Mathias Christiansen and Alexandra BØje, who have already clinched a Super 750 title at the Singapore Open this year and were French Open runners-up in 2021, are now on a mission to claim glory on home soil at the VICTOR Denmark Open 2023.

Christiansen and Bøje battled Ye Hong Wei/Lee Chia Hsin in the quarterfinals; the match had its dramatic twists, sharp turns and some intense moments to delight the crowd.

The Danish duo started strong, turning up the quality in the first game. Their opponents swiftly rallied back in the second, upping the ante to snatch it. The decider was close at first, but Christiansen believes they were more resilient.

“It’s almost like flipping a coin in the third game. We were the strongest and kept our calm,” he said. There were intense moments, including a yellow card for Ye, but the Danes ultimately sealed a 21-17 18-21 21-13 victory.

In their pursuit of a coveted final spot, they face the formidable Feng Yan Zhe/Huang Dong Ping. The pairs have crossed paths twice this year, including at the World Championships in Copenhagen in August. Feng/Huang won their only other earlier duel.

“Feng and Huang are world-class players. We won last time but this is a new match,” said Bøje. “They will be prepared for what we are going to bring. We hope for a good game, and of course, a win.”

Christiansen/Bøje are the first Danish mixed pair to contest a home semifinal since 2016 champions Joachim Fischer Nielsen/Christinna Pedersen.

→ Results (Quarterfinals)

→ Order of play (Semifinals)

*Reporting in collaboration with Badminton Europe

WHAT OTHERS SAID:

“He managed and controlled the match all the way. He pushed me a lot and I couldn’t get out of the pressure.” – Second seed Anthony Sinisuka Ginting after losing 21-15 21-9 to Weng Hong Yang

“Something special here. I’ve had back-to-back great years at this tournament. Hopefully I can maintain it.” – Lee Zii Jia on his last two Super 750 semifinals coming at the same hall in Odense

“He was controlling the overall rhythm and it wasn’t easy for me. It was a little too late when I found the right solution.” – Loh Kean Yew about his defeat to Shi Yu Qi

“I love playing badminton. And I felt the love, people loved watching me.” – Tai Tzu Ying on what kept her motivated all these years