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No Axelsen, but who will shine in China? (Photo: Badminton Photo)
Axelsen still absent. But many are raring to go to China
Date: 11/6/2018 10:03 AM
Published by : Alan Raftery
The hotly anticipated HSBC BWF World Tour Super 750 event, the Fuzhou China Open, was earmarked as the return of Viktor Axelsen from injury. But sadly, it wasn’t to be. Axelsen informed fans on Instagram this Friday in both English and Chinese, stating

- Even though the situation is frustrating I’m positive that this period will be good for me and my ankle. I will not be able to compete for the next weeks to come, but I’ll keep my head high and will make sure to get the best out of this period :-) I had been looking forward to play in China and HK, but at this time it’s not possible unfortunately. See you soon and thanks for all your support! 


Who will step up in China?
In the absence of Axelsen in the Men’s Singles, eyes will be on the likes of his compatriot Anders Antonsen to step up. The fantastic semi-final performance on his home court in the Denmark Open may just be the catalyst he needed to push for the top once again. His first-round opponent however will be no pushover. The mightily experienced South Korean, Lee Hyun Il was victorious in the Macau Open just on Sunday and has defeated Antonsen in their three previous encounters. Although, the last match, also in China, couldn’t have been closer. 

Another player coming to China with an air of confidence is Brice Leverdez of France. In the first round, he will play a home player whom he has beaten earlier in the year. Leverdez says

- Ready for China open in Fuzhou with a first round against Huang Yuxiang from China!

A repeat of Changzhou in Fuzhou?
Carolina Marin, who is the 5th seed, seems to quite like playing in China. Earlier in the year, at the Victor China Open, Marin romped to victory in impressive style. Defeating Chen Yufei of China in the final, 21-18, 21-13. After failing to win since then, Marin will hope to pick up where she left off in China. However, Marin’s first round match versus 18-year-old Cai Yanyan is far from straight forward. Cai is fresh from a title win in the SaarLorLux Open and will have the home support cheering on their new star.

For the full seedings and draws, click here.

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