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