Hungarian Agnes Korosi got off to an impressive start at the 2021 European Championships in Kiev yesterday and dedicated her surprise first round women’s singles win to her son.
She told Badminton Europe after snatching the biggest upset of the day: “It’s my kid’s birthday so I want to wish him a happy birthday.”
The world No.148 saw off the much-fancied Russian Natalia Perminova – ranked 85 places above her – keeping her composure after a first game loss to stage a comeback 15-21 21-17 21-14 victory.
“I was more focused in the second game, I was fighting more because I was less shy,” she admitted.
Remarkably, it was also Korosi’s first match in over a year.
“I’ve had so many trainings. I am really tired but also happy because my performance has been better than before,” the 25-year-old said.
Men’s pair Daniel Lundgaard/Mathias Thyrri were the only seeds (No.8) to fall in the opening round, their conquerors being England’s Matthew Clare and Max Flynn.
Men’s singles players Christian Kirchmayr (Switzerland) and Bernardo Atilano (Portugal) kept their faint Olympic hopes alive with wins over Icelandic shuttler Kari Gunnarsson and Serbian Luka Milic.