Axelsen sets up final with Chong Wei in Dubai, Sindhu to face Yamaguchi in women's decider

Sport360 staff 23:27 16/12/2017
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  • Defending champion Viktor Axelsen reached his third straight men’s singles final at the Dubai World Superseries Finals with a comprehensive 21-12, 21-8 win over China’s Shi Yuqi on Saturday.

    The Dane will face a familiar foe in Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia) in Sunday’s final, as the four-time champion from Malaysia bids for his first title in Dubai.

    Axelsen stamped his authority from the early stages, showing greater intent than he had during his loss in the group match to Shi.

    “It was a new day. Unfortunately it seems like he suffered a bit,” said Axelsen. “I’m happy with the way I played. I felt a little bit (strain) in my back at the end of the second game, but it’s okay now.

    “I accepted that I might not be 120 percent. I’ve been in the final three times now, I hope I can make it two wins. I’m happy to be here, it’s an awesome place, and I’m enjoying it.”

    Lee Chong Wei had blown a commanding lead against Son Wan Ho on Friday in their group clash but the Malaysian did not give his opponent an inch in their last four clash.

    It proved to be a one-sided contest as Lee completed proceedings in 49 minutes at 21-17, 21-11.

    Meanwhile, the women’s singles final will see crowd favourite Pusarla V Sindhu of India take on Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi.

    Yamaguchi’s in-the-trenches resolve saw her beat Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon 17-21, 21-12, 21-19 in an enthralling semi-final encounter to make her first Dubai final.

    Pusarla had her hands full against Chen Yufei who was always in the right place at the right time.

    It was the Indian who had to do all the hard work, but the progress was incremental – Pusarla stitching up a lead, only to see Chen pulling close.

    At a game and 15-11, the Indian had found momentum, but Chen was tenacious, and with every rally, Pusarla started to flag under the pace.

    A 57-shot rally found Pusarla bent over, with Chen narrowing the lead to 17-19; but the Chinese teen showed her inexperience and faltered on the last couple of points to enable the Indian to slip away at 21-15 21-18.

    “It was a good quality match, even though it was over in straight games, there were a lot of long rallies. I’m happy to be the first Indian in the Women’s Singles final here; I would like to become the first Indian to win the title as well!”

    Sindhu

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