World No. 7 goes down to Axelsen in 100th career final

Cool Dane rules: Viktor Axelsen and Lee Chong Wei posing for photographers during the prize presentation at the Japan Open badminton championships in Tokyo yesterday. — AFP

PETALING JAYA: Lee Chong Wei’s wish to be a champion in his 100th career final did not materialise when he was dethroned at the Japan Open.

The 34-year-old Malaysian went down 14-21, 21-19, 14-21 to reigning world champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in a 75-minute men’s singles clash in Tokyo.