Badminton News: How can Viktor Axelsen keep winning? This was particularly important as the Dane overcame his fatigue by showing his class in an easy 21-4, 21-7 victory over Japan’s Kento Momota in just 34 minutes to claim the men’s singles title for the first time in the Malaysian Open.
The Olympic champion had three tough matches, dragged down in the deciding match, but still found energy in his tank to beat Momota in the one-sided final.
It was the 27th match in the last four weeks, having also won the Indonesia Open and Indonesia Master titles. Few players are able to win three titles at once.
Viktor Axelsen also became the first Danish player in 15 years to win the Malaysian Open. The last was Peter Gade in 2007.
While others cannot cope with demanding back-to-back tournaments, Viktor Axelsen continues to show that if there is a will, there is a way.
“I was surprised with my level today (yesterday) to be honest. I expected a very difficult game but I’m happy with the way I played,” said Axelsen, 28.
“It’s great to win my first title here. It’s important for me. To be honest, I’m really tired because I’ve been playing a lot lately. Somehow I managed to find energy reserves to play well and win against Momota.”
Axelsen has only lost once this year in the German Open semi-final against India’s Lakshya Sen in March. He then made it to the second round of the Swiss Open, winning the English and European championships.
However, Viktor Axelsen knew when not to push. He is now uncertain about his participation in the Malaysia Masters from tomorrow.
“I can’t say for sure if I will play at the Malaysia Masters. I have to think about it and make a decision about it first,” Axelsen said.
In women’s singles, Thailand’s world number 8 Ratchanok Intanon scored a rare win over defending Chinese Olympic champion Chen Yufei by winning 21-15, 13-21 and 21-16 in 65 minutes.
The win was the Thai player’s third in 18 encounters with Yufei.
It also ended Ratchanok’s two-year title drought when he last won the 2020 Indonesian Masters.
“I knew I would win the title again even though I had to wait a long time for this moment. I didn’t think I was a bad player when I had my ups and downs and I kept believing in me. So, I’m grateful for this win,” Ratchanok said.
“I’m fit now. So I believe with the right mentality I can go on and fight for more titles,” added the 27-year-old.
Tags: viktor axelsen, kento momota
Published by Ligaolahraga.com at https://www.ligaolahraga.com/badminton/dicari-player-yang-can-hentikan-viktor-axelsen
