Viktor Axelsen put last week’s early exit in Hong Kong behind him with a spirited fightback against Wang Zheng Xing at LI-NING China Masters 2025.

Axelsen was left with all to do after dropping the opener 21-16 but dragged himself back with a patient approach, showing glimpses of his best badminton to claw back from 16-9 down to take the second game 21-17. A steadier display in the decider saw the Dane secure a 21-11 win in his first meeting with Wang.

“My performance was much better than last week,” said the two-time Olympic gold medallist. “Wang is a talented player and it’s never easy playing Chinese athletes, especially here in China. I’m happy I won while still in recovery.”

Information from BWF