Top five youngsters to watch at All England Open 2024

Published at :March 12, 2024 at 12:35 AM

Modified at :March 19, 2024 at 12:21 AM

(Courtesy : Screenshot/BWF YouTube)

Young Indian sensation Priyanshu Rajawat makes it to the list.

The All England Open 2024 will get underway in a short while and the athletes are all fired up to take home the trophy and play well. It’s one of the four Super 1000 competitions held each year.

Tracing its origins to the inaugural open competition in Guildford in 1898, the All England Open boasts a storied history that contributes to its position. For many competitors, securing the All England Championship title is a cherished ambition, with the competition often held in even greater esteem than the World Championships.

This year’s event promises to be a proving ground for emerging talents, serving as a litmus test for their ascending careers.

Here are five young stars who are expected to do well at this important event:

Benyapa Aimsaard/Nuntakarn Aimsaard

The Aimsaard sisters, Benyapa and Nuntakarn, have swiftly ascended in the women’s doubles badminton circuit. With five World Tour titles under their belt, their most notable achievement was securing the runners-up spot at the 2022 World Tour finals, challenging the top eight pairs.

They’re poised for a smooth start at the All England Open 2024 and could potentially face Liu Shengshu/Tan Ning from China in Round 2. A victory there might setup a clash with Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida. Playing to their full potential, they have a real shot at advancing to the All-England semifinals.

Christo Popov

Christo Popov, the 22-year-old French sensation, has carved out a reputation with his dynamic attacking style and remarkable agility. Formerly the world’s top junior player, he recently clinched his inaugural World Tour title by defeating Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke at the German Open. His performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of stellar.

His most significant victory to-date was at the 2021 Indonesia Open, where he outplayed Olympic bronze medalist and local favoUrite Anthony Sinisuka Ginting in consecutive sets.

With a favourable draw, he’ll commence against Lee Cheuk Yiu in Round 1, with a potential match-up against HS Prannoy in Round 2.

Priyanshu Rajawat

Priyanshu Rajawat, the 22-year-old Indian prodigy, is quickly making waves on the national badminton scene. Renowned for his cunning strokes and net skills, he emerged victorious at the Orleans Masters in 2023, signaling his promise as a future beacon of Indian badminton.

His most impressive win was against Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto at the Orleans, which propelled him to the title. He also made it to the semifinals of the Australia Open (Super 500). He’s slated to play against Indonesia’s Chico Dwi Wardoyo in Round 1. A win there could pit him against Shi Yuqi in Round 2.

Francesca Corbett/Allison Lee

The US pair has won the silver medal at the 2023 World Junior Badminton Championships and is considered to be the ‘next big thing’ in US badminton.

They’ve already challenged numerous top-tier pairs and, with the right guidance, could become a formidable team. Their upcoming match against Korea’s Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee will be a stern test.

Mathias Thyrri/Amalie Magelund

Mathias Thyrri and Amalie Magelund, the Danish pair, have been rapidly ascending the ranks and are tipped to be a dominant force in mixed doubles for the foreseeable future. They were the finalists in two consecutive tournaments in 2023, the US Open and Canada Open, where they narrowly missed out on victory.

They’re set to face the Dutch duo of Robin Tabeling and Selena Piek in Round 1. A win would likely lead to a showdown with Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Sapsiree Taerattanachai in the second round.

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