It is the end of the year, which means it is time for the prestigious Super Series final in Dubai. The Super Series final kicked off with a Dinner Gala and the draw conducted this morning. As the current World Champion, Viktor Axelsen has qualified directly for this final challenge of the year.
Viktor Axelsen might be occupying the current number one position on the BWF world ranking, on the Super Series ranking he is ‘only’ eight. Since the best eight of the Super Series ranking are invited, Viktor’s World title has granted him some guarantee to defend his Series title of last year.
However, Axelsen is not seeded and will now immediately play against India’s Srikanth Kidambi on Wednesday. Srikanth is currently number four on the BWF world ranking, but was number two three weeks earlier after winning Denmark and French Open.
Viktor’s other opponents in group B are world number 7 Chou Tien Chen (Chinese Taipei) and world number 8 Shi Yuqi (China). ‘There are no easy matches in this event. It’s different from other tournaments; you might lose early but you still have a chance to progress’ Viktor stated during the press conference and draw at Dubai Sports Council.
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Other exciting group men’s singles, Carolina Marin out
Also the other group promises exciting matches. Group A consists of three former number one playes. First seeded is Son Wan Ho (South Korea) who was number one, just before Axelsen took his place.
Also Olympic Champion Chen Long (China) and ultimate player Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia) are in the group. Group A finishes with Ka Long Angus Ng (Hong Kong China). If Axelsen proceeds to semi-finals, he will face on of these players.
Unfortunately, Olympic Champion Carolina Marin (Spain) will not participate in women’s singles. On her facebook page she wrote: ‘The injury at the hip will not let me participate at Dubai World SS Finals. Let's keep working to be back stronger!’
To follow the Super Series final in Dubai, see here