Double the motivation: Antonsen wants to reclaim his title in Malaysia to make amends for exiting the Malaysian Masters in the quarter-finals in May.
PETALING JAYA: Coming into the Malaysian Open isn’t just about a title defence for Danish shuttler Anders Antonsen – there’s also a hint of revenge in his campaign as well.
The world No. 2 is looking forward to returning to the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil from Jan 7-12, where he won his maiden Super 1000 tournament and Malaysian Open title last year.
But Antonsen also wants to reclaim his title in Malaysia to get revenge for exiting the Malaysian Masters in the quarter-finals in May.
“Coming in as the defending champion really doesn’t do anything to me. I have great memories here and I’m eager to perform well once again at the Malaysian Open” said the 27-year-old at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) yesterday.
“It’s crazy that we kick off the 2025 season right away with a Super 1000 tournament, but I’m excited.
“I think if anything, it’s a good thing because I have this good feeling about being back in that arena.
“I played the Malaysian Masters as well and lost in the quarter-finals.
“So maybe there is some revenge for me and not something to defend.’’
Antonsen will start his first round against No. 24 Wang Tzu-wei of Taiwan, where the head-to-head record is tied at three wins each between them.
It has been some time since they met, as the last meeting was in 2021 where Antonsen took the win at the Indonesian Open.
“I know he’s a player who on his best days can challenge anyone. So I take him very seriously.
“I don’t look past him, or anyone and am 100 percent focused on the match. We’ll see from there,” he said.
Antonsen added that he is physically fit before the season opener after ending his 2024 in stellar fashion by capturing the Denmark Open in October, China Open in November, and finishing second at the World Tour Finals in December.
“I’ve been playing a lot of matches, so I’ve adapted well to the gameplay.
“All in, all the body is good and it’s been going well. I definitely have benefited from that and I’m in match form,” he said.
