KUALA LUMPUR: Shuttler Anders Antonsen has declared that he is here to stay as Denmark’s No. 1 in the men’s singles.
For so long, Antonsen has had to play second fiddle to two-time world and Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen.
As Axelsen has been dealing with injury troubles, Antonsen’s consistent form has thrust him into the spotlight and the 28-year-old is determined to maintain his status.
Antonsen is currently ranked No. 3 in the world while Axelsen’s fitness issues have seen him drop from No. 1 to No. 30 in the world.
“Being No. 1 in Denmark is a great achievement in itself. I’m now No. 3 in the world and I’ve been steady up here in the world rankings for many years now and I’m proud of that,” said Antonsen.
“I plan to stay here for as long as I can. To be honest, I don’t think about the pressure from Denmark.
“I think I’m the one adding the pressure on my own shoulders. No one else. I have set high standards for myself.
“I want to do my absolute best every time I step on court. If I don’t do that, I’m very hard on myself,” added Antonsen.
Antonsen has started the year strongly by marching into the Malaysian Open semi-finals.
He was in top form in the last eight, brushing aside Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto 21-9, 21-12 at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
Antonsen is next set to renew his rivalry with China’s world No. 1 Shi Yuqi in a mouthwatering last-four clash.
The duo have faced each other in the last two finals with Antonsen coming out on top in 2024 while the Chinese ace triumphed last year.
The Dane is keen to exact revenge this time and make it into his third consecutive final in the competition.
“I’m very excited. I know that I have a tough task tomorrow (today) but if I play my absolute best and fight hard as I plan to do, I know Yuqi can have a difficult match as well,” said Antonsen.
“For sure, I’m looking to beat him this time after losing in the final last year. Let’s see who takes it this time.”
