Introduction
Svend Pri (earlier Svend Andersen; March 18, 1945 – June 8, 1983) was a Danish badminton player who won numerous major titles from the mid-1960s through the mid-1970s. His play was marked by great power, tenacity, and tactical astuteness. An excellent three event (singles, doubles, mixed doubles) player, the high points of his career were probably two dramatic singles victories over the iconic Rudy Hartono, one in the Challenge Round of Thomas Cup (Denmark v. Indonesia) in 1973, the other in the final of the All-Englands in 1975.
Experiencing personal difficulty in coping with family and financial problems in the wake of his badminton career, Pri took his own life in June 1983 at the age of 38.
Career
World Championships
He won a silver medal in the 1977 IBF World Championships in men's singles, losing against Flemming Delfs in the final 15-5, 15-6.
1972 Summer Olympics
Pri competed in badminton at the 1972 Summer Olympics, where badminton was played as a demonstration sport. In men's singles he was defeated in the final by Rudy Hartono 15-6, 15-1. In mixed doubles he played together with Ulla Strand and they were beaten in the final by Derek Talbot and Gillian Gilks 15-6, 18-16.
Major achievements
| Rank | Event | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Championships | |||
| 2 | Singles | 1977 | Malmö, SWE |
| European Championships | |||
| 2 | Men's doubles | 1974 | Vienna, AUT |
| 3 | Singles | 1980 | Groningen, NED |
| Open Championships | |||
| 1 | Mixed doubles | 1967, 1971, 1972 | All England Open |
| 1 | Singles | 1975 | All England Open |
| 2 | Singles | 1970, 1972 | All England Open |
| 2 | Men's doubles | 1967, 1976 | All England Open |