Antonsen Bows to Momota’s Class – Basel 2019

There was all the appearance of a caged tiger in Anders Antonsen’s frustrated pacing during the men’s singles final of the TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019 today.

The point that clinched it – Momota celebrates after another stunning return.

Aware that he was trapped, unable to get any openings in his exchanges with Kento Momota, the desperation showed in misfired smashes and imprecise net shots. Just 37 minutes after it started, the match ended in perhaps the most lop-sided men’s singles final in the history of the World Championships, 21-9 21-3 to defending champion Kento Momota.

Few would have anticipated the course the match took, not least because their last clash in a final, at the Indonesia Masters, had unfolded in an Antonsen tactical masterclass.

Today was different. The Dane would later say he’d woken up physically under par, feeling the match wouldn’t go his way. He started out well enough to generate some buzz in the crowd, with his sharp smashes finding their mark.

It was a tactically different approach to what had worked for him in Indonesia, for Antonsen had then relied on keeping the shuttle deep and challenging Momota to come up with the answers. Today, given the way he was feeling physically, he admitted that the attacking start was his only option, for he couldn’t last in a long battle.

The game turned turtle once Momota fine-tuned his radar; Antonsen’s missiles were intercepted and put away. From 2-6 down, the Japanese picked points at will, winning 19 of the next 22 points.

The second game was worse for Antonsen; the Dane was allowed just three.

“Honestly, I was super super tired,” rued Antonsen. “I felt when I woke up this morning how it ended up playing out, I had that fear in my mind that it could end like this. I was trying my best, in the beginning he made some mistakes and I thought I had a chance, but once he got started, he played good quality and I was too tired to do anything. It was no fun to lose a match that way.

A second straight title for Momota.

“This was different from the Indonesia Masters. I felt better back then. Some of the rallies in the beginning was pretty much like in Indonesia. But I was in better physical condition. Today I was too tired and he was too good.

“I’ve proven that I’m heading in the right direction. I came with the goal to win a medal and I did so. I’m proud of the silver medal.”

The champion relished the feeling of his second world title: “I came here wanting to win this, and I had the confidence that I would do well, but I’m still happy that I managed to take the title. I trained a lot for this; the competition was always on my mind. I played at a consistently high level.

“Last year, I won due to my strong defence, but this time I tried to improve my attack and front court game. But I cannot stick to my current style, for my opponents will start reading me, so I have to work on other areas.”

CLICK HERE FOR RESULTS

World Championships News

Lessons Learnt, Parting Perspectives

Lessons Learnt, Parting Perspectives

14 September 2019
Kidambi Srikanth – A Search for Form

Kidambi Srikanth – A Search for Form

13 September 2019
Momota, in the Eyes of his Opponents

Momota, in the Eyes of his Opponents

12 September 2019
Recap: Upsets at the World Championships

Recap: Upsets at the World Championships

10 September 2019
Recap: Memorable Matches of the World Championships

Recap: Memorable Matches of the World Championships

8 September 2019
Highlights of the World Championships

Highlights of the World Championships

7 September 2019
Played ‘Two’ Perfection – Basel 2019

Played ‘Two’ Perfection – Basel 2019

4 September 2019
Badminton, Ice Hockey and the World Championships

Badminton, Ice Hockey and the World Championships

4 September 2019
Three-Event Titan – 25th Edition World C’ships

Three-Event Titan – 25th Edition World C’ships

3 September 2019
Legends of ’77 – 25th Edition World C’Ships

Legends of ’77 – 25th Edition World C’Ships

31 August 2019
Para Badminton Event Comes to a Close – Basel 2019

Para Badminton Event Comes to a Close – Basel 2019

27 August 2019
Wristy Trickery Wins the Day – Basel 2019

Wristy Trickery Wins the Day – Basel 2019

26 August 2019
Great Comeback Falls Short – Basel 2019

Great Comeback Falls Short – Basel 2019

26 August 2019
Mixed Doubles ‘Great Wall’ Intact – Basel 2019

Mixed Doubles ‘Great Wall’ Intact – Basel 2019

26 August 2019
Gold – At Last! – Basel 2019

Gold – At Last! – Basel 2019

25 August 2019
Poveda Makes It a First for Peru – Basel 2019

Poveda Makes It a First for Peru – Basel 2019

25 August 2019
Legend Who Broke Records and Paved the Way for Future Stars – 25th Edition World C’Ships

Legend Who Broke Records and Paved the Way for Future Stars –...

