Anders Antonsen triumphs in the PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2024 capturing his first Super 1000 title.
The Dane has now leaped up to the number five spot in the Road to Paris ranking. Antonsen has achieved a significant milestone by winning his first Super 1000 title at the PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2024, defeating China’s Shi Yu Qi with a solid 21-14 21-13 in the final.
Reflecting on his victory, Antonsen said, “Unbelievable. I don’t know what to say. This is everything that I ever wanted, to win these major titles. I’m in shock but I’m sure that in some hours when I can comprehend it, I will be happy.”
The thrilling match was Antonsen's second appearance in a final at a Super 1000 level. He overcame challenges, particularly in the first game, where he navigated what was described as the difficult side of the court. The last fifteen minutes of the match were especially tense for Antonsen. “They felt like the longest fifteen minutes of my life,” he commented on the struggle to clinch the last few points.
Regarding his celebration plans, Antonsen joked, “If I was younger, maybe with some alcohol and cigar, but I’m more mature and boring now so something good to eat, that’s for sure.”
You can see the list of winners from the PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2024
by clicking here.
The show goes ahead in India as Axelsen is sidelined due to illness
The focus now shifts to the YONEX SUNRISE India Open 2024. However, neither the
newly crowned Malaysia Open champion nor the world number one Viktor Axelsen will not be participating in the Super 750 event. The Dane announced his withdrawal on social media due to illness after a semifinal loss at the Malaysia Open. He expressed concerns about a knee injury sustained during the match. “I'm a little worried about the knee… but I'll figure it out,” he said to TV 2 Sport.