Only three days after celebrating his appearance in the Yonex Japan Open final, Viktor Axelsen had to cope with an unlikely – though not altogether catastrophic – setback in the South Korean capital on Wednesday.

Sixth-seeded Axelsen stunned the crowd when he was defeated by world number 35 Ajay Jayaram of India 21-15, 21-15 during the opening day of the Victor Korea Open in Seoul.

“Bad day at the office. I lost in straight games to Ajay without finding a decent level here in Korea. It is time to get back home and have a few days rest before training starts again. Next up for me is Denmark and French Open”, wrote the young Dane via Facebook.

Vittinghus and Zwiebler frustrated after Seoul-defeats

Axelsen’s compatriot Hans-Kristian Vittinghus lost his first round match against veteran player Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand 21-16 21-17 and left for Denmark", disappointed and frustrated".

“I really couldn't get my game going as I struggled to feel confident in the windy conditions on court, something Boonsak seemed to handle a lot better. I kept trying and trying, but just couldn't make it work out for me. So unfortunately this has been another Asia trip with a very poor outcome. For various reasons I'm struggling to find back to the kind of form that gave me lots of good results last year, which is obviously very frustrating.“

Also former European Champion Marc Zwiebler of Germany makes another early exit at Superseries level. The 31-year-old was (again) defeated by Indonesia’s talent Ihsan Maulana Mustofa in three games  21-19, 11-21, 12-21.

“I am very frustrated at the moment. I had some problems with my knee and right tigh. But I think it’s nothing serious”, said Zwiebler.



England's top players endured a disappointing day at Victor Korea Open in Seoul on Wednesday. Rajiv Ouseph, England's number one, lost his first round men's singles encounter while English national champions, Marcus Ellis and Chris Langridge, were beaten in the men's doubles.

Ouseph was handed an opening draw against local favourite Son Wan Ho. However the world number 10 proved too good on Wednesday as he prevailed 21-13, 21-8 in 34 minutes to set up a meeting with China's Olympic champion Lin Dan.

Ellis and Langridge battled with Kien Keat Koo and Boon Heong Tan, of Malaysia, but went down 16-21, 10-21.

Tournament favourite and world champion Chen Long of China cruised comfortably passed Thai player Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk 21-10, 21-10.

Muskens/Piek through to the last 16 stage

Dutch pair of Selena Piek and Eefje Muskens, the world number 9, enjoyed a successful start in Korea beating locals Hye Rin Kim/Hee Yong Kong in two games 21-17, 21-11 and cruising into the second round of the 650.000 US Dollars event.

Click here for all results of the Victor Korea Open 2015.

Article by Manuel Rösler. Photos (LIVE) by BadmintonPhoto.