Loh Kean Yew Dismantles Viktor Axelsen’s Streak at the Denmark Open
In a match that had more drama than a soap‑opera finale, Singapore’s rising star Loh Kean Yew snapped world No. 1 Viktor Axelsen‘s 39‑game winning run with a breezy 21‑17, 21‑10 triumph. The showdown took place Friday night at the Jyske Bank Arena in Odense, a stage where Axelsen had been practically invincible since 2022.
What the Badminton Guru Had to Say
- “Beating Viktor was an accomplishment in itself because he’s on another level. But nobody wins all the time; the man’s human too,” the Danish titan told The Straits Times.
- “Viktor is Viktor, Zii Jia is Zii Jia – each opponent brings different strengths. I’ll just aim for a solid performance.” – Loh, after the win.
Eureka of the Tale: The 2021 World Championship Rematch
Do you remember that 2021 World Championship first‑round cabinet‑maker? Loh knocked out Axelsen then, and that’s when Singapore became proud of its first-ever badminton world champion.
Wind‑Half Advantage
Starting on the “not‑so‑favorable” side of the court, the 25‑year‑old showed the same heroics that flipped early matches: relentless speed, sharp net play, and a shock‑wave smasher clocked at 388 km/h.
Game‑by‑Game Breakdown
- First Game: The ball flew long, nearly as if someone was testing the limits of hopping shuttles. Axelsen never led by more than a single point – and Loh kept pace.
- Second Game: A faulty serve could have swung the score favourably for Axelsen, but Loh fought back with exquisite drops, swoop‑shots, and pockets‑smashing winners.
The Battle for the Shuttlecocks
Two tiny but crucial moments: each player refused to swap the shuttlecocks when the other requested. In some ways, it demonstrated that even on a professional level, human moments of stubbornness can seep through.
Commentary Highlights
Commentator Gillian Clark couldn’t help but whisper, “Loh’s playing so well, he’s making the reigning world and Olympic champion look ordinary.”
Before the Streak: Axelsen’s Near-Invincibility
- After a single defeat to India’s Lakshya Sen in 2022, Axelsen racked up 43 wins. That streak dropped at 39 after this loss.
- During that run, he claimed six titles – including a second World Championship and All England Open – dropping a mere 7 games in total.
- He skipped the Swiss Open and Thailand Open, but those didn’t affect his win tally.
Next Stop: Semi‑Finals and Beyond
Loh will take on the little‑known (for us) Malaysian Lee Zii Jia in Saturday’s semi‑final. The other semi‑final sees Japan’s Kodai Naraoka battling China’s Shi Yuqi.
Key Takeaway
When the ball’s riding the wind, keepaliveness, speed and an ounce of audacity lets you win against the best in the world. And remember, even the world champion can face a match that looks like a surprise party. That’s badminton in full swing.
