On paper, Thursday’s World Championship match against third-seeded Jonatan Christie looked like a daunting task for Rasmus Gemke.
But the Dane was undeterred. Through blood, sweat, and a massive burst of energy, the Danish badminton player managed to defeat the Indonesian 11-21, 21-13, 21-18.
He thereby advanced to the quarter-finals in India, where seventh-seeded Victor Lai of Canada awaits. Gemke had already pulled off a major upset in the second round by knocking out the defending All England champion, Lin Chun-yi.
However, that confidence wasn't immediately apparent at the start of the match against Christie. The Indonesian quickly took an 8-1 lead, but Gemke fought back before having to pause to tend to a bleeding finger.
The break disrupted Gemke's momentum, and Christie comfortably closed out the set. Gemke was equally dominant in the second set, forcing the match into a decider.
Margins proved crucial in the final set. Several shots landed right on the edge of the lines, and every time Gemke seemed to gain an advantage, Christie responded.
Nevertheless, the Dane managed to earn three match points. On the second match point, his racket string snapped during a rally, but Gemke took a risk. and ultimately placed the shuttlecock past Christie, who collapsed onto the floor in frustration.
There is a chance for two Danes to reach the men's singles quarter-finals, as fourth-seeded Anders Antonsen is set to face Frenchman Toma Junior Popov later on Thursday.