Axelsen’s ‘joke’ hits hard as local shuttlers struggle to catch up

Mark of a champion: Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen celebrates after defeating Japan’s Kodai Naraoka in the Malaysian Open final. — AP

PETALING JAYA: Denmark’s two-time Malaysian Open champion Viktor Axelsen quipped that he was happy that Lee Chong Wei is not playing anymore.

It was a joke but also showed Axelsen’s admiration of Chong Wei’s domination at home.