NANJING Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- World no.1 Viktor Axelsen continued his title defense as he clinched a 21-19, 21-18 victory over Ng Ka Long Angus of Hong Kong, China in the third round of the 2018 BWF World Championships.
"Today I didn't feel that good on the court, to be honest," Axelsen said after what he believed to be a "bad day". Axelsen had a slow start and went 4-1 down but technology came to his aid when he recovered a point through the use of a challenge.
This was followed by four consecutive points for the Danish star, who managed to secure his lead until the no. 10 seed leveled the game at 19-19. At the crucial moment, Axelsen seized a game point after Ng's error and hammered a thunderous smash to take the first game.
Ng launched even fiercer attacks in the second game, and two face-to-face shots in front of the net further escalated the intensity between the two.
Things were level after Axelsen restored parity from 5-1 down, but the defending champion gave a better performance again and walked down the court as the winner, pumping his fist.
"I was really happy to win it. I struggled a little bit and that's why I showed some emotions out there today," Axelsen replied when asked about his winning gesture. His rival in the quarterfinals will be China's Olympic gold medalist Chen Long, who survived a grueling 63-minute thriller against Japan's Kenta Nishimoto 21-18, 21-19.
"I was too hasty," Chen commented on his second game which he recovered from 12-5 down. "It wasn't until I was left behind that I began to calm down," he said. Chen is quite excited about the upcoming duel against the reigning world champion.
"I haven't played him since the China Open last year. I can't wait to face him. I will get a good rest and give my best tomorrow," Chen said. In their last encounter at the China Open last November, Chen Long triumphed over Axelsen and claimed the title.
