LINE KJAERSFELDT had been trying to topple Olympics and world champion Carolina Marin for the last eight years and the Danish shuttler’s perseverance finally paid off at the 11th time of asking yesterday.
The world No. 29 from Aarhus was in seventh heaven as she overcame Marin 21-19, 19-21, 21-13 in the second round of the Malaysian Open for the most satisfying win of her career.
Kjaersfeldt had also missed a chance to beat Marin during the European Championships in Madrid in April where she lost in three games.
That saw the Spaniard winning an unprecedented sixth consecutive women’s singles crown.
It was Kjaersfeldt’s second big scalp after beating former world champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand in the Indonesian Open two weeks ago to reach the quarter-finals.
“I cannot describe the feeling. Really, really happy. Coming here at 10-0, I tried so hard, so many times, finally made it,” said the 29-year-old Kjaersfeldt.
“I know that she (Marin) is coming back from a serious injury and is not at her best.
“I had my chance and I took it. At the European Championships, I led all the way but lost to her.
“Carolina has set a high standard for all the players and it is definitely amazing to beat her.
“Two weeks ago, I beat Ratchanok. I know I can beat the top in the world. I want to work harder and get even higher on the world ranking.”
It was her third consecutive last eight appearance after reaching the quarter-finals at the Indonesia Masters and the Indonesia Open.
Kjaersfeldt said she has come a long way since playing at the Axiata Arena for several years now.
“I love playing here but it is tough condition on the court ... a lot of drift.
“But I am older and mentally stronger and that’s why I’m standing in the quarter-finals now.”
It remains to be seen if she can go all the way in the Malaysian Open but Kjaersfeldt has already forced her rivals to take notice of her potential, thanks to the win over the Spanish legend.
