Axelsen storms into Malaysia Open final

Viktor Axelsen, the world number one, defended his Malaysia Open title. The Dane defeated Kanta Tsuneyama of Japan 21-7, 21-15 on Saturday. This result allowed him to progress to the 2023 season opener’s finale.

The match lasted 46 minutes and the Japanese world number 26, aged 29, was easily beaten by the 29-year-old. He worked tirelessly on the court, taking a lead of 11-0 in the first game.

Tsuneyama (26), pushed back in game two and was able, in the first few point, to match the 2022 Malaysia Open champion, but Axelsen managed to force his way through for victory.

“I felt very comfortable quickly. I arrived with a positive feeling that lasted the entire match. Axelsen stated that he was happy with how he played.

Axelsen stated that he was expecting a “tough match” against Japan’s Kodai Naoka in Sunday’s final. He defeated Kunlavut Vidsarn of Thailand.

Axelsen beat Naraoka in the semi-finals of the December World Tour Finals.

In a thrilling semi-final of 113 minutes, the Japanese player beat world number nine Vitidsarn. It was the longest match of the day and secured a 21-17 win, 19-21, 21-17 victory.

There were a few episodes in the encounter that saw Naraoka and the umpire arguing.

The 21-year-old has played four matches in a total time of 362 minutes and said that the “will to win” prevailed over exhaustion.

“It’s going to be another tough match in final. “I will eat well and rest well in preparation against Axelsen,” said the world number seven.

In the meantime, Akane Yamaguchi from Japan will face An Se-young of South Korea in the final of the women’s singles.

An defeated the Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei 21-12-19-21, 21-9 while Yamaguchi beat Taiwanese Tai Tzu Ying after a 41-minute match.

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