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Axelsen reaches Japan Open final, faces Lee Chong Wei

Newly crowned world champion from Denmark blazes past South Korean world No 1 Son to earn a final meeting with Malaysian superstar in Tokyo

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Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen of Denmark hits a return against Son Wan-Ho of South Korea during their men's singles semi-final at the Japan Open. Photos: AFP

Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen defeated world number one Son Wan-Ho in the men’s singles semi-finals at the Japan Open on Saturday.

Axelsen, who beat two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan of China to clinch the world title in Glasgow last month, overpowered South Korea’s Son with a 21-16, 21-16 win.

He now faces Malaysian Lee Chong Wei who has won the Japan Open six times. Lee booked a spot in the final after a 21-19, 21-8 win over China’s Shi Yuqi.

Viktor Axelsen signs autographs after his victory against Son Wan-ho.
Viktor Axelsen signs autographs after his victory against Son Wan-ho.

In the women’s singles, Spain’s Carolina Marin, Olympic gold medallist last year, reached the final as Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara dropped out from the semi-finals due to knee trouble.

Marin faces China’s He Bingjiao who beat Chen Yufei 21-14, 25-23.

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