KUALA LUMPUR: Two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen was sensationally knocked out in the first round of the China Open today.
World No. 2 Axelsen, who only arrived in Changzhou late yesterday due to a flight delay caused by Typhoon Bebinca, could not replicate his Hong Kong Open triumph over China's Lei Lan Xi, falling to the World No. 28 in a thrilling contest, 21-19, 17-21, 21-16.
Just on Sunday, Axelsen had cruised past Lan Xi 21-9, 21-12 to claim the Hong Kong Open title.
Lan Xi, who also arrived late in Changzhou because of the typhoon, capitalised on his form to stage a dramatic upset.
"I think Lan Xi played a fantastic match. He probably should have won in two games," Axelsen told BWF.
"We faced a few challenges getting here. It would have been better to play in the evening, considering our situation.
"But no excuses — Lan Xi was the better player today, and he deserves full credit."
Axelsen's exit follows another shock departure earlier in the Super 1000 tournament, when World No. 3 Lee Zii Jia was crushed 21-15, 21-2 by Japan's Koki Watanabe on Tuesday.
On his turnaround against Axelsen, Lan Xi said: "It was more psychological.
"I dared to fight today without any pressure and managed to break through.
"Because I lost to him last week, I made some adjustments and fought for every point. Fight, fight, and save every shot."
Lan Xi will now face Japan's Kenta Nishimoto in the next round.