Danish shuttler Viktor Axelsen claimed his first title in 2018 at the Malaysia Masters on Sunday, beating unseeded Kenta Nishimoto from Japan.
Axelsen (24) defeats Nishimoto 21-13, 21-23, 21-18 to clinch his 5th career’s BWF Superseries/World Tour title.
"The situation today was very tricky, especially with the draught. I've faced some upsets in the past under conditions like this," said Axelsen, who pocketed $ 26,250 for his win.
"In fact playing Kenta today was not easy. He defeated Lee Chong Wei on his home soil in the first round, so it was never going to be easy.
"I am just happy to have stayed in the match and won the Malaysia Masters. I played well this week, but I want to play better in the Yonex All England.“
Christinna Pedersen and Kamilla Rytter Juhl celebrate their second triumph in Malaysia as the Danes beat China’s top seeds Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan 22-20, 21-18.
It was the Danish duo’s second win over the world number one pair.
„It has been an amazing week here in Kuala Lumpur and this place will always be special for us. Thank you so much for the support in the stadium today, you all made us feel like home. It was a great start for Denmark at the world tour“ - Christinna Pedersen and Kamilla Rytter Juhl posted on their official Facebook page.
In the women's singles, former world champion (2013) Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand staged a superb comeback in the third game to upset top seed and World No 1 Tai Tzu Ying of Taiwan 21-16, 14-21, 24-22, for her first title this season.
The finals results:
MS: Viktor Axelsen (DEN) - Kenta Nishimoto (JPN) 21-13, 21-23, 21-18
WS: Ratchanok Intanon (THA) - Tai Tzu Ying (TPE) 21-16, 14-21, 24-22
MD: Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Ardianto (INA) - Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong (MAS) 14-21, 24-22, 21-13
WD: Kamilla Rytter Juhl/Christinna Pedersen (DEN) - Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan (CHN) 22-20, 21-18
XD: Tang Chun Man/Tse Ying Suet (HKG) - Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong (CHN) 19-21, 22-20, 21-18