25 August 2019
Ray’s a Real Sport – 25th Edition World C’Ships

Ray’s a Real Sport – 25th Edition World C’Ships

25 August 2019
China Take Two Gold – Basel 2019

China Take Two Gold – Basel 2019

25 August 2019
‘Upsetting’ Night for China – Basel 2019

‘Upsetting’ Night for China – Basel 2019

24 August 2019
Antonsen’s ‘Insane’ Dream – Basel 2019

Antonsen’s ‘Insane’ Dream – Basel 2019

24 August 2019
Glasgow ’17 on the Cards – Basel 2019

Glasgow ’17 on the Cards – Basel 2019

24 August 2019
Five Down, Seventeen to Go – Basel 2019

Five Down, Seventeen to Go – Basel 2019

24 August 2019
Sindhu Assures Herself: Tomorrow Will Be Different

Sindhu Assures Herself: Tomorrow Will Be Different

24 August 2019
Para Badminton Athletes Turn It Up a Notch – Basel 2019

Para Badminton Athletes Turn It Up a Notch – Basel 2019

24 August 2019
Flaming Dane Set Courts Aglow – 25th Edition World C’Ships

Flaming Dane Set Courts Aglow – 25th Edition World C’Ships

24 August 2019
Antonsen Delivers for Europe – Basel 2019

Antonsen Delivers for Europe – Basel 2019

23 August 2019
Du/Li Stand Tall After 2-Hour Epic – Basel 2019

Du/Li Stand Tall After 2-Hour Epic – Basel 2019

23 August 2019
Kantaphon Leads Thailand’s Record Haul – Basel 2019

Kantaphon Leads Thailand’s Record Haul – Basel 2019

23 August 2019
Sensational Session for India – Basel 2019

Sensational Session for India – Basel 2019

23 August 2019
Tall Order for Standing Men – Basel 2019

Tall Order for Standing Men – Basel 2019

23 August 2019
Crowd Pleasing Superstar – 25th Edition World C’Ships

Crowd Pleasing Superstar – 25th Edition World C’Ships

23 August 2019
Teenage Shuttler Meets His Idol – Basel 2019

Teenage Shuttler Meets His Idol – Basel 2019

23 August 2019
Wheelchair Top Seed Toppled – Basel 2019

Wheelchair Top Seed Toppled – Basel 2019

23 August 2019
‘Two’ Much Trouble! – Basel 2019

‘Two’ Much Trouble! – Basel 2019

22 August 2019
Intanon Survives Scare – Basel 2019

Intanon Survives Scare – Basel 2019

22 August 2019
BWF Statement – TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019

BWF Statement – TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019

22 August 2019
Belated Birthday Blitz! – Basel 2019

Belated Birthday Blitz! – Basel 2019

22 August 2019
Back Problem Doesn’t Stall Jia Min – Basel 2019

Back Problem Doesn’t Stall Jia Min – Basel 2019

22 August 2019
Girl Power – Basel 2019

Girl Power – Basel 2019

22 August 2019
Group Rounds Move into Main Draw – Basel 2019

Group Rounds Move into Main Draw – Basel 2019

22 August 2019
Lessons from the Seventies – 25th Edition World C’Ships

Lessons from the Seventies – 25th Edition World C’Ships

22 August 2019
Women Getting in Gear – Basel 2019

Women Getting in Gear – Basel 2019

21 August 2019
German Shock for Fifth Seeds – Basel 2019

German Shock for Fifth Seeds – Basel 2019

21 August 2019
I Feel at Home says Mroz – Basel 2019

I Feel at Home says Mroz – Basel 2019

21 August 2019
The Power of the Mind – Basel 2019

The Power of the Mind – Basel 2019

21 August 2019
Minions Crash Land at Worlds Yet Again – Basel 2019

Minions Crash Land at Worlds Yet Again – Basel 2019

21 August 2019
Suzuki Banks on Experience Over Age – Basel 2019

Suzuki Banks on Experience Over Age – Basel 2019

21 August 2019
Nagahara ‘Mixing It Up’ – Basel 2019

Nagahara ‘Mixing It Up’ – Basel 2019

20 August 2019
Jia Min Ousts Top Seed – Basel 2019

Jia Min Ousts Top Seed – Basel 2019

20 August 2019
Lin’s Challenge Sputters Out – Basel 2019

Lin’s Challenge Sputters Out – Basel 2019

20 August 2019
Mazur On Track to Retain Crown – Basel 2019

Mazur On Track to Retain Crown – Basel 2019

20 August 2019
Trading One Set of Wheels for Another

Trading One Set of Wheels for Another

20 August 2019
Ouseph Exits Stage, Bids Goodbye – Basel 2019

Ouseph Exits Stage, Bids Goodbye – Basel 2019

19 August 2019
Chou Survives Danish Test  – Basel 2019

Chou Survives Danish Test – Basel 2019

19 August 2019
A Title Dedicated to a Battle Against Cancer

A Title Dedicated to a Battle Against Cancer

19 August 2019
Draw Provides an Even Playing Field for All

Draw Provides an Even Playing Field for All

18 August 2019
Para-llel Event a Unique Experience for Badminton Fraternity

Para-llel Event a Unique Experience for Badminton Fraternity

18 August 2019
An Occasion to Cherish for Jaquet – Basel 2019

