Viktor Axelsen has reached his first ever All England final after beating China’s Shi Yuqi in an epic three-game match against last year’s winner.
The Dane was playing in his first All England semi-final of his career after beating his fellow countryman Jan Ø Jørgensen in yesterday’s match.
Viktor in control
Axelsen started the match very well and kept his opponent from China at arm's length and won 22-20.
The second was very much one for Viktor to assess the match and Yuqi took advantage of that and won 13-21 to bring it to the third and more important game of the match.
From then on, there was only ever going to be one winner, Axelsen found himself in complete control and took the final game 21-9.
A dream come true
Axelsen spoke about his thoughts of reaching his first final of the YONEX All England and revealed that he was “proud”.
It is awesome, it is my childhood dream coming true. I am really happy, not only about my performance here but the fact I am in the final.
I would not say it has been a long time coming but I have really dreamt of this for a long time so I am very happy right now.
Another chance for Viktor against Momota
History has seen Axelsen win just one of eleven matches against the current World Champion and with neither player having the experience of a final at the All England, it is one to watch, for sure!
I see my chances as good, I have to believe that, and I tell myself it all the time, even though the statistics are against me.
Tomorrow is a new day, I will go and give it 1000 per cent and anything can happen, he added.