Bangkok: Denmark’s World No. 4 Viktor Axelsen and Angus Ng Ka Long of Hong Kong will meet in the men’s singles final at the 2021 Thailand Open after each prevailed in the last four on Saturday.
The 27-year-old Dane was stretched to the limit before squeezing through to the final after defeating World No. 6 seed Anthony Sinisuka Ginting of Indonesia 21-19, 13-21, 21-13 in grueling 63 minutes.
“Really happy to be on the winning side today. Tough match against Ginting. Always a tough opponent and I really enjoyed our match today. Now it’s to get ready for the final here at Yonex Thailand Open. Once again thanks for all the support! Really appreciate it! See you tomorrow. 🏸️ #courtsarecalling,” Axelsen posted on his Facebook page.
The No. 7 seed Ng was also made to work before he edged out No. 2 seed Chou Tien Chen of Taiwan in a feisty encounter, winning 17-21, 21-18, 21-15 in 66 minutes.
In women’s singles, at one stage the World No. 1 Tai Tzu Ying looked in danger of being dragged into a third set but the top seed Taiwanese player got the job done before the rain clouds closed in again, saving five match points, coming back from 16-20 in the second game to beat Mia Blichfeldt of Denmark 21-8, 23-21.
The Taiwanese star acknowledged that Blichfeldt’s defensive playing style was a huge problem for her.
“In the second set, the tempo was very different especially at the end of the competition and I had to adjust quickly to adapt to the situation,” said Tai.
Tai admitted she would need to play her best in the final against Carolina Marin of Spain. Marin had earlier overcame South Korean teenager An Se-Young 21-16, 21-16.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s mixed doubles No. 1 seeds Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Sapsiree Taerattanachai will meet Indonesia’s No. 2 seeds Praveen Jordan/Melati Daeva Oktavianti in the final while Jongkolphan Kititharakul/Rawinda Prajongjai and Greysia Polii/Apriyani Rahayu will be the second Thailand vs. Indonesia action of the finals on Sunday but its in the women’s doubles department.
