Axelsen, Chen Long head into quarterfinals at BWF World Championships in Nanjing

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World no.1 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark continued his title defense as he clinched a 21-19, 21-18 victory over Ng Ka Long Angus of Hong Kong, China, in the third round of the 2018 BWF World Championships.

His rival in the quarterfinals will be China's Olympic gold medalist Chen Long, who survived a grueling 63-minute thriller against Japan's Kenta Nishimoto with 21-18, 21-19.

"Today I didn't feel that good on the court, to be honest," Axelsen said after what he believed to be a "bad day."

Axelsen had a slow start and went 4-1 down, but technology came to his aid when he recovered a point through the use of a challenge. This was followed by four consecutive points for the Danish star, who managed to secure his lead until the no. 10 seed leveled the game at 19-19. At the crucial moment, Axelsen seized a game point after Ng's error and hammered a thunderous smash to take the first game.

Ng launched even fiercer attacks in the second game, and two face-to-face shots in front of the net further escalated the intensity between the two.

Things were level after Axelsen restored parity from 5-1 down, but the defending champion gave a better performance again and walked down the court as the winner, pumping his fist.

"I was really happy to win it. I struggled a little bit and that's why I showed some emotions out there today," Axelsen replied when asked about his winning gesture.

Chen Long celebrates after beating Kenta Nishimoto 21-18, 21-19 in the day four match of the 2018 BWF World Championships on August 8, 2018, in Nanjing. /VCG Photo

During the match between China's Chen Long and Japan's Kenta Nishimoto, Chen commented on his second game which he recovered from 12-5 down. "I was too hasty. It wasn't until I was left behind that I began to calm down," he said. Chen is quite excited about the upcoming duel against the reigning world champion Axelsen.

"I haven't played him since the China Open last year. I can't wait to face him. I will get a good rest and give my best tomorrow," Chen said. In their last encounter at the China Open last November, he triumphed over Axelsen and claimed the title.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency