Arnaud Genin from France and Christine Seehofer from Austria won the elite titles at the 12th Austrian Open – World Tour Finals presented by GRAWE sidebyside. T
Seehofer Delivers Again
Christine Seehofer, the world number one prevailed against runner-up, Swede Anna-Klara Ahlmer +22 (TT: 22-20, BA: 21-7, SQ: 21-16, TE: 1: 0) in the BMS Women’s Elite Individual. “I am glad that I can finish the season with two wins. I was a little sick and happy that I was able to win quite clearly, even though we still had to play tennis”, said the world number one, who also won the end of season FIR World Tour Race. Finalist Ahlmer finished the Tour Race in second place well ahead of her competitors Natalie Paul and Bettina Bugl. Anna-Klara: “A great success for me to reach the final and to force Christine into tennis. After my injury I have not been able to start training before April. I want to challenge her even more next season – I’ll be taking badminton lessons for that!” The winners’ podium was completed by Christine’s sister, Elisabeth Seehofer, who was able to prevail over the French Margaux Randjbar in the qualifying match for the bronze medal.
Genin Shocks A Strong Men’s Field
In the ECO SECURE Men Elite Singles, Frenchman Arnaud Genin won the final against Luka Penttinen, who was seeded as number four, with +15 (TT: 6-21, BA: 21-3, SQ: 21-13, TE: 11-7). The former badminton professional celebrated his first Elite tournament victory on the Racketlon World Tour at the 12th Austrian Open – World Tour Finals presented by GRAWE sidebyside – “A great tournament, a great city and the perfect result – of course I’m very satisfied,” said the champion, who is currently only number 63 in the world rankings, but wants to establish himself among the world’s top Racketlon players next season.
Finalist Luka Penttinen: “This year I completed my basic military service in Finland so I was not able to train that often. Physically I’m not where I want to be. Arnaud was physically better. The victory was deserved!” Third place in the men’s elite competition went to Emanuel Schöpf, who was able to clinch another top result.
New generation
Tournament Director Marcel Weigl: “I am pleased that we were once again able to celebrate such good results for the Austrians at one of the biggest tournaments of the year: Above all – for Chrisi Seehofer, who was able to live up to her role as a favorite despite a cold. Unfortunately, Lukas Windischberger was not quite fit, but Emanuel stood in for him and finished third which is a great result. We’ve seen a new generation of players in the men’s field who will shape Racketlon over the next few years.”
Peter Robic (RFA Public Relations Officer)
