Kumamoto: Viktor Axelsen halted the surprising run of Japanese qualifier Obayashi Takuma, securing victory in their initial encounter with straight-game scores of 21-7, 21-13.
This marks Axelsen’s seventh entry into the men’s singles final this year. On Sunday, he aims to pursue his sixth title of the year.
Highlights of Viktor Axelsen vs. Obayashi Takuma in the 2023 Japan Masters semi-finals:
Axelsen is set to face off against Shi Yuqi, who secured victory in the men’s singles semifinals by defeating Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien Chen with scores of 21-15, 21-16.
In men’s doubles, Malaysia’s Ong Yew Sin/Teo Ee Yi fell short of the opportunity to compete in the final in Kumamoto.
Ong/Teo claimed the first game against China’s Liu Yuchen/Ou Xuanyi with a score of 21-16 and held a 19-14 lead in the second game. Unfortunately, Liu/Ou managed to reverse the situation by winning the second game 22-20 and proceeded to secure victory in the third game with a score of 21-17.
This match holds significant importance for Ong/Teo as it is a crucial bout for their qualification for the BWF World Tour Finals. Following their loss in Kumamoto, Ong/Teo will be overtaken by Liu/Ou, who closely trail them with a marginal difference of 70 points in the BWF World Tour Finals rankings.
In the men’s doubles final, Liu Yuchen/Ou Xuanyi will compete against teammates He Jiting/Ren Xiangyu on Sunday.
