Anders Antonsen needed every ounce of experience to escape a marathon 102-minute battle against Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen at the BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi. Nguyen pushed the fourth seed to the brink before the Dane completed a dramatic 21-23, 21-19, 23-21 comeback in the men’s singles second round.
Antonsen Survives Nguyen Test With Crucial Review
Nguyen held two match points in the opening game when a tight return appeared to land out. Both players initially believed the rally was over, yet Antonsen challenged the call immediately. The review overturned the decision, showing the shuttle had clipped the line, and the reprieve completely shifted the momentum of the contest. Nguyen later admitted Antonsen had already congratulated him before the video referral proved otherwise, leaving him momentarily stunned. Despite the setback, Nguyen continued attacking and eventually leveled the score at 20-20 in that same game before Antonsen closed it out.
Antonsen Survives Nguyen Test After Deciding Game Fight
Nguyen bounced back to dominate the second game, forcing a decider and keeping his upset hopes alive. However, Antonsen settled into the conditions as the match progressed, saving pressure points down the stretch. Nguyen still saved one match point in the finale, but Antonsen ultimately sealed victory 23-21 to advance.
Afterward, Nguyen described the performance as possibly the best of his career, noting he brought intensity to the contest despite two contested line calls going against him. He acknowledged exhaustion late in the match, admitting cramp nearly set in, though he expressed no regrets about his effort. Nguyen also pointed to windy conditions as a factor that favored underdogs like himself, referencing his similarly strong showing at the China Open. He added that adapting to slower conditions remains an area for improvement moving forward.
Antonsen progresses to the Round of 16 following the narrow escape.
