Singapore Open: Wang Zhengming ends Viktor Axelsen’s gallant run in Men’s Singles semi-final
China’s in-form player Wang Zhengming proved his mettle and ended the gallant run of his talented opponent Viktor Axelsen in Men’s Singles semi-final showdown at the Singapore Open Super Series 2012 on Saturday, June 23, in Singapore.
The World Number 18 Zhengming, who has been impressive throughout the tournament, continued his winning run and ousted the spirited Axelsen in an impressive fashion by taking 40 minutes in the court.
The higher ranked Zhengming did not let the Danish to take charge of rallies in the entire competition and played with precision to end up the semi-final battle in straight sets with a comprehensive difference on the score board.
In the meanwhile, Axelsen played good badminton in opening parts of both games but failed to live up to expectations in the ending phases and lost the match to his calm and composed Chinese rival in two sets without creating an impact.
In the first game, both young players showed their attacking skills in the opening rallies and also remained equal on the board until 5-5.
At this stage, Zhengming played with impressive deception in his shots and also employed variations to disturb the flow of his rival. He took a reasonable lead of 11-7 until the break.
After the interval, the lower ranked Axelsen lost his focus as his opponent did not spare any chance of earning points from all areas of the court.
The impressive Chinese shuttler took the first game with a tremendous margin of 21-13.
In the second game, Axelsen also played with precision and denied his rival an early lead. However, he committed a few unforced mistakes which helped Zhengming to set up an 11-7 lead on the board.
After the interval, Zhengming continued his tremendous play in the court without showing any mercy to his Danish opponent.
The higher ranked Zhengming dictated the pace of rallies in all areas of the court and wrapped up the second game in a sensational fashion with a remarkable 21-14 score on the board.
The young Chinese tamed Axelsen in straight games with a superb margin of 21-13 and 21-14.
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