HSBC BWF World Tour Finals: Viktor Axelsen vs Anders Antonsen Prediction

It is an all-Danish final in the BWF World Tour Finals as World number 4, Viktor Axelsen locks horns against World number 3, Anders Antonsen in Bangkok. 

Interestingly, Axelsen and Antonsen trained together last year and will know each other's games inside out. 

Axelsen beat the higher-ranked Chou Tien Chen 21-16 21-9 in the semifinals

On the other hand, Antonsen had to dig deep to beat the World number 12, Wang Tzu-Wei 21-18 14-21 21-16. He got revenge for his loss in straight games against Wang in the group stage.

 Axelsen has been very dominant winning all his matches in straight games so far. He is in the middle of a purple patch having won two tournaments, the Yonex Thailand Open, and the Toyota Thailand in a row. He will aim to win his third title in Thailand this year. 

Head to Head record

Axelsen leads the head to head record 3-2 against Antonsen. 

Game Analysis

The key to Axelsen's success is he makes winning matches look so easy when he is in full form. 

The Dane has a variety of shots, controls the rallies effectively by maintaining momentum, has splendid court coverage, and never loses his calm under pressure. He has blown away his opponents by making them tired and given them no chances of making a comeback. It has made him virtually unbeatable for the last 32 matches. 

Antonsen has won three out of four matches in the tournament. After suffering a disappointing opening round loss to Malaysian shuttler Liew Daren in the Yonex Thailand Open, the Dane has regained his form. He clinched his last title in the Denmark Open in October 2020 beating compatriot, Rasmus Gemke in the finals. 

Antonsen's strengths lie in accelerating gradually as the match proceeds and getting winners by rushing quickly to the net. He has also fully recovered after testing positive for coronavirus last month. 

Axelsen will aim for his third ever season finale win having earlier won in 2016 and 2017. Antonsen will have to be at his best to defeat his countryman. The first game will be very crucial for both the players and can have a huge impact on the outcome of the match. 

Prediction - Viktor Axelsen to win in three games and become the champion 

Featured Image Credits - Badminton Europe