Danish former women’s singles world number one Tine Baun signs up to play for Suffolk Saxons

Suffolk Saxons' new signing, Danish former women's singles world number one Tine Baun. Photo: Action Photography (Image: Archant)

Danish player Tine Baun is a former world number one in the women’s singles and has won 10 national championship medals.

The 37-year-old also has a silver medal from the 2008 European Championships and golds from the 2010 and 2012 events, and was also a quarter-finalist at London 2012.

Baun joins a Suffolk side enjoying their debut in the NBL, currently sitting second in the table after back-to-back wins against Surrey Smashers and Loughborough Lightning made up for an opening day loss against now-league leaders Birmingham Lions.

Anthony Clark, the Saxons’ head coach said: “I remember Tine the whole way through my career as someone to really aspire to.

“Early on in her career she had a horrible Achilles heel injury, but came back from that stronger, fitter, with unbelievable determination, and the mentality that she could beat anyone.”

He added: “I think it sometimes takes an injury to put you on the right track and this certainly happened for Tine. It brought out all her skills and power, to take on the best in the world.”

Baun has stayed in badminton since retiring, joining the Europe All Stars Team for the 2013 Axiata Cup and turning out for the Mumbai Masters in the Indian Badminton League.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to playing in the league, I’ve only heard good and inspiring things about it.

“I still love and enjoy playing badminton and England is one of my favorite countries to play in. I’ll give my best for the team and I hope I can give them victories.”

Baun could go straight into the Saxons’ line-up for their next game against Bristol Jets on Monday with fellow Dane Julie Finne-Ipsen, who has been the squad’s regular women’s singles player this season, unavailable for the match against the NBLs other debutantes – who are currently bottom of the table.