Rashid: Axelsen has higher list of rivals to his Malaysian Open title defence

Hoping for a repeat: Viktor Axelsen was in a different zone last year where he only dropped a game en route to the Malaysian Open title. — AFP

PETALING JAYA: It was Viktor Axelsen against the rest at the Malaysian Open 12 months ago but former international Datuk Rashid Sidek believes that the Dane will not enjoy such privilege in this year’s event at the Axiata Arena from Jan 9-14.

World No. 1 Axelsen was in a different zone last year where he only dropped a game (against compatriot Rasmus Gemke in the first round) en route to the title.