The badminton king and queen of Europe are flying high at the KAPAL API GROUP Indonesia Open this week, after faultless runs to the final.
Big statement performances before a World Championships on European soil.
The two European champions have established iconic status within their categories, picking up world and Olympic golds along the way. However, injuries have planted a seed of doubt ahead of a European World Championships in August.
Marin, with the more long-term rehabilitation, has had to stand in the wings and watch the likes of An Se Young and Akane Yamaguchi lift the trophies she once held. The Spaniard, who turned 30 this week, has made a significant statement on court this week.
Without dropping a game, the more considered Marin sliced through Tai Tzu Ying in the quarterfinals and today gave a dominant display against Ratchanok Intanon, 21-12, 21-11.
The three-time world champion has reminded the world of what she can do. Her first World Championship gold was in Copenhagen in 2014, nine years later, could she return to the city and repeat the achievement. However, her efforts and focus is on the final in Indonesia, a title that has alluded her thus far.
Axelsen back to his best
The Dane suffered a hamstring injury early in a Sudirman Cup match against Lee Zii Jia last month. Coupled with losses to Chou Tien Chen and Kunlavut Vitidsarn, his fans worried about how this would affect his ultimate goal of a World Championship gold in Denmark.
Axelsen came out of the blocks this week like a rocket. Making a clear statement that he is back and feeling good. His run continued in a country that he has played some of his best badminton in and has reached the final without dropping a single game.
A treble of men’s singles Indonesia titles has only been achieved by three men before: Ardy Wiranata, Taufik Hidayat and Lee Chong Wei. Axelsen is one match away from joining this list.
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