Axelsen defeats Nishimoto to win Malaysia Masters
KUALA LUMPUR: World number one Viktor Axelsen of Denmark defeated Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto 21-13, 21-23, 2118 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.
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 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,” said Axelsen, who ripped off his shirt and threw it into the crowd in celebration.
The Dane reiterated calls for 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,” he said.
Players must now take part in 12 tournaments a year, an additional two from the previous structure.
In the women’s singles, Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon edged Taiwanese top seed Tai Tzu Ying 21-16, 14-21, 24-22.