It was time for the thirteenth clash between Viktor Axelsen (Denmark) and Kento Momota (Japan). The prediction did not look good for Axelsen as he only managed to win one of those meetings. However at the last All England final, Axelsen was so close to the win. Could the tides be turned a second time for Axelsen?
Unfortunately, this was not the case. In the first game of the semi-final, Momota was the dominant party most of the time. Axelsen did make a series of points, which caused him a small lead, but Momota fixed that gap immediately.
In the second game Axelsen stepped up his level by variation in speed, which eventually gave him a 16-6 lead. Then at this point, Axelsen gradually lost his focus which allowed Momota to get better in his game. A sad ending for Axelsen as the second game also ended in his disadvantage: 21-15 21-18.
- Should definitely have been able to get more out of a big lead in the second game. But Momota stepped up and I made waaaay to many mistakes, Axelsen posted on social media after his match.
Read: A drama in 80 minutes
Needed rest
- Tough 3 weeks for me. I definitely need some days off now, and I will enjoy my chance to recharge before getting back to work., Axelsen continued.
- Thanks so much for all your support the last three weeks. I appreciate it always
With Axelsen out of the tournament, it means no Europeans in the finals of the Singapore Open. In the mean time we can enjoy the men’s singles final between Kento Momota against Anthony Ginting (Indonesia).
Find all the matches and results of the Singapore Open here
Find the live stream of the matches on the Badmintonworldtv channel.