KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 1 Viktor Axelsen capped his season in emphatic fashion by retaining the World Tour Finals men's singles title today.
The Danish ace, who has been in imperious form all year long, needed only 41 minutes to subdue Indonesia's Anthony Sinisuka Ginting 21-13, 21-14 in Bangkok.
The title is Axelsen's eighth from eight final appearances this year, and his fourth season-ending crown, tying him with former world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei.
Axelsen, who is based in Dubai, told the Badminton World Federation (BWF): "Lee Chong Wei is a legend, and to be on par with him, winning this title four times is amazing.
"I had a great match against Ginting, whom I respect a lot. I've had a great year and I feel great.
"As for next year, I will continue to give my best, and hopefully, have another great season."
Axelsen pocketed US$120,000 in prize money, while Anthony settled for US$60,000.
RESULTS
(All finals)
Men's singles: Viktor Axelsen (Den) bt Anthony Sinisuka Ginting (Ina) 21-13, 21-14;
Doubles: Liu Yu Chen-Ou Xuan Yi (Chn) bt Mohammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan (Ina) 21-17, 19-21, 21-12;
Women's singles: Akane Yamaguchi (Jpn) bt Tai Tzu Ying (Tai) 21-18, 22-20;
Doubles: Chen Qing Chen-Jia Yi Fan (Chn) bt Benyapa Aimsaard-Nuntakarn Aimsaard (Tha) 21-13, 21-14;
Mixed doubles: Zheng Si Wei-Huang Ya Qiong (Chn) bt Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Sapsiree Taerattanachai (Tha) 21-19, 18-21, 21-13.