Loh Kean Yew Beats the Monster: Viktor Axelsen Falls 14‑21, 21‑9, 21‑6
In a thrilling 54‑minute romp at the BWF World Championships in Huelva, Netherlands, Singapore’s rising star Loh Kean Yew handed Denmark’s world no. 1 and Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen a hard‑earned defeat. The top‑seeded Dane was taken down in the first round after five attempts.
Game‑by‑Game Breakdown
- First Game: Loh stumbled, falling 5‑0 before fighting back to 11‑10, but Axelsen’s towering 1.94‑metre frame and superior coverage shut down the opening set.
- Second Set: Loh sprang to life, applying aggressive shots, sharp reading, and killer finishers to take the set 21‑9.
- Third Set: The momentum shift was unmistakable, as Loh finished the match 21‑6, sealing the upset.
Mindset Matters
Loh reflected on the win: “I’m delighted to finally beat Viktor after five tries. I just kept trying and never stopped believing.” He also noted the end of a hectic season, admitting he needs a solid recovery to keep pushing forward.
Axelsen’s Perspective
The Danish veteran was gracious, acknowledging “I lost to a better player.” He admitted the day “was a bad day at the office,” with things going Loh’s way and, as he put it, “Loh won the game and I didn’t deserve it.”
Next Moves
In round two, Loh will face Austria’s world no. 93 Luka Wraber on Wednesday. Meanwhile, compatriot Yeo Jia‑Min, world no. 16 on the women’s side, will have a second‑round match against Scotland’s Kirsty Gilmour, with the winner potentially facing top‑seed Tai Tzu‑ying.
Coaching Insight
Coach Kelvin Ho praised Loh’s mental fortitude: “The plan was for Kean Yew to keep taking the initiative while staying calm and patient—it worked.”
Big Picture
- Loh’s ranking journey: 21 places up in eight weeks, cracking the top 20 before settling into his current spot.
- Recent titles: Dutch Open, Hylo Open, plus big wins over Kento Momota (Japan), Lee Zii Jia (Malaysia), and Chou Tien‑chen (Taiwan).
This win marks a high point in a strong finish to 2021 for Loh, reinforcing his status as a must‑watch player on the global circuit.
