Latest news with #ViktorAxelsen
Malay Mail
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
New world no. 1 Kunlavut seals Singapore crown in style
Singapore, June 2 — Kunlavut Vitidsarn celebrated becoming the first man from Thailand to top the badminton world rankings by winning the Singapore Open in style on Sunday. The 24-year-old demolished China's unseeded Lu Guangzu 21-6, 21-10 in just 37 minutes with his range of powerful smashes and deceptive drop shots. Paris Olympics silver medallist Kunlavut will replace another Chinese player, Shi Yuqi, as world number one in a landmark for Thai badminton. It was his fourth title this season. 'There will be pressure to be the best player in the world, but it's going to be a good pressure as that will give me the added motivation of doing my best to win all the tournaments I take part in,' said Kunlavut, who lost the Paris final to Viktor Axelsen. Denmark's two-time Olympic champion Axelsen, the former number one, is currently working his way back to fitness following surgery for a back problem. In an all-Chinese women's final at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, the fifth seed Chen Yufei outplayed second-seeded Wang Zhiyi 21-11, 21-11. Chen was runner-up to world number one An Se-young last year. Chen ended the South Korean's unbeaten run in 2025 by defeating her in the quarter-finals this year. 'I'm really very happy with this win because the draw was not exactly in my favour and every match felt like a battle,' said Chen. 'To make it all the way to the final was honestly something unexpected. 'I felt like I was not under too much pressure this time, so I played more freely and showed what I'm capable of.' — AFP
Malay Mail
23-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Viktor Axelsen inspires Malaysian kids at KLGCC in badminton masterclass
KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — Ancom Nylex Berhad and HELM Asia brought global badminton icon Viktor Axelsen here yesterday for an event blending sports inspiration with corporate partnership. Held at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, the event opened with Axelsen mentoring children in badminton, delivering playful yet instructive sessions. The highlight for many was the champion's personal engagement with each child, making them feel like stars in their own right. Children of BAM coach Yogendran Krishnan, Mischa Anne and Roen Dhavin, also joined the session and held their own against Axelsen. 'It's about giving them exposure,' Yogendran said, noting how rare and valuable the experience was for aspiring players. Axelsen, a father himself, tailored his coaching to be fun and uplifting, drawing out smiles and grit in equal measure. 'It's about falling in love with the game,' Axelsen told guests later, reinforcing the emotional core of the event. After the court session, corporate figures joined the athletes in a banquet setting that spotlighted Ancom and HELM's ongoing collaboration. Ancom's Executive Vice Chairman Datuk Siew Ka Wei said, 'These partnerships aren't just for one evening — they're about building enduring relationships.' HELM Asia's Kew Hui Chin also highlighted the alignment of values: 'Viktor's journey... mirrors the principles HELM holds dear.' Speaking from the stage, Axelsen noted, 'It's one of the best things about being a professional athlete — inspiring the young generation.' Reflecting on character development, he said, 'If you teach kids to treat people with respect... we're helping them find their passion.' On the future of badminton, Axelsen added, 'I would much rather see bigger tournaments lasting over more days, like the Grand Slams.' A two-time Olympic Champion (2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris), two-time World Champion (2017 and 2022), and four-time European Champion, Axelsen is one of the most successful male players in badminton history.
The Star
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Axelsen takes trouble to meet fans in KL despite skipping tourney
One for the fans: Denmark's Viktor Axelsen during a meet and greet session. PETALING JAYA: He may not be competing in this year's Malaysian Masters, but two-time Olympic gold medallist Viktor Axelsen still made a stop in Kuala Lumpur to meet his fans at a private event at Axiata Arena yesterday. The Danish star's presence was strongly felt, with more than 200 fans seizing the rare opportunity to meet the world No. 1. Many queued patiently under the scorching heat for a chance to interact with their idol. Among the eager fans was Mohd Alif Afifi from Bangsar, who was thrilled to finally meet Axelsen, especially after the shuttler hinted earlier this month that he might visit Malaysia. 'I'm a huge fan of Axelsen. He's the world No. 1, and when he hinted that he might come despite just having surgery, I knew I had to be here,' said Alif. 'He is also very down-to-earth and friendly with fans.' Another fan, Hong Zhen, was equally excited to meet the Danish ace in person. 'I'm so happy. I admire Axelsen not just for his good looks but also for his exciting playing style. He's strong in both attack and defence.' Axelsen, the defending champion, is skipping this year's Malaysian Masters as he continues to recover from back surgery in April. This isn't the first time the towering Dane has made time for his supporters in Malaysia. He also met fans during the Malaysian Open in January.
Reuters
12-03-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Denmark's Axelsen suffers shock defeat in All England first round
BIRMINGHAM, England, March 12 (Reuters) - Dane Viktor Axelsen's quest for a third All England title ended on Wednesday as he lost 21-19 13-21 21-11 to Taiwan's Lin Chun-Yi in a big first-round upset on Wednesday. The 31-year-old Axelsen, one of the favourites to win the tournament, told Danish TV2 he would take a break from the sport. "I didn't have the best feeling out there. I think it'll be a while before I'm back on court," he said. "I don't want to go into details. I think a longer break is ahead for me." India's two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu also made a surprise early exit, bowing out i19-21 21-13 21-13 in the women's singles first round to Kim Ga-Eun of South Korea. Olympic champion An Se-Young of South Korea eased past China's Gao Fang Jie 21-16 21-14.
