Malaysian badminton ace, Datuk Lee Chong Wei failed in his bid to win his seventh Japan Open Super Series title after losing to newly crowned world champion, Viktor Axelsen in a closely fought final match at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, today.
The Penangite, who is also the defending champion, lost 14-21 in the opening set before stepping up his gas to secure a 21-19 win in the second set but the towering Danish shuttler was in his element as he wrapped the match with a 21-14 victory.
The match which was telecast live by the local private television.
It was Chong Wei's back-to-back defeat to Axelsen, having lost to the Dane in the World Super Series Finals in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in December last year.
For the record, 34 year-old Chong Wei has won the Japan Open title six times - 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016.
Meanwhile, Misaki Matsutomo/Ayaka Takahashi of Japan won the women's doubles title after edging Kim Ha Na/Kong Hee Yong of South Korea; 21-18 and 21-16 while in the women's singles, the fifth seeded Carolina Marin of Spain stunned the reigning champion, He Bingjiao of China;23-21 and 21-12.
The third seed, Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo of Indonesia dislodged the host pair, Takuto Inoue/Yuki Kaneko, 21-12 and 21-15 to win the men's doubles title.
Wang Yilyu/Huang Dongping of China won the mixed doubles title by defeating the host country pair of Takuro Hoki/Sayaka Hirota of Japan, 21-13 and 21-8.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sun Sep 24 2017
Chong Wei has won the Japan Open title six times - 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016. - Filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.