The Finnish Open, one of the oldest tournaments on the World Tour calendar, is now being hosted at a brand new venue, at a different time of year – still no signs of autumn in the forecast, just a nice, warm late summer and the new venue is awaiting some fantastic Racketlon entertainment!
Finns Hopeful for Home Success But Rykowski Looms Large
Is it time for young rising star of Finnish Racketlon, Luka Penttinen to go one better than last year’s 2nd place finish and capture the title of his home tournament? After a few good victories over top 10 players this season, Luka’s game is in good shape – can he do something special? Or will the returning Marko Valimaki be inspired playing in his home city once again?
There is however one very significant threat to a home victory and it comes in the shape of current European Champion Rav Rykowski from Poland who travels to Helsinki to make amends for his recent semi-final loss at the world championships. The Pole is going to be a hard man to stop.
Top Professional Athletes Training Hard At Their Racketlon Skills
Other notable names in the Men’s draw are well known Finnish athletes, Henrik Mustonen who is a current PSA professional squash player as well as table tennis professional Otto Tennilä, who have both been training hard for their first outing against regular international Racketlon stars.
Very Open Women’s Event
On the women’s side in singles, Anna-Klara Ahlmer comes over from across the water to once again represent the deep tradition and legacy of Swedish players at the Finnish Open. Along with Kirsten Kaptein from the Netherlands and the newly crowned 45+ world champion from Switzerland, Esther Dubendorfer, they are the main international threats to the fast improving home Finnish player, Anna Wall. Anna will also play mixed with squash pro Henrik Mustonen who will be a difficult pair to beat!
Words by Marko Valimaki & Duncan Stahl
Pic by Finnish Racketlon Association