Prannoy Upsets World No 1 Axelsen At Badminton World Tour Finals

The defeat was only the third this year for the dominant 28-year-old Dane, who eventually succumbed 14-21, 21-17, 21-18.

Men's world number one Viktor Axelsen had his aura of invincibility shaken Friday at the season-ending badminton World Tour Finals in Bangkok with a surprise loss to India's H.S. Prannoy. The defeat was only the third this year for the dominant 28-year-old Dane, who eventually succumbed 14-21, 21-17, 21-18. But Axelsen -- who won gold at the Tokyo Olympics last year -- still advances to Saturday's semi-finals albeit with his confidence slightly bruised.

The Badminton World Federation shifted its $1.5 million flagship event to the Thai capital's Nimibutr Arena after original host China dropped the tournament due to its tough Covid restrictions.

Prannoy had nothing to lose in Friday's clash after two losses earlier in the week meant he was ineligible to advance to the next round.

Axelsen started strong, winning the first game 21-14, and looked like he was cruising towards a straight-games victory as he took a four-point lead early in the second.

But the 30-year-old Prannoy, ranked 12th in the world, did not give up and after the interval clawed his way back to claim the second game 21-17.