Tokyo: Badminton fans in Tokyo witnessed another extraordinary display of badminton prowess as Viktor Axelsen, the world’s top-ranked player from Denmark, secured his third BWF World Tour Title of 2023 on Sunday. In a thrilling men’s singles final, Axelsen triumphed over Indonesia’s World No. 9 Jonatan Christie with a commanding score of 21-7, 21-18.
Highlights of Viktor Axelsen vs. Jonatan Christie in the 2023 Japan Open final:
The first game showcased Axelsen’s sheer dominance as he quickly established a massive 13-0 lead, leaving Jonatan struggling to keep up. Despite facing a momentary setback of being 8-13 behind in the second game, Axelsen showcased his unyielding determination, orchestrating a remarkable comeback and ultimately clinching both the game and the championship.
The year has been nothing short of remarkable for Axelsen, who has impressively reached the final in five different tournaments: the Malaysia Open, India Open, Indonesia Open, Japan Open, and European Games. Out of these, he emerged victorious in four, with the India Open being the only exception, where he faced defeat against Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the final.
In the men’s doubles final, Lee Yang and Wang Chi-Lin of Chinese Taipei, who are currently ranked World No. 18, delivered an outstanding performance. They defeated Japan’s 2021 World Champions Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi with a score of 21-19, 21-13, securing their first championship since their triumphant gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics. This historic victory marked the first time a Chinese Taipei pair has won the men’s doubles title in the history of the Japan Open.
Furthermore, Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino etched their names in history as the first Japanese mixed doubles team to clinch the Japan Open title. They achieved a stunning victory against Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai, prevailing in a thrilling final with a score of 17-21, 21-16, 21-15.
In the women’s doubles final, South Korea’s Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee Yong enacted sweet revenge against China’s Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan with a score of 21-17, 21-14, securing their second Japan Open title (having won their first in 2019).
An Se Young from Korea, who had an impressive record of reaching 11 finals out of 12 tournaments this year, continued her exceptional form in the Japan Open final. She outlasted China’s World No. 5 He Bingjiao with a commanding score of 21-15, 21-11, securing her seventh title of the year.
