Viktor Axelsen powered past Japan’s Kazumasa Sakai 21-12, 21-19, dominating the 40-minute encounter in especially the first game, which the score also showed. Second game was a whole different story for the Dane who won the match after a great comeback in the second game.
The former World Champion and men’s top seed Viktor Axelsen ran into Kazumasa Sakai in the first round of DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR. Sakai had won the last three times he had faced the Danish superstar.
This meant that Viktor Axelsen was extremely keen on breaking the Japanese record against him in front of the home crowd in Odense Idrætshal. He did not disappoint and won the match 21-12, 21-19.
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DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR
The spectators went crazy when Viktor Axelsen entered the court in Odense Idrætshal and the Danish badminton player seemed very focused throughout the whole first game.
Axelsen took the lead from the beginning of the game with brilliant offensive play. He ended the first game by tapping the ball down on the Japanese side.
A game where Axelsen never was threatened by the opponent thanks to his fast footwork, which left Sakai yearning after response. Afterwards he could clench his fist and prepare himself for the next game.
Read a full review of the matches from Wednesday.
Either Axelsen’s win in the first set was too comfortable or maybe Sakai found an answer to Axelsen’s dominance. After all the second game was opposite the first much closer. Unexpectedly, Sakai was in front from the start of the game and went to the break with a 11-3 lead.
Axelsen was not as confident in his way of playing compared to the first game. Sakai played a lot closer to the lines and especially in the forecourt he had the upper hand. Despite the big gap at the break Viktor Axelsen fought his way back equalizing at 18-18 and at this point the match could swing either way.
Viktor Axelsen showed coolness in the close game and won 21-19. The result means that the Dane still have the opportunity to win his first DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR.