Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew beats badminton world number one Viktor Axelsen at BWF World Championships
The 24-year-old beat the Olympics champion in the first round of the world championships to avenge his loss against the Dane just three weeks ago.
Singaporean shuttler Loh Kean Yew has upset the odds once again, this time defeating world number one and Olympics gold medalist Viktor Axelsen in the first round of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Championships.
It is the second time this year that Kean Yew has defeated a world number one. He last did so against Japan’s Kento Momota on Nov 25.
This is Kean Yew’s first career win over Viktor, on his fifth attempt against the Dane. The pair last met in the final of Indonesian Open, a Badminton World Federation World Tour Super 1000 event, which the Dane won 21-13, 9-21, 21-13.
On Tuesday morning (Singapore time), Kean Yew lost the first set 14-21, but bounced back and saw the momentum swing his way as he won the subsequent decisive two sets 21-9, 21-6.
It was Viktor’s fourth defeat in 65 matches this year.
Kean Yew, currently ranked 22nd in the world, will next face Austria’s Luka Wraber in the round of 32 on Wednesday.
The Singaporean shuttler has enjoyed a terrific year. He also became the first Singaporean male player to win in a Superseries or Super 500+ event.
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