Badminton News: Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen showed he’s a great Viking badminton warrior by finishing this year’s competition in fantastic fashion after claiming his fourth World Tour Finals crown, equaling the record held by the former international Lee Chong Wei.

It was the eighth Open title for the player who reigned as world No. 1 all year.

In fact, only three players have beaten the Tokyo 2020 Olympic champions this season, namely Lakshya Sen of India (German Open semi-finals), Loh Kean Yew of Singapore (Open from Denmark) and HS Prannoy from India (WTF group stage). ).

But it was his hard-fought victory over Japan’s Kodai Naraoka in the semi-finals that earned him such admiration.

Viktor Axelsen, who turns 29 on January 4, narrowly avoided losing, fighting back in game two to beat Naraoka, 21, 21-23, 21-19, 21-18.

“I dodged a bullet (in his win over Naraoka). Kodai can qualify,” Viktor Axelsen told BWF.

“I would say that game was one of my toughest games of the year. It has everything, good plays, bad plays and a lot of mental games too. It has everything a sport has to offer and I love being a part of it. I respect Kodai a lot and he has a very bright future.

Naraoka, in the absence of Kento Momota National No. 1, really improved. He can be a thorn in the side of Axelsen as well as other male singles players.

Viktor Axelsen should also be wary of Indian solo teams like Lakshya and Prannoy. They have skill, talent, and determination and tend to strike when they least expect it.

Former world champions Kean Yew, Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia and Indonesia’s Anthony Ginting and Jonatan Christie can also beat the Dane, but first they must overcome their hot and cold form on the international stage.

With a more consistent performance, they are ready to make the men’s singles competition more interesting. Zii Jia, for example, needs more consistency.

“2022 hasn’t been very fulfilling even though I finished the year as world No. 2.”

“I will go to Taiwan for a training camp (December 19-25). I hope I can further improve my discipline, physical and mental strength in the new year.

We shouldn’t forget the old and new Chinese players either.

Former English champion Shi Yuqi marked his comeback by winning this year’s Danish Open and Australian Open. Pay attention that he takes his game to a different level next year.

Lu Guangzu (15), Zhao Junpeng (18), and Li Shifeng (26) are waiting for a platform to show off their abilities and have become formidable opponents to beat.

Then there are spoilers like Kunlavut Vitidsarn from Thailand, Chou Tien-chen from Taiwan, Dane Anders Antonsen.

Who knows, if Kento Momota can get back to his best form, the men’s singles will be even more exciting next year.

We’ll get a taste of what’s to come next year when all of these players meet at the Malaysian Open at Axiata Arena from January 13-18.

Article tags: Victor Axelsen, Kodai Naraoka, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, jonathan christi

Published by Ligaolahraga.com at https://www.ligaolahraga.com/badminton/who-yang-bisa-menhentikan-domination-viktor-axelsen-season-depan