Gold remains elusive for world No.4 Antonsen entering Delhi showdown

Delhi, August 16 – As the BWF World Championships draw near, Denmark’s Anders Antonsen, ranked fourth globally, admits that the gold medal is the only piece missing from his trophy cabinet.

The 28‑year‑old’s recent triumph at the Thailand Open has injected fresh belief, but he cautions that the competition in the men’s singles category is tighter than ever. “I have three bronzes and one silver from past Worlds,” Antonsen said, “but the gold has always been just out of reach.”

He described the upcoming tournament as a test of both skill and mental fortitude. “To win this title I need to play my very best, perhaps even better than I have before, and I’ll need a bit of luck on my side,” he added.

Antonsen noted that the men’s singles landscape has changed dramatically. “Earlier there were one or two clear favorites. Now the field is much more open, with strong players from many countries. It makes the championship unpredictable and thrilling.”

While the spotlight often intensifies after high‑profile wins, Antonsen says he does not feel additional pressure from media commentary or the successes of rivals like Viktor Axelsen. “The pressure I experience is internal. I set my own expectations and aim to claim the biggest title without concerning myself with external opinions.”

He also highlighted the importance of treating every round with equal seriousness. “If you’re not 100 % ready, you can be eliminated in the first round. There’s no longer a luxury of easing into the tournament.”

Antonsen will open his campaign against a formidable opponent, and he remains optimistic that this could finally be the year he lifts the coveted gold medal.