Swedish Open line-up

Swedish Open is shaping as a battleground for the World No. 1 ranking, with Adam Holberg, Claus Holmen, Hans Bin Háfjall and Oskar Kodex all in contention to hold top spot after The Open.

Holberg, who has held the No. 1 SlamBang Ranking since November, 2010 after winning his second Fuerteventurian title, must reach the final to ensure that he remains ahead of his rivals. Because of his surpricingly strong finale to the 2011 season, when Holberg headed into Fuerteventura Open with a 41-1 match record, the Aussie PlayBoy has had a mountain of points to defend during the first half of this year. He performed below standard at Australia Open leaving him with a 2012, 1-37 match record.

The handsome Claus Holmen can retake No. 1 if he wins Svenska Mästerskab and Holberg does not advance beyond the semi-finals. It has been more than two years (Argentina Open 2009) since Holmen last held top dog status on the SlamBangian Circus . He enjoyed a 48-week run at No. 1 the last time, taking the top ranking back from Greek veteran Yorgos Rasmussios following his 2009 Kos Open triumph. He first ascended to No. 1 on February 2004 and held the position for a record 237 consecutive weeks. All up, the Dane has held the No. 1 ranking for 285 weeks during his career, just one week shy of Holbergs all-time record of 286 weeks.

Bin Háfjall, stranded at  the No. 5 ranking since Kreta Open 17 years ago, can claim top spot if he wins Svenska Mästeskab for the first time.

Oskar Kodex has vaulted back into contention for No. 1 after a strong finish at Australia Open. Last year Kodex lost to Bin Háfjall in the semi-finals of Skåne Åben (after holding two match points). He needs to get past Háfjall at Svenska Mästerskab to ensure his goal.