BWF Toyota Thailand Open Final: Viktor Axelsen vs Hans-Kristian Solberg Vittinghus

It is an all-Danish final as the fourth seed, Viktor Axelsen locks horns against compatriot, Hans-Kristian Solberg Vittinghus in the finals of the Toyota Thailand Open. 

Viktor Axelsen played some scintillating shots to beat the second seed Chou Tien Chen 21-19 21-15 in the semifinals. He improved his head to head record to 11-2 against Chou.

On the other hand, Vittinghus stunned the third seed, Anders Antonsen 21-19 21-8 in the semis. 

Axelsen is coming off a win in the Yonex Thailand Open where he defeated Angus Ng Ka Long in straight games (21-14 21-14). It was his second consecutive Super 1000 title after clinching the All-England Open last year.

The unseeded Vittinghus ran away with the match against a tired Antonsen who looked depleted after his tough three-game win against Indian shuttler, Sameer Verma in the quarterfinals. The 35-year-old, Hans was playing his first semifinal since the All-England Open in 2016. 

Head to Head record 

Viktor Axelsen leads the head to head record 3-2 against the 42nd ranked Hans. He is on a 27-match winning streak dating back from the Danish Championships in February 2020. 

Vittnghus has reigned supreme in the close duels against his opponents and has controlled his nerved efficiently. 

Axelsen has taken big leads the start from his opponents, maintained it effectively by ensuring a consistent rhythm. This has forced players to always play catch up against the Dane. 

The 4th seed has been returning the shuttles at a fast pace by playing precise strokes ensuring that he does not give any chances to his rivals to make a comeback into the game. 

His backhand has been very strong and shuttlers are unable to counterattack him and make mistakes in the long rallies leading to a shift in momentum. 

Vittinghus will aim to play freely and fearlessly. It has been a fairytale run for him in this tournament. His terrific defense can unsettle the in-form Axelsen. 

Prediction - Viktor Axelsen to win in three games 

Featured Image Credits - Badminton Planet