2012 Denmark Open: A quarter-final round entry for Zhang Nan, Zhao Yunlei in Mixed Doubles event

2012 Denmark Open: A quarter-final round entry for Zhang Nan, Zhao Yunlei in Mixed Doubles event  

China’s prime Mixed Doubles campaigners Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei stretched their winning streak in Yonex Denmark Open and earned the right to be in quarter-finals on October 18, 2012.

They outshined Patiphat Chalardchaleam-Savitree Amitrapai of Thailand by registering a favourable result of 21-18 and 21-12.

This 29-minute battle took place in Odense, Denmark and a decent number of badminton lovers gathered to encourage both contenders.

World Number two Chinese pair played authoritative badminton and confounded the opposing team with a splendid show of skills in both sets.

The chemistry between Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei was a real feast for the eyes as they did not show any sign of confusion at any stage of the game and locked the honour to be in top eight teams of this Premier Super Series.

Though, the Thai duo also showed great fighting spirit but it was not enough to avoid a woeful exit.

In the beginning of first set, Patiphat and Savitree played according to the game plan and remained close to their higher ranked rivals until half time.

They pushed Zhang-Zhao in all areas of the court and did not allow them to establish a notable lead until 10-10. However, their back-to-back mistakes brought them down and led them to a disgraceful defeat.

The Chinese shuttlers capitalised this situation and gained control over pace of the rallies. They cornered their challengers with a flurry of well placed strokes and swept the table with an overwhelming margin of 21-18.

Next game proved a one-sided affair as Zhang and Zhao blew away their competitors with a gutsy knock.

This time they did not waste time and launched a brisk attack to gain an early advantage. They started the beating after 5-5 and reached to a dominating score position of 11-6.

Later part of the game was also dominated by them as Patiphat and Savitree put a below par performance and crashed out of the event.

Zhang and Zhao gathered valuable points at steady pace and placed a winning figure of 21-12. This win took them into quarter-finals where they are going to go up against Fran Kurniawan-Shendy Puspa Irawati.