Lin Dan (CHN) 2 (21-19, 16-21, 21-19) 1 Viktor Axelsen (DEN)
Olympic champion 2 times Lin Dan (BWF world ranking No. 5) from China
and Viktor Axelsen, the champion of Swiss Open 2014 (BWF world ranking
No. 7) from Denmark met face to face in a thrilling match which
attracted a lot of audience's attention at Tokyo Gymnasium today. Head
to head was 1-1.
In the first game, at the start Lin made 2 points, but Viktor made a
significance progress including 5 consecutive points and was leading
with 10-11 at the interval. The 21 years old Viktor with his effective
net skill and cross smashes once made Lin in trouble and left behind
with 11-14 before he caught up the score and levelled at tied 15-15. Two
consecutive points were made by Viktor, and both of the players then
alternately led the game. The last point of the first game was earned by
Lin with a great effort as the tenacious Viktor showed an amazing
defense before Lin finished it with 21-19.
In the second game, Viktor was also leading its first half and made
Lin left behind with 3-11 after earned 6 and 4 consecutive points. Lin
tried to catch up, but when it was 10-13, dissatisfied by serve judge's
decision, Lin made a joke by tumbling down to the floor. This made him
received a yellow card, as the umpire accused him with misconduct that
delayed the game. But Lin kept struggling to reverse the situation and
he made 13-13, 15-15, and then his patience and persistence paid off, as
he finished the second game with 21-19.
Regarding his defeat, Viktor explained that he has done his best, but
his opponent played in a very clever way with only few unforced errors.
During interview at press conference Lin said that at the second
game, from score 15-15 up to the end was his best play in this
tournament today. Lin also expressed his joy to be here at press
conference after 9 years without any significant result at Yonex Open
Japan, and believes that his achievement today can make Yonex happy
since he made a contract with this company, besides he will be able to
get the qualification point needed to represent China for Olympic 2016.
Olympic is not his last goal, as he will come to join Yonex Open Japan
next year.
Information from YONEX OPEN JAPAN 2015
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