Alex Lanier emerged victorious in a showdown between European stars at LI-NING China Masters 2025 on Thursday, securing a quarterfinal spot at the expense of Viktor Axelsen.

Just a day after surviving a gruelling 75-minute battle with Lee Chia Hao, the 20-year-old Frenchman dug deep once again, overcoming Axelsen in 67 minutes, 20-22 21-15 21-13. Trailing 15-9 in the second game, Lanier appeared to be heading out before a stunning 12-point surge tossed the momentum, propelling him into the decider, where he closed out the match with authority.

“Really nice to win like this. I had some tough moments but mentally, I stayed switched on. I fought like crazy so I’m happy,” Lanier said after his triumph over the Danish ace. “My coach kept telling me I was doing the right thing. It was a mental battle and I’m glad I came out on top.”

Lanier’s quarterfinal opponent will be another Dane, Anders Antonsen. The reigning champion advanced beating Ng Ka Long Angus 19-21 21-17 21-12.

In men’s doubles, the three-tournament-old pairing of Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri denied local favourites Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang the chance to repeat their 2023 success, winning a keenly contested battle 16-21 21-15 21-18.

It marks their second victory in as many matches against the sixth seeds, who entered the tournament fresh off their Hong Kong Open title.

“We were more daring at the front court, where Wang is a specialist. We knew if we took control of that area we’d stand a chance,” said Alfian. “Our confidence is improving with every match. Hopefully we can stay on this trajectory and challenge for big titles.”

The China Open champions next face Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin, the 21-16 22-20 winners over Lee Jhe-Huei/Yang Po-Hsuan.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

• Christo Popov will join countryman Lanier in the men’s singles last eight following his 21-11 18-21 21-13 win over sixth seed Chou Tien Chen.
• Other seeds to fall are Jonatan Christie, Pornpawee Chochuwong, Kim Astrup/Ander Skaarup Rasmussen and Li Yi Jing/Luo Xu Min.

→ Results (Day 3)

→ Order of play (Quarterfinals)