Not being able to play competitive badminton is something Kim Astrup despises.

With the COVID-19 global pandemic tearing the 2020 international sporting calendar apart, the Danish men’s doubles star has been concentrating on training since returning from a lockdown after the YONEX All England Open 2020 came to a close late March.

Not that the 28-year-old has enjoyed the period at home – Astrup is at his best when travelling the globe taking on the best badminton players with his partner Anders Skaarup Rasmussen.

Next week, he will have the opportunity to do just that at the DANISA Denmark Open 2020.

“It was difficult to be deprived of training opportunities and social life on and off the court. It felt as if my whole life was taken away from me,” Astrup told Badminton Denmark.

“I love competing against the best players and the everyday life that comes with it. I’m really looking forward to starting again, and I’m looking forward to the Denmark Open more than ever this year.”

Astrup/Skaarup Rasmussen had looked set for a good season after winning the Barcelona Spain Masters 2020 in February before COVID-19 struck.

Astrup, in his own words, had been a “caged lion” as a result of the initial lockdown in Denmark, which was followed by a prolonged spell without competition.

“I quickly found out that structure means a lot to me. It was a way to find meaning in what felt like a meaningless everyday life,” said Astrup.

“My self-created structure meant I had regular training routines, that I set some daily goals and that I adhered to the planned bedtimes. It helped keep my motivation and mood high.

“I feel ready to go out and play against the best pairs in the world again. Let’s see if I can do it at the Denmark Open.”

The DANISA Denmark Open 2020 starts on Tuesday, 13 October.