The Kumamoto Masters Japan 2024, a Super 500 tournament, saw a Round of 16 with remarkable European wins.
In an exciting rematch, Axelsen faced Lei Lan Xi, who had previously ousted him in the first round of the Super 1000 China Masters just two months ago. Despite losing the first game 14-21, the Dane rallied to win the match with a strong result, securing the next two games 21-14 and a convincing 21-9 in the decider. Axelsen seemed to struggle with a calf issue, but still got to secure a strong win and advance to the quarterfinals.
This set the stage for a thrilling clash in tomorrow’s quarterfinals, as Axelsen is set to face France's Christo Popov. Fresh off his own impressive victory over sixth-seeded Chou Tien Chen, the French player came back to win the second game after losing the first one, and got an amazing turnaround in the decider from 12-18 down to seize the game and the match, 21-18.
Adding to France's successful day, Thom Gicquel/ Delphine Delrue secured a big win against the fourth-seeded duo Cheng Xing/ Zhang Chi, 21-13 21-17, in straight games — a first for the French pair against the Chinese duo. They now look forward to their quarterfinal match against Thailand’s Ruttanapak Oupthong/ Jhenicha Sudjaipraparat.
Meanwhile, Robin Tabeling/ Alexandra Bøje displayed a great effort in their match against Dechapol Puavaranukroh/ Supissara Paewsampran, narrowly missing the win, 12-21, 21-17, 19-21, in a close contest.
Check out tomorrow's order of play
here.