Meanwhile, Viktor Axelsen continues his good run, booking his quarterfinal spot by defeating Singapore’s Jia Heng Jason The, ranked 35 in the world, in straight games, 21-11, 21-14. His next challenge comes from a familiar opponent and friend, Loh Kean Yew, also from Singapore.
Sadly, the day ended for other European hopefuls just before the quarterfinals. In what started as an intense match, Christo Popov faced off against Chinese Taipei’s Chun-Yi Lin. Despite a fierce battle in the first game, losing narrowly 23-25, Popov couldn’t sustain the momentum, falling 11-21 in the second.
The road also ended for Ben Lane/Sean Vendy, and Toma Junior Popov, who after winning the first game, eventually lost closely against Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu, 21-14, 18-21, 20-22. Mia Blichfeldt fought as much as she could, forcing a third set after dropping the first, but ultimately fell 13-21, 21-16, 8-21.
Scots Alexander Dunn/Julie Macpherson were unable to overcome the challenge posed by seventh seeds Guo Xin Wa/Chen Fang Hui.
With Thom Gicquel/Delphine Delrue and Viktor Axelsen as the last Europeans standing, the quarterfinals still promise more thrilling action from our remaining stars.