Today at the Li-Ning China Masters 2024, it was Viktor Axelsen, Anders Antonsen, and the pair Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen who led the charge, advancing to the quarterfinals.
Viktor Axelsen
Axelsen impressed with a decisive 21-16, 21-11 win over China’s Weng Hong Yang, a recent Super 1000 champion. “His control and tactical adaptability were outstanding,” noted expert Tine Baun to TV2 Sport. Axelsen now faces Hong Kong's NG Ka Long Angus, with the possibility of meeting Anders Antonsen in the semifinals for the first time this year.
Anders Antonsen
Antonsen secured a steady 21-15, 21-18 victory against Japan’s Takuma Obayashi and will next face India’s Lakshya Sen.
Kim/Anders
Astrup/Rasmussen overcame France’s Popov brothers 21-16, 21-13, setting up a quarterfinal clash with India’s Rankireddy/Shetty, the legendary top-seeded pair.
Though other European players faced strong opponents today, it was Denmark that carried the continent’s hopes into the later stages of the tournament, keeping European ambitions alive.