An off-colour Viktor Axelsen joined fellow men’s singles contenders Chou Tien Chen and Loh Kean Yew on the VICTOR Hong Kong Open 2023 sidelines today, following a brilliant takedown authored in straight games by the front-footed Lee Chia Hao.

The 24-year-old Lee, aggressive from the get-go, rained down powerful smashes throughout and took just 33 minutes to wrap up his first ever meeting with the Olympic gold medallist 21-16 21-10.

“It’s still fresh, I’m yet to process I’ve beaten the top seed and the world No.1,” said the soft-spoken Chinese Taipei shuttler post-match. “My focus was to control the drift and each rally and it worked out for me.

“I take each match as an opportunity to learn and I need to continue that.”

Axelsen, who looked far from his best, praised Lee for his performance.

“I played the China Open final on Sunday and it’s obviously tough to come to a new place and prepare,” said the Dane.

“I used a lot of energy but all credit to my opponent. He was way better and deserved to win.”

Lee’s second round opponent is Malaysian Lee Zii Jia, 21-17 21-16 winner against Zhao Jun Peng. Their head-to-head stands at 2-2.

→ Results (Day 2)

→ Order of play (Day 3)

WHAT OTHERS SAID:

“I’m not 100 per cent yet but it’s the Olympic qualification window so I must go on court and keep trying while I get my full fitness back. My body is feeling better with each match.” – Busanan Ongbamrungphan on her journey back from a thigh injury

“It’s easier to accept you are going to make mistakes in a windy hall like this. Everyone makes mistakes. It’s good to sometimes just laugh it off and focus on the next point.” – Isabel Lohau on adapting to the playing conditions at Hong Kong Coliseum