China Open: Hosts in Three-Title Shot
Unheralded Lu Guang Zu will feature in the biggest final of his career when he takes the court at the VICTOR China Open 2023 against Viktor Axelsen.
· DEV SUKUMAR
The world No.15, who fell in the first round of seven events this year and whose best result on the World Tour has been the Super 300 win in Australia five years ago, outdid expectations in making the final beating compatriot Shi Yu Qi rather comfortably, 21-13 21-14.
He will be up against the formidable Axelsen, who’s looking for his first China Open title. The Dane dismissed Jonatan Christie 21-17 21-14 and added that he was looking for redemption after the disappointment of falling in the quarterfinals of his home World Championships.
“I prepared really well for the World Championships, and the result wasn’t as I’d hoped. Of course I always try to do my best, no matter if it’s World Tour Super 300, 500, 750 or 1000. Obviously it means even more this time as it’s a Super 1000 in China for the first time after the pandemic. So I’m really happy to be in the final.