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.
However, Axelsen’s invincibility has been tested later last year as a hectic schedule and injuries took a toll on his performance while the emergence of a host of young players has changed the landscape of the men’s singles scene.
Rashid, a three-time winner in 1990-92, said players like China duo Li Shifeng and Shi Yuqi, Thailand’s world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn, Japan’s Kodai Naraoka, India’s H.S. Prannoy and Indonesian shuttlers Jonatan Christie and Anthony Ginting have stepped up in different tournaments.
The list, says Rashid, can also include Lee Zii Jia and Ng Tze Yong if they can improve their form at home and rise with the wave of the local fans to achieve success.
“It is going to be a different ball game altogether where Axelsen is not the player to beat and we will have several other aiming for the title at the Malaysian Open.
“There could be a new winner this time,” said Rashid.
“The Olympic qualifying race is in its crucial stage and with just four months left, every player is pushing to make it to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“The battle will be intense and this could be one of the toughest battles for Axelsen to retain his title.
“He needs to be in better condition physically and mentally in handling the pressure.
“Shifeng, Yuqi, Kodai and Kunlavut are all strong and the Malaysian Open will turn out to be an exciting competition.
“As for Zii Jia and Tze Yong, they seem to struggle at home maybe due to the high expectations but tend to play better abroad.
“They must treat the Malaysian Open like any other international tournament and this is the only way for them to play without pressure.”
Axelsen, who won his first title in 2022, will face a tough hurdle in the first round itself when he faces former world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore in the first round.
Zii Jia also has a tough opening round clash against Lu Guangzu of China while Tze Yong will be up against Koki Watanabe of Japan in the first round.
