Axelsen's withdrawal paves way for all-Chinese final

Source: The Star

PETALING JAYA: Denmark's Viktor Axelsen's withdrawal from the last four of the Singapore Open has paved the way for Li Shifeng to set-up an all-Chinese men's singles final with Shi Yuqi.

World No. 1 Axelsen was supposed to play world No. 6 Shifeng in a much anticipated semi-final match yesterday but was forced to concede a walkover after picking up an ankle injury.

It was disappointment for the Dane, who was hoping to continue his fine run after capturing the Malaysian Masters title last week.

"During my second round match, I made a small rollover in my right ankle," said Axelsen via social media.

"Initially, I felt fine and yesterday (Friday), it was nothing but a bit of soreness. However, this (yesterday) morning, I woke up with increasing pain and after consulting with the medical team, I have been advised to rest my ankle and will therefore not be able to step on court.

"It's obviously very disappointing as I would love to continue my run here."

Meanwhile, Yuqi stormed into the final after overcoming Taiwanese veteran Chou Tien-chen 28-26, 21-9.

The world No. 2 had to dig deep in the first game before coming away with the win over the Taiwanese and will be out to capture his third individual title of the year after triumphing in the Indian Open in January and French Open in March.

Shifeng on the other hand has made it into his maiden final this year and will be keen to win his first title since capturing gold in the October Hangzhou Asiad.

In the women's singles, China will also be represented in the final by reigning Olympic champion Chen Yufei, who beat Thailand's Pornpawee Chochuwong 21-12, 21-17. Standing in her way is South Korea's world champion An-Se-young, who ousted Indonesia's Gregoria Mariska 21-14, 23-21.