Denmark Open: ‘I Hope He’s Okay’

Local darling Viktor Axelsen will have to wait another year to lift his home title for the second time after retiring unwell from his Round of 16 match at VICTOR Denmark Open 2024.

The two-time Olympic champion was playing Alex Lanier when he began throwing up into a towel after the first game. The Dane was a game down and tried his best to continue but signalled to the umpire at 11-7 he was no longer able to carry on.

His 19-year-old opponent was gutted for the 30-year-old, whose sole Denmark Open title came in 2021.

“I feel bad for him. I looked at his face and it was pale. I wanted him playing his best badminton so I could put up a good fight against him. I was ready for that. The crowd was too but it’s not the way I wanted to win,” said the Frenchman.

“He told me he was sick after the match. I will send him a message because I’d like to know he’s okay.”

Axelsen looking visibly unwell after the first game.

Earlier, Koki Watanabe delivered a surprise by defeating Olympic silver medallist Kunlavut Vitidsarn in straight games, 21-12 21-19. Despite his first win in five years over the Thai, the world No.13 stayed modest.

“Kunlavut isn’t in his best shape after Paris 2024 so it’s not a huge achievement, but a step in the right direction,” Watanabe said, before jokingly adding: “If you asked me to rank my confidence before the match, I’d say six.”

“I had to play fast and aggressive, taking every chance. At 17-16 in the second game, I had to stay focused and keep control. The goal isn’t to be the champion but to take each match as it comes. I’m excited for the quarterfinals.”

Vitidsarn praised his opponent, saying: “Koki controlled the pace of the match. I felt a lot of pressure. He has improved his attacking game since he last beat me in 2019 and he has great mental strength. I’m dealing with a foot injury, but it’s okay.”

Watanabe ecstatic after his win.

Results (Day 3)

Order of play (Quarterfinals)


WHAT OTHERS SAID

“Huang Dong Ping has always been my hero growing up. She’s amazing at the net, I was very excited to play her. I know they say don’t meet your heroes but I’m so happy to be standing next to her.” – Amalie Cecilie Kudsk

“I’m really flattered by Amalie’s comments. It’s always nice to be told I’m someone’s idol, especially by a player. She was fun to play against and these kinds of comments make me more excited to play.” – Huang reacting to Kudsk’s compliments

“After being in the senior circuit for a while now, the thing I’ve learnt most is to keep up the physical side during matches. It’s also important to keep mentally alert. I’m looking forward to graduating from high school next year. My favourite subject is art.” – Tomoka Miyazaki

“Life since becoming a dad is great. I always joke with my wife about me not having enough sleep. I know I shouldn’t anymore as she’s looking after our baby. I’ll stop making that joke.” – First-time father Loh Kean Yew in mood for a laugh after ending his five-month wait for a quarterfinal appearance on HSBC BWF World Tour

“My focus was on the job we had to do because we knew we had to play our best to have a chance against (Nami) Matsuyama and (Chiharu) Shida. We needed to bring our ‘A game’. I actually forgot it was our final tournament together until the last shuttle fell.”Maiken Fruergaard on her last competitive match with partner of 12 years Sara Thygesen

“If the commentator calls it the ‘Ben Lane Reverse Turtle’ then that’s what I will call it too. My back is fine. It was just the impact of the ground, but I caught it and at 19-20 I was thinking I must do everything to get this. So I threw myself backwards and I got it.”Ben Lane on his new innovative badminton move


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