New Delhi: Sankar Muthusamy Subramaniam stunned World No.2 Anders Antonsen of Denmark to reach the quarterfinals of the Swiss Open in Basel. This was a new face for many who are habituated to hearing the names of Lakshya Sen, Priyanshu Rajawat, HS Prannoy, and Kidambi Srikant.
The 21-year-old won against the three-time Danish championship by a margin of 18-21, 21-12, 21-5 in a 66-minute match which the Indian youngster turned around the table despite being down in the first game. This was a spectacular show where Antonsen was made to look feeble, particularly in the last game where Subramaniam cut short the task with a flurry of ferocious smashes.
How Momota inspired Chennai’s Sankar to play defensive?
According to an interaction with The Indian Express, Sankar Subramaniam has mentioned that he adopts a defensive playstyle and he looked up to former Japanese stylish shuttler Kento Momota, citing his sharpness with defence and control.
He wanted to emulate the style of the two-time BWF World champion. As the Indian Express report described the player’s game style as a rebellious zeal. The Chennai-based shuttler is a silver medallist at the World Junior Championships 2022. He also reached the quarterfinals of the Thailand Open this year.
Sankar is currently ranked World No.64 in the latest BWF rankings, and will next face Christo Popov of France in the quarterfinal match. The win against Antonsen will certainly be a massive booster for the Indian prodigy but another win would attract more eyeballs towards his journey. It should be noted that Sankar entered the main draw of the Swiss Open after qualifying from the event.
“The win over Antonsen is a huge confidence booster. Of course, all wins are equally good. In fact, the way I’ve played in the tournament against M. Tharun (in the second qualifying round) and in the round of 32 against Magnus Johannesen of Denmark, has been solid,” Sankar told Sportstar.
Sankar Muthusamy Subramaniam, ranked World No. 64, created a major upset at the Swiss Open, defeating World No. 2 Anders Antonsen. His 18-21, 21-12, 21-5 victory showcased a defensive style inspired by Kento Momota. This win boosts Subramaniam’s confidence and visibility, setting up a quarterfinal clash against Christo Popov. Badminton Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
