Olympic Champion Viktor Axelsen Sails into Hong Kong Open Final

Indomitable Dane crushes Chou Tien-Chen in straight sets to set up a tantalizing title clash

Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen continued his imperious form on Saturday, storming into the final of the Hong Kong Open with a clinical straight-sets victory over Taiwan's Chou Tien-Chen.

The top-seeded Dane, who has been in scintillating form this season, dismantled his opponent 21-14, 21-11 in just 36 minutes at the Hong Kong Coliseum.

Axelsen's clinical precision leaves Chou chasing shadows

Axelsen dominated the match from start to finish, dictating the pace with his trademark power and precision. The Olympic champion's relentless attacks kept Chou on the back foot, forcing the Taiwanese to scramble and defend for much of the contest.

Chou, who had upset third seed Jonatan Christie in the quarterfinals, showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately could not match Axelsen's relentless intensity. The Dane's unwavering focus and tactical nous were too much for the Taiwanese, who was left chasing shadows throughout the match.

Axelsen sets up tantalizing final clash with Kodai Naraoka

Axelsen's victory sets up a mouthwatering final clash with Japan's Kodai Naraoka, who earlier defeated Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn in straight sets. The Dane will be aiming to extend his unbeaten run this season and claim his sixth title of the year.

Naraoka, ranked 13th in the world, has been in impressive form in Hong Kong, upsetting second seed Chou Tien-Chen in the quarterfinals. The Japanese will be hoping to cause another upset and deny Axelsen a fairytale ending to the tournament.