The China Open proved to be a great tournament for our European stars, as Axelsen secured the only Super 1000 title he had not won yet while Gicquel and Delrue got an important Super 1000 podium finish.
After the heartbreak on home soil for world number one Viktor Axelsen at the World Championships, the Dane has solidified his legendary status with his title win at the VICTOR China Open 2023. “I was really disappointed in Copenhagen but to come back with a performance like this here in the China Open feels absolutely amazing.”
It’s a very important win for the Dane indeed, as this title was the one he was missing. Axelsen has now been champion of all Super 1000 tournaments. “This makes me even happier but to be honest, this is just a result. The one thing I’m most proud of is the way I have bounced back after the World Championships. I have proved to myself that if I try to do my best every single day, I can get better.”
It was a great week for Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue as well. The French pair got a Super 1000 podium finish at the VICTOR China Open 2023. Delrue expressed having some mixed feelings after their loss to recently-crowned world champions Seo Seung Jae and Chae Yu Jung, Korea, in the final. “We wanted to win so we’re disappointed but overall, it was a very good week so we’re happy to reach the final.”
“In a few hours, we will be proud of what we did this week. We’ve found back our level and we enjoyed being here. It’s a really good week for us,” added Gicquel. This could be the push that the French pair needed as the Road to Paris heats up. “But next time, we want more,” concluded Delrue.