Dane Jorgensen hopes to draw inspiration from Van Morrison
THE music of Van Morrison will be the inspiration for Denmark’s Jan O Jorgensen as he seeks to spoil the party for Malaysia in the men’s singles quarter-finals of the Maybank Malaysian Open at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.
Yesterday, Jorgensen, spotting several tattoos on his hand, including the picture of the famous Irish singer, cruised to a 21-17, 21-14 win over P. Kashyap of India to set up a meeting with French Open champion Liew Daren.
Daren, the Malaysian No. 2, had an easy ride to the quarter-finals when former Olympic and world champion Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia withdrew due to an injury.
If Jorgensen beats Daren, he will face the winner of the match between world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei and Hu Yun of Hong Kong.
After recording several memorable moments in Malaysia over the last three years, Jorgensen, who is now Denmark’s No. 1 player following Peter-Gade Christensen’s retirement last month, said that he would be out to strike it right again.
”I love playing in Malaysia. Three years ago, I defeated Wong Choong Hann during the Thomas Cup Finals here and it still gives me goose bumps,” reminisced Jorgensen.
Last year, the 25-year-old upset four-time world champion Lin Dan of China in the Malaysian Open. The win was significant to him as he had just recovered from an irregular heart beat problem and the death of his mother.
”Daren will be the favourite here. I have lost to him twice,” said Jorgensen. “I will be against him and his fans but I am used to the amazing atmosphere here. In fact, I love it.”
Asked about his tatoos, he said: “I have a few designs on my hand. The biggest one – Morrison – reminds me of the good times I had with my father as he loves music. They inspire me.”
On his role as the No. 1 player in Denmark, Jorgensen said: “Peter is not around and no one can take his place. I hope to set my own legacy.
“For this year, my goal is to be more consistent and win Super Series titles.”
The other quarter-final match-ups today will involve two Japanese players – second seed Kenichi Tago and Sho Sasaki.
Tago, the Japanese No. 1, will face HansKristian Vittinghus of Denmark while Sasaki plays Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia.