Reigning Malaysia Open defending champion Viktor Axelsen described Kuala Lumpur as one of his favourite venues after the top seed made light work of Loh Kean Yew to ensure a smooth first round progress.
The world number one is chasing a hat-trick of titles here having already won back-to-back Malaysia Open titles in 2022 and last year.
He got off to the ideal start after dispatching Singapore’s Loh 21-13, 21-15 in 43-minutes in a contest in which he barely looked troubled.
“Loh is not an easy opponent and I was just focused on bringing the right game plan. I’m going to practice and train tomorrow, it’s good to have a rest day,” he said.
Axelsen also had this to say when asked about how he viewed his route to the final: “I’m not even thinking about that. To be honest I only just found out who I’ll be playing in the second round. I love playing in Malaysia and KL is one of my favourite venues. Looking to give my best here.”
It is no surprise why the Dane considers Malaysia his favourite hunting ground, having coasted to last year’s title with only a single game dropped.
The Olympic champion will face Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu in the second round.
An Se-young was another top seed who had no issues clearing her first round hurdle in the women’s singles, beating Denmark’s Line Kjaersfeldt 21-16, 21-10 to book a second round against German Yvonne Li.
Both Axelsen and An will take some stopping after winning 16 titles between them last year.
They were also the richest shuttlers on the World Tour circuit last year, with Axelsen taking home $645, 095 (RM2.95 million) while An pocketed $628, 020 (RM2.91 million).
The world number one is chasing a hat-trick of titles here having already won back-to-back Malaysia Open titles in 2022 and last year.
He got off to the ideal start after dispatching Singapore’s Loh 21-13, 21-15 in 43-minutes in a contest in which he barely looked troubled.
“Loh is not an easy opponent and I was just focused on bringing the right game plan. I’m going to practice and train tomorrow, it’s good to have a rest day,” he said.
Perseorangan lelaki no. 1 dunia, Viktor Axelsen 'ajak' rakyat Malaysia gegar Stadium Axiata Arena. @ASTROARENA pic.twitter.com/sgqfCdwwyS
— Faizal Bazari (@faizalbazario) January 9, 2024
Axelsen also had this to say when asked about how he viewed his route to the final: “I’m not even thinking about that. To be honest I only just found out who I’ll be playing in the second round. I love playing in Malaysia and KL is one of my favourite venues. Looking to give my best here.”
It is no surprise why the Dane considers Malaysia his favourite hunting ground, having coasted to last year’s title with only a single game dropped.
The Olympic champion will face Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu in the second round.
An Se-young was another top seed who had no issues clearing her first round hurdle in the women’s singles, beating Denmark’s Line Kjaersfeldt 21-16, 21-10 to book a second round against German Yvonne Li.
Both Axelsen and An will take some stopping after winning 16 titles between them last year.
They were also the richest shuttlers on the World Tour circuit last year, with Axelsen taking home $645, 095 (RM2.95 million) while An pocketed $628, 020 (RM2.91 million).
