Danish shuttler aims to smash Asian hegemony

By Gelu Sulugiuc  |   2008-6-26  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

TINE Rasmussen has excelled on the world badminton scene in the past year to win three major titles, fuelling Danish hopes that she could become the first non-Asian woman to win an Olympic gold in the sport.

After years in the shadow of Danish ex-world champion Camilla Martin, Rasmussen won the All England title in March, adding to victories in the Malaysia and Japan Open tournaments.

Widely expected to win the European championship on home soil in April, the 28-year-old faltered in the final, losing out to Chinese-born German Xu Huaiwen.

Rasmussen, however, believes the defeat has helped her to find the right state of mind for Beijing Olympics.

"I have a lot of confidence and I will be there to fight for everything," the world No. 6 said. "I will play my best badminton ever and if I do that it is a success for me. When you only set goals for medals it can be tough. To win the gold medal, everything has to go right at that moment."

Rasmussen started playing badminton when she was seven, following in the footsteps of her older brother. She spent her early career watching friend and team mate Martin's exploits, which included a silver at the Sydney Games in 2000.

"She was just always better than me and I learned a lot from her," Rasmussen said. "She was in that position that I'm in now, talking to all the journalists and I was just outside, watching. When she stopped I was mature enough to take over the singles mantle in Denmark."

Her fans hope she can better Martin's result in Beijing but top Chinese players Xie Xingfang, titleholder Zhang Ning and Lu Lan are the clear favorites if they can shoulder the enormous pressure to deliver on home court.

"If they have tough draws in the first and second round it can be really bad for them," the 1.80-metre tall Dane said.

Rasmussen knows all about having to live up to expectations after unravelling in the European final.