Viktor Axelsen is one step closer to winning back the crown he won in 2017 which has since been in Japanese control.
The Dane has made it to the final of the DAIHATSU Japan Open after a strong semifinal performance. The usual calm and in control Axelsen had to overcome a few blips in the quarterfinal against Prannoy, however, he was back in the driver’s seat against the man with the crowd behind him, Kodai Naraoka.
Naraoka, the resilient runner on court, looked to slow the pace and extend the rallies. Axelsen remained steady, focused and picked his moments, eventually taking the opening game 21-11. In the second game, it was clear the Naraoka had run out of steam with the result inevitable. Another 21-11 game secured his fifth final of the year and a chance to win back the title he won in 2017, which has since been lifted by Japan’s Kento Momota (2018 & 2019) and Kenta Nishimoto (2022).
Fans in Tokyo will be treated to a final clash between Axelsen and Jonatan Christie, who gave a measured three-game winning performance against Lakshya Sen. The head-to-head between Axelsen and Christie is 7-2 to the Dane.
Anstoppable
An Se Young glides into her tenth final of the year after a two-game win over Tai Tzu Ying. An bounced back from a lightning quick start from Tai, leaving her 11-4 down, but once the Korean got going there was no stopping her, winning 21-17, 21-12.
He Bing Jiao will be An’s opponent this time around after coming from behind against Gregoria Tunjung, 13-21, 21-19, 21-9.
Hoki/ Kobayashi fly the flag
The Japanese men’s doubles pair put on a clinical show for the fans, dispatching Liu Yu Chen/ Ou Xian Yi, 21-10, 21-15, in just 36 minutes.
Awaiting them in the final are the pair that were crowned Olympic Champions in Tokyo two years ago, Lee Yang/ Wang Chi-Lin, who overcame top seeds, Fajar Alfian/ Muhammad Rian Ardianto, 21-19, 21-10.
We meet again
In the women’s doubles, we have a repeat of the Korean Open final last week with Chen Qing Chen/ Jia Yi Fan meeting Kim So Yeong/ Kong Hee Yong.
Watanabe/ Higashino smile in Tokyo
The Olympic bronze medallists, Yuta Watanabe/ Arisa Higashino, reach the final against all odds when defeating former champions Zheng Si Wei/ Huang Ya Qiong, 21-18, 21-17.
They will now face reigning Japan Open champions, Dechapol Puavaranukroh/ Sapsiree Taerattanachai of Thailand.
The final line up looks a treat for the fans. Make sure you are following Badminton Europe for the action.