Lee Chong Wei cruised into the 2018 Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open men’s singles semi-finals in style by disposing world number one Viktor Axelsen in straight sets at the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil on Friday.

The experienced Malaysian shuttler edged closer to his 12th Malaysian Open crown after defeating the lanky Danish with a 21-17, 21-9 victory in 46 minutes.

"It looked easy, but actually it was tough. He was giving up after I was leading 11-6 in the second set and I continued to play fast to earn points.

"I lost to him three times in a row before, so we studied his weaknesses and strengths. As a professional player, I have to constantly improve my skills and performance to be more competitive," Lee told reporters.

He will next face Indonesia's Tommy Sugiarto, who defeated third seed Shi Yuqi of China 13-21, 21-13, 21-13.

Meanwhile, men’s doubles pair Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong lost to sixth seed Takeshi Kamura-Keigo Sonoda 9-21, 21-17, and women's singles player Goh Jin Wei lost to world number one Tai Tzu Ying 15-21, 15-21.