KUALA LUMPUR – Two-time defending Malaysia Open champion Viktor Axelsen was not concerned with his draw and was fully focused on his first-round opponent today, Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew.
Axelsen has said Kean Yew, the 2021 world champion, is not an easy opponent.
But the 30-year-old Dane remained undeterred and made light work of Kean Yew, winning in straight sets, 21-13, 21-15 in 43 minutes.
“I feel really happy with my first-round performance, Kean Yew is not an easy opponent especially not in the first round, so I was focused on bringing the right game plan today and I think I managed to do so really well.
“I was focused on facing Kean Yew and for me to play like this and to get through rather comfortably is a good thing for me,” said the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medallist.
Axelsen will play Wong Choong Hann’s prodigy Lee Cheuk-yiu of Hong Kong in the second round on Thursday.
The Dane admitted that he only became aware of his second-round opponent after the completion of his match with Kean Yew.
“I haven’t seen my route to the final at all, I was just focused on the first round today.
“I just now realised who I will play in the second round, so I will just try to do my best.
“I love playing here in Malaysia, especially Kuala Lumpur – it is one of my favourite places to play.
“So I’ll see if I can win here this week, I’ve been fortunate not only to win the Malaysia Open but also the Masters in this legendary stadium here,” added the world number one.
In other men’s singles results, K. Srikanth from India upset sixth-seed Jonatan Christie from Indonesia, 12-21, 21-18, 21-16.
Another of Choong Hann’s prodigies, Angus Ng Ka Long, defeated Kanta Tsuneyama from Japan 21-15, 21-19. – January 9, 2024