Badminton

Antonsen lowers his expectations

KUALA LUMPUR: Denmark's Anders Antonsen is not aiming high when the men's singles shuttler makes his fifth World Championships appearance in Tokyo next week.

The world No 3, who won a silver in the 2019 Basel edition and bronze in Huelva last year, intends not to pressure himself as he has just recovered from a stomach rupture, which kept him out of action for almost three months.

If that is true, world No 5 Lee Zii Jia may have one less threat to deal with in his bottom half of the draw.

Others in Zii Jia's half are Japan's Kento Momota, Singapore's Loh Kean Yew, K. Srikanth and Lakhsya Sen — the gold, silver and bronze medallists of last year's edition.

"Normally, I would sit here and say that I was aiming for the gold, but that is not my expectation this time," Antonsen told TV 2 Danmark.

"I am not in my best form and shape, so I have lowered my expectations.

"I just hope I can have fun playing again and enjoy the tournament."

Antonsen has a tough opener in Tokyo against world No 21 Kenta Nishimoto. If he advances, the Dane will face either Sweden's Felix Burestedt or Adham Hatem Elgamal of Egypt before his likely last-16 clash against Thai ace Kunlavut Vitidsarn.

Zii Jia will not cross paths with Antonsen at least until the semi-finals.

The Malaysian will fancy a re-match with Antonsen after their quarter-final clash ended prematurely in Huelva last year.

A huge blister on his right foot forced Zii Jia to retire midway through the third game when he trailed 11-1.

Zii Jia won the opening game 21-12, but the blister affected him in the second game as he lost 21-8.

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