Fischer, Pedersen named Denmark's badminton players of the year

Denmark's badminton mixed doubles champions Joachim Fischer and Christinna Pedersen were named badminton players of the year 2011 here on Thursday. The pair were awarded the honor shortly after successfully defending their mixed doubles crown at the Copenhagen Masters tournament, which ended on Thursday. The title, which is awarded based on a vote by badminton fans, rounds off a year when the pair also won the Denmark Open and French Open, as well as finding final and semifinal spots in the Super Series. "We had hope of winning since we were nominated, but we knew we were up against some very good players," said Pedersen on winning the award. Denmark's top men's singles player, Peter Gade, who is currently ranked world No. 4, as well as Danish men's doubles players Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen, were also nominated for the annual title. "We are really glad that so many have voted for us and we are happy that people like watching us play, especially since we won Denmark Open," Pedersen said, commenting on the win. Nielsen and Pedersen began their mixed doubles partnership in 2008, and are currently ranked No. 3 in the world.