Chong Wei "Axes" Axelsen

By Mohd Haikal Mohd Isa BANGKOK, May 24 (Bernama) – World number one men’s singles shuttler Victor Axelsen of Denmark had no answer to the style of play by Malaysian badminton ace Lee Chong Wei in the first tie between Malaysia and Denmark in the group stage of the Thomas Cup Wednesday. In the action at Impact Arena here, Axelsen was wondering “what hit him”. “He (Victor) was rattled by my style of play. It was my plan to go on all out attack from the very beginning. This win further motivates me and I hope it boosts the team’s spirit,” he told reporters afterwards. Chong Wei won the first set 21-9 in 16 minutes but even though Axelsen managed to put on a fight in the second, Chong Wei bettered him 21-19 to give Malaysia the first point. As for Axelsen, he said: “Lee Chong Wei deserved to win the game. I didn’t play well. In the second game, I had choices but didn’t manage to take advantage of it. It just wasn’t my day.” Denmark are also the defending champions. At the time of filing this report, Malaysia and Denmark are tied at 2-2 with the last singles in the second set in play with Malaysia having won the first. -- BERNAMA