Take a Bow Viktor and Kodai
We now know the formula to test Viktor Axelsen. Speed. That has been apparent here in Bangkok this week with first Prannoy H. S. and tonight Kodai Naraoka proving that the Olympic and world champion is in fact human.
· LLOYD GREEN & DIANNE PIERRE
Fast shuttle conditions and a menacing draft at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2022 have meant speed players have been better suited allowing them to get on the front foot and attack.
Noticeably, Prannoy and Naraoka reduced the frequency of lifts against Axelsen these past two days, pushing at the front court, keeping it low, and causing the Dane to defend more than he would on a typically slower court.
It certainly has made the men’s singles division more interesting this week with many fans and pundits previously reconciled to the fact that Axelsen simply had to show up to win, such has been his dominance in 2022.