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BADMINTON

Axelsen sees off Nishimoto to clinch Malaysian Masters

World number one Viktor Axelsen defeated Japan's Kenta Nishimoto 21-13, 21-23, 21-18 in a gruelling match to win the Malaysia Masters final on Sunday.

Axelsen sees off Nishimoto to clinch Malaysian Masters
MANAN VATSYAYANA
Update:

World number one Viktor Axelsen defeated Japan's Kenta Nishimoto 21-13, 21-23, 21-18 in a gruelling match to win the Malaysia Masters final on Sunday. Top-seeded Axelsen was pushed to the limits in the see-saw battle in the capital Kuala Lumpur, eventually seizing his maiden 2018 title after 72 minutes of play.

Axelsen sees off Nishimoto to clinch Malaysian Masters
Kenta NishimotoAHMAD YUSNI

Nishimoto pushes Axelsen all the way

The 24-year-old Dane faced a gutsy Nishimoto, who had scalped higher ranked opponents in his gallant run, including world number two Lee Chong Wei in the first round. Axelsen took the lead with a comfortable 21-13 first game win with his killer overhead cross court smashes, but Nishimoto rallied back to level the tie 23-21. The Japanese player kept a stellar defence against the attack minded Axelsen in the decider, but the lanky Dane's deadly net play proved the difference for 21-18 victory.

Axelsen, who won the world title in 2017, is hoping that he will be able to repeat that form this year. "The conditions here were really tricky, in the past I have had a few upsets in windy conditions. It's a big win for me", he said afterwards, before reiterating his plea for the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to review a controversial new tournament ruling that will require players to compete in more matches. "I would like to play 10 years more, so if BWF wants to give us a fine for taking care of our bodies, then that's their decision. But I don't see it as the right way to do it". Players must now take part in 12 tournaments a year, an additional two from the previous structure.

Axelsen sees off Nishimoto to clinch Malaysian Masters
Viktor Axelsen, shows off his gold medal after winning the Perodua Malaysia Masters.AHMAD YUSNI

Intanon prevails in the Women's final

Elsewhere, in the women's singles, Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon edged Taiwanese top seed Tai Tzu Ying 21-16, 14-21, 24-22.

Results (x denotes seeding):

Finals

Men's Singles

Viktor Axelsen (DEN x1) beat Kenta Nishimoto (JPN) 21-13, 21-23, 21-18

Women's Singles

Ratchanok Intanon (THA x5) beat Tai Tzu Ying (TPE x1) 21-16, 14-21, 24-22

Men's Doubles

Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto (INA) beat Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong (MAS) 14-21,24-22, 21-13

Women's Doubles

Kamilla Rytter Juhl/Christinna Pedersen (DEN x3) beat Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan (CHNx1) 22-20, 21-18

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Mixed Doubles

Tang Chun Man/Tse Ying Suet (HKGx2) beat Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong (CHNx5) 19-21, 22-20, 21-18

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