Sports

Axelsen clinches Malaysia Masters

January 21, 2018
Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen poses on the podium after defeating Kenta Nishimoto of Japan in the final of the 2018 Malaysia Masters Badminton Tournament in Kuala Lumpur Sunday. — AFP
Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen poses on the podium after defeating Kenta Nishimoto of Japan in the final of the 2018 Malaysia Masters Badminton Tournament in Kuala Lumpur Sunday. — AFP

KUALA LUMPUR — World No. 1 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark defeated Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto 21-13, 21-23, 21-18 in a grueling match to win the Malaysia Masters final Sunday.

Top-seeded Axelsen was pushed to the limits in the see-saw battle in the capital Kuala Lumpur, eventually seizing his maiden 2018 title after 72 minutes of play.

The 24-year-old Dane faced a gutsy Nishimoto, who had scalped higher ranked opponents in his gallant run, including world No. 2 Lee Chong Wei in the first round.

The Dane reiterated calls for Badminton World Federation (BWF) to review a controversial new tournament ruling that will require players to compete in more matches.

Players must now take part in 12 tournaments a year, an additional two from the previous structure.

In the women’s singles, Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon edged Taiwanese top seed Tai Tzu Ying 21-16, 14-21, 24-22.

Other results (x denotes seeding):

Men’s doubles: Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto (INA) bt Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong (MAS) 14-21,24-22, 21-13.

Women’s doubles: Kamilla Rytter Juhl/Christinna Pedersen (DEN x3) bt Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan (CHNx1) 22-20, 21-18.

Mixed doubles: Tang Chun Man/Tse Ying Suet (HKGx2) bt Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong (CHNx5) 19-21, 22-20, 21-18. — AFP


January 21, 2018
41 views
HIGHLIGHTS
Sports
6 days ago

Neom FC clinches First Division spot with a thrilling victory over Al Zulfi

Sports
6 days ago

Hiba Al Owaidi becomes first female main referee in Saudi Women's League

Sports
7 days ago

Salem Al Dawsari's goal secures Saudi victory over Tajikistan in World Cup qualifiers