Dane Breaks Asian Dominance

Poul-Erik Hoyer-Larsen of Denmark has his own way of overcoming Asia’s domination in badminton.

Become a father.

Hoyer-Larsen won the gold medal in men’s singles, beating China’s Dong Jiong, 15-12, 15-10. Hoyer-Larsen is the first player from a non-Asian country to win a medal in badminton.

South Korea won two gold medals in the final day of competition.

Bang Soo-hyun won the women’s singles by beating Mia Audina of Indonesia, 11-6, 11-7. Gil Young-ah and Kim Dong-moon defeated Ra Kyung-min and Park Joo-bong, 13-15, 15-4, 15-12, in a mixed-doubles final between two South Korean teams.

Hoyer-Larsen credits his improved game to the birth of his son, Lasse, last year.

“Knowing that badminton is not the most important thing in your life made me more relaxed on the court, and I have become a better badminton player,” he said.

At 6 feet 2, the left-handed Hoyer-Larsen used his height to his advantage against his 5-foot-10 opponent. He sent shots back at nearly impossible angles, often catching corners of the court or just nudging drop shots over the net.

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MEDALISTS / Badminton

Mixed Doubles

Gold: Young-ah and Dong-moon, South Korea

Silver: Kyung-min and Joo-bong, South Korea

Bronze: Jianjun and Man, China

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Men’s Singles

Gold: Poul-Erik Hoyer-Larsen, Denmark

Silver: Dong Jiong, China

Bronze: Rashid Sidak, Malaysia

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Women’s Singles

Gold: Bang Soo-hyun, South Korea

Silver: Mia Audina, Indonesia

Bronze: Susi Susanti, Indonesia