A Champion’s Grit
The European leg of the HSBC BWF World Tour begins this week, with the YONEX German Open, followed by the Orleans Masters and the YONEX All England.
· DEV SUKUMAR
Among the high-profile stars who have entered both the German Open and the All England is Viktor Axelsen, who – somewhat surprisingly for someone of his accomplishments – is looking for his first German Open title, which would be ideal preparation for the All England.
It has been some unusual last few months for Axelsen, mostly due to an injury that he picked up late last year, which saw him skip the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals. The year didn’t begin well, as he fell in the first round of the PETRONAS Malaysia Open, but the following week in India, he showed that, even while not at his best, he is able to grit his way to victory. Battling poor form, and below-par physical and mental condition due to recent injury, Axelsen emerged with his first title since last September.
Even as he arrived in India, Axelsen was clear that he was far from his best, and simply looking to win the next match. His struggles were evident from the start, as he was taken to three games by Chi Yu Jen; Loh Kean Yew provided the big test in the quarterfinals, but Axelsen surprised himself with a strong third game.