Michael Banks
11th February 2003, 09:42
From IBF site -
The Yonex All England Championships suffered its first big blow last night when seventh seed Peter Rasmussen was forced to pull out of the tournament with an injury to his left ankle.
The 1997 world champion and 2002 European title-holder was troubled by the injury at the Danish National Championships last weekend when he was playing Anders Boesen and despite a week’s treatment he failed a fitness test yesterday.
Danish team manager Steen Pedersen said: "It has been niggling him for the last month and when it bothers him it affects his confidence. He tried it this morning [Monday] but then decided it was best not to risk making it worse. He hopes to be OK for the Swiss Open next week."
Rasmussen’s absence is a lucky break for fellow Dane Kasper Fangel, who comes into the main draw and faces Irwansyah, the Indonesian-born Welsh star, in the first round on Wednesday.
Fangel’s place in the qualifying goes to young England prospect Simon Hardcastle.
The Yonex All England Championships suffered its first big blow last night when seventh seed Peter Rasmussen was forced to pull out of the tournament with an injury to his left ankle.
The 1997 world champion and 2002 European title-holder was troubled by the injury at the Danish National Championships last weekend when he was playing Anders Boesen and despite a week’s treatment he failed a fitness test yesterday.
Danish team manager Steen Pedersen said: "It has been niggling him for the last month and when it bothers him it affects his confidence. He tried it this morning [Monday] but then decided it was best not to risk making it worse. He hopes to be OK for the Swiss Open next week."
Rasmussen’s absence is a lucky break for fellow Dane Kasper Fangel, who comes into the main draw and faces Irwansyah, the Indonesian-born Welsh star, in the first round on Wednesday.
Fangel’s place in the qualifying goes to young England prospect Simon Hardcastle.