Axelsen aims higher after claiming second badminton world title

Tuesday, 30 August 2022 04:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Viktor Axelsen of Denmark poses on the podium following his victory over Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand to win the men’s singles final at the World Badminton Championships in Tokyo – AFP

TOKYO, AFP: Danish badminton ace Viktor Axelsen said he could still “become a better player” after winning his second world title on Sunday, but brushed off comparisons with Chinese great Lin Dan.

Reigning Olympic champion Axelsen crushed Thailand’s Kunvalut Vitidsarn 21-5, 21-16 in Tokyo to add another world title to the one he claimed in 2017, cementing his place at the top of the sport.

The 28-year-old did not lose a single game at this week’s world championships and he believes he has the potential to improve further with “a long road ahead” of him.

“I want to become as good as I possibly can,” said the world number one, who has lost only one singles match this year.

“I try to take every day as it comes and try to get better and better every day. I still feel like I can become a better player and that’s my main goal.” Axelsen will try to emulate Lin in winning back-to-back Olympic titles when the Paris Games get underway in 2024.

Lin won two Olympic golds and five world titles during his storied career but Axelsen refused to be compared to a player he believes is badminton’s greatest of all time.

“For me, Lin Dan is the best player who has ever been -- he’s the GOAT,” said Axelsen.

“I just try to focus on myself and try to do as good as I possibly can, and I’m really proud about where I am right now.” The 21-year-old Vitidsarn, who was appearing in his first world championships final, said Axelsen was “not the same as other players”.