An Occasion to Cherish for Jaquet – Basel 2019

18 August 2019
‘100 Watt Smash’ that Lit Up Lausanne – 25th Edition World C’Ships

‘100 Watt Smash’ that Lit Up Lausanne – 25th Edition World C’Ships

17 August 2019
Preview: Worlds of Opportunity

Preview: Worlds of Opportunity

17 August 2019
By Chou’s Side

By Chou’s Side

16 August 2019
Satwik/Chirag to Miss World Championships

Satwik/Chirag to Miss World Championships

16 August 2019
Indian Pair Blazes a Trail

Indian Pair Blazes a Trail

15 August 2019
Awesome Threesome of SU5 – Para Badminton World C’Ships

Awesome Threesome of SU5 – Para Badminton World C’Ships

14 August 2019
Life Lessons, From Coach Kim Ji Hyun

Life Lessons, From Coach Kim Ji Hyun

14 August 2019
Free of Pressure, Antonsen Senses His Chance

Free of Pressure, Antonsen Senses His Chance

13 August 2019
Ahsan/Hendra Play it Cool Despite Hot Form

Ahsan/Hendra Play it Cool Despite Hot Form

11 August 2019
England Duo Anticipate Fruitful Week in Basel

England Duo Anticipate Fruitful Week in Basel

10 August 2019
Women’s Singles Re-Draw – TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019

Women’s Singles Re-Draw – TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019

9 August 2019
Winny Will Need Support: Liliyana Natsir

Winny Will Need Support: Liliyana Natsir

8 August 2019
Sports Upbringing Gives Edge to Poveda

Sports Upbringing Gives Edge to Poveda

7 August 2019
World Championships Draw Released

World Championships Draw Released

5 August 2019
Marin, Shi Join Axelsen on Sidelines

Marin, Shi Join Axelsen on Sidelines

5 August 2019
New Para Badminton Chapter Unfolds in Basel

New Para Badminton Chapter Unfolds in Basel

1 August 2019
Injured Axelsen Withdraws From World Championships

Injured Axelsen Withdraws From World Championships

31 July 2019
From Malmo to Basel – 25th Edition World C’Ships

From Malmo to Basel – 25th Edition World C’Ships

30 July 2019
Famous Five and the Good Old Days – 25th Edition World C’Ships

Famous Five and the Good Old Days – 25th Edition World C’Ships

19 July 2019
Revisiting a Hero: Sigit Budiarto

Revisiting a Hero: Sigit Budiarto

11 July 2019
History Beckons Zhang Nan

History Beckons Zhang Nan

10 July 2019
Chen To Lead China’s Charge

Chen To Lead China’s Charge

9 July 2019
19 Days Left To Register for World Coaching Conference

19 Days Left To Register for World Coaching Conference

26 June 2019
Marin on the Mend and Eyes Return

Marin on the Mend and Eyes Return

22 June 2019
Two Months To Go – World C’Ships Countdown

Two Months To Go – World C’Ships Countdown

19 June 2019
Li & Liu – Stepping Up When It Matters

Li & Liu – Stepping Up When It Matters

7 June 2019
Ivanov & Sozonov Rekindle The Fire

Ivanov & Sozonov Rekindle The Fire

3 June 2019
Tien Minh – Veteran Still Chasing His Dreams

Tien Minh – Veteran Still Chasing His Dreams

2 June 2019
Confidence Boost for Dutch Duo

Confidence Boost for Dutch Duo

1 June 2019
Matsumoto & Nagahara: Rapid Ascent to Pinnacle

Matsumoto & Nagahara: Rapid Ascent to Pinnacle

8 May 2019
Tai Eases into Top Gear

Tai Eases into Top Gear

25 April 2019
Zhao Yunlei Star Speaker at Coaching Conference

Zhao Yunlei Star Speaker at Coaching Conference

24 April 2019
‘The Physical Level Has Gone Up’

‘The Physical Level Has Gone Up’

22 April 2019
Memories of Lausanne 1995

Memories of Lausanne 1995

20 April 2019
Momota Sets the Pace, but Speedbreakers Lurk

Momota Sets the Pace, but Speedbreakers Lurk

18 April 2019
BWF and Total Celebrate Five Years of Partnership

BWF and Total Celebrate Five Years of Partnership

18 April 2019
Badminton Thrust into Bright Lights – World C’Ships

Badminton Thrust into Bright Lights – World C’Ships

13 March 2019
Gold and Glory for Arbi – Throwback ’95 World C’ships

Gold and Glory for Arbi – Throwback ’95 World C’ships

19 February 2019
GoDaddy Extends Major Events Partnership with BWF

GoDaddy Extends Major Events Partnership with BWF

11 February 2019
Star speakers assembled for BWF World Coaching Conference 2019

Star speakers assembled for BWF World Coaching Conference 2019

30 January 2019
Singles Champions – Down the Ages

Singles Champions – Down the Ages

20 December 2018
Celebrating 25 editions of the BWF World Championships

Celebrating 25 editions of the BWF World Championships

20 December 2018
PARTNERS