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.”

Awaiting Axelsen in the Round of 16 is Alex Lanier, who has been training with the former world No.1 in the lead-up to Shenzhen. Lanier beat Lee Chia Hao 21-15 17-21 21-15.

Asked if he spotted any weaknesses during sparring, the Frenchman grinned: “That’s a secret.

“I’m excited to fight against him. He won’t let me win but I’m happy to try.”

Axelsen’s fellow Paris 2024 medallist Lee Zii Jia will have to wait longer for his first post-return win after not being able to complete his match against Lin Chun-Yi due to back pain. Lee, who started brightly by taking the opening game 21-17, was down 14-6 in the rubber when injury struck.

Malaysia can still count on Leong Jun Hao in men’s singles in the next round – the 26-year-old defeating Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, another player searching for form, 21-19 5-21 21-10. Leong’s progress sets up a rematch with Li Shi Feng, to whom he lost a close quarterfinal at the Hong Kong Open on Friday.

“Chance for revenge. I will prepare my best for the match,” promised Leong.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

• Hong Kong Open runner-up Lakshya Sen is out after losing 21-11 21-10 to Toma Junior Popov.
• Malaysia’s second-seeded pairs – Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik and Pearly Tan/Thinaah Muralitharan – were given scares by unseeded opponents before advancing.

→ Results (Day 2)

→ Order of play (Day 3)