three titles since July and picking up the World Championships silver medal, will face off against Muhammad Shohibul Fikri/Bagas Maulana for glory.

→ Results (Semifinals)

→ Order of play (Finals)

WHAT OTHERS SAID:

“I’m disappointed I didn’t win when I had match point. Perhaps I was a little nervous, but there are lots of positives to take away from playing a top player like Tai.” – Aya Ohori

“Surprisingly this year, we haven’t played each other at all. But I know I will need to prepare well for the match. I’m very excited.” – Chen Yu Fei on the final against Tai Tzu Ying

“The last time I was in a French Open final was in 2019 against Chen Long, but I want a different result this time. Then it was in Paris, this time it’s Rennes, so who knows.” – A thrilled Jonatan Christie on making his fourth final of the season