World number one men’s singles, Viktor Axelsen (Denmark), was eliminated in the last 32 of the Hong Kong Open 2023. Viktor Axelsen, who last week won the China Open 2023, lost to the 37th ranked BWF player from Taiwan, namely Lee Chia Hao.
Axelsen lost two straight games with a score of 16-21, 10-21 in the match at the Hong Kong Coliseum, Wednesday (13/9/2023). After the match, Lee Chia Hao admitted that he did not believe he could beat Viktor Axelsen. The 24 year old badminton player also revealed the factors behind his victory.
“It’s still fresh, I haven’t processed it yet that I beat the top seed and world number one,” said Lee Chia Hao. “My focus was on controlling the flow of the ball and every rally, it worked. I view every match as an opportunity to learn and I need to continue that,” he added.
Viktor Axelsen also responded to his defeat. He felt his body needed rest after playing in the 2023 China Open final. Even so, Axelsen also praised Lee Chia Hao’s game, who he thought played better.
“I played in the China Open final on Sunday and it was obviously difficult to come to a new place and prepare,” Axelsen said. “I used a lot of energy, but appreciated my opponent. He was much better and never wanted to win,” he said.
The former gold medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics then said he would focus on resting after appearing at the Hong Kong Open 2023. Axelsen also appreciated the support given by the fans for his work at the Hong Kong Open 2023. “For now, I think my body is asking for rest for a few days,” said Axelsen. “So, I think I will let my tall body rest for a few days before returning to playing,” he said. “Thank you for your support,” he continued.
Viktor Axelsen is not the only seed who was eliminated in the first round of the Hong Kong Open 2023. Loh Kean Yew (Singapore) and Chou Tien Chen (Taiwan), who are the sixth and seventh seeds, have also picked up their suitcases. Chou Tien Chen lost to young Malaysian player, NG Tze Yong, while Loh Kean Yew lost to Christo Popov.
