Axelson, Tai All England champs
Birmingham, March 15
Former world No. 1 Victor Axelson added the coveted All England Open title to his growing trophy collection after beating Chou Tien Chen in the men’s singles final.
The second-seeded Dane, who had lost to Kento Momota in last edition’s final, beat top seed Chou of Chinese Taipei 21-13 21-14 in 46 minutes. The 6 feet 4 inches tall Axelson, who had a quiet 2019 after suffering a back injury, has already won two titles this year.
Axelsen said, “This is almost equal to the world title. Right now, when I think about winning the All England, it’s hard to explain, I’ve watched this tournament since I started playing badminton and it’s been one of my biggest goals and biggest dreams, so I’m just really proud of myself.” The 26-year-old added the All England Open title to his World Championships gold in 2017.
Tai claims third title
The women’s singles final saw Taiwan’s world No. 1 Tai Tzu-ying prove too good for China’s Chen Yu Fei in a 21-19 21-15 triumph. This was her third title and fourth straight final at the tournament. “I am very familiar with Chen Yu Fei now because we have played each other many times and she is playing very well at the moment,” said Tai.
In the women’s doubles final, Japanese third seeds Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota beat China’s Du Yue and Li Yin Yui 21-13 21-15.
In the mixed doubles final, Indonesian pair Praveen Jordan and Melati Daeva Oktavianti got the better of Thailand duo Dechapol Puavaranukroh in a 21-15 17-21 21-8 win. — Agencies
