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Two-time All England champion Tine Baun (earlier: Tine Rasmussen) is one of the stars at the India Open. Having taken over the mantle of leading the Danish challenge from the popular and charismatic Camilla Martin, Baun has managed the hard task of being one of China’s biggest threats. Baun, who won her second straight European Championships, spoke to Dev S Sukumar after her first round win over Sayaka Sato of Japan:
Happy with the way the match went? You won despite trailing in the second game.
Yes, I’m happy with today’s performance. I had a slow start. It takes a lot of energy to come from a tournament in Europe (she won the European Championships last week). It was a long journey, sitting in the plane for a long time. This round is the beginning of the tournament, and I’m happy I won in two sets.
How difficult is it as a pro player to traverse continents and yet play at a high level?
When you get older, it gets difficult to travel. Your body takes longer to recover and it’s hard to get rest and try to be at that level. Each additional day helps to get ready. Now I have 24 hours to prepare.
How do you ensure you get sufficient rest while travelling?
It’s very difficult, but it’s the same for everyone. We don’t travel first class. The leg space is too less … you just have to do your best and get your body moving.
You just won the European Championships last week. How satisfying was that to continue your reign as European champion?
I’m very happy with winning the European Championships. I’ve beaten the best opponents in Europe, and satisfied. It was a good final (against Juliane Schenk); I played up and down, and in the end I played better than her.
You’re on the wrong side of 30. Contemplating retirement yet?
Not yet. Of course I’m older and I have a few injuries, but I want to continue playing for the time being.
