Hans-Kristian Vittinghus

It's now been a good two days since I played my first round match in the main draw of Indonesia Open Super Series. Unfortunately so, it also showed to be my only match in the main draw...

I lost out to malaysian Muhd. Hafiz Hashim, a former All England winner (with big emphasis on former) and current world no. 31. Playing him in the first round of a Super Series event of this size is a good draw, so it really annoys me I wasn't able to take advantage of it. But I can't be too unhappy with myself as I really gave everything and tried my hardest. I was just a bit too tense on court and couldn't quite make it happen when it really mattered. He ended up winning the match  21-15 20-22 21-16. So no more action for me in Indonesia this year, but I'm already looking forward to comming back next year. To me this is still the best place in the world to play badminton.

My trip to Asia in general wasn't quite as succesful as I hoped for before going. I really hoped to make it into the main draw of both tournaments in Singpore and Indonesia. I only suceeded in doing so in Indonesia, so that is obviously a bit disappointing. Never got to find my best game, it was a struggle for me all the way, but at leasy I fought hard. Furthermore I didn't manage to take advantage of my good form recently and exploit the chances the draw left me. Also disappointing.

On the other hand just looking at the results it's no disaster either. I did win the matches I should win and only lost narrowly in the two 50/50 matches I had. That's without reaching my highest level, so it tells me I would beat these guys if I play up to my full potential. And it also shows me I'm competitive at Super Series level even if I struggle to find my form. I also gained valuable experience, so I will definetly have better chances to perform well next time I go to Asia (which is in August for the Macau and Chinese Taipei Grand Prix Gold's).

(all pictures provided by badmintonphoto.com)

I'm back in Denmark now after a close to 24-hour trip from Jakarta (via Singapore and Frankfurt). I don't have any plans of hard training over the weekend, will relax a little and just do some light physical training.

On next saturday I will leave for a 2-week holiday in Vancouver. It have been planned for a long time and it's something I really look forward to. I'm going there with my former coach and good friend Thomas Stavngaard, who used to be a top player himself (winning the Denmark Open once). We are going to work as coaches at a training camp in a club called C2, located in Richmond, Vancouver, BC. But even if we also have to work a little, it's more like a holiday to me as there will be plenty of time for relaxing, shopping and just enjoying life  Vancouver is my favourite destination, so you can all imagine how much I'm looking forward to go back there...

/HK