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.”
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.”
→ Order of play (Quarterfinals)